Boredworkers.com

I was initially thinking of reviewing a different game this week. However, while I was at PD during the New Year, a friend of mine was kind of obsessed with Zuma Deluxe. We almost had to lock him out of the aoartment to keep him away from the game. Fortunately, we didn’t resort to such drastic measures. But that’s really besides the point. The point is, the GotW is Zuma Deluxe by GameHouse.

So what was it that attracted my friend so much to the extent that he was jumping up and down like a crazed rabbit? Well, I think it was partially the boredom but I think it would be better for all of us if I just said that the game was simple to learn, was addictive once you played it, was challenging, and had enough variation to keep you interested. And its all true.

The game is a typical match three action puzzle game. The game screen consists of a track upon which a train of coloured balls will move. You control a stone frog set in a fixed position on the game map. Your aim (which by the way needs to be good), is to shoot coloured balls at the train to form a set of three or more consequtive matching colours. Doing so will earn you points. To clear a stage, you need to gain enough points to fill the game meter located at the top of the screen and clear all the balls on the game field before they reach the golden skull(s).

New balls will be continuously added to the train until you’ve filled the progress meter. So do it quick before it gets too long to handle. There are various ways to earn a bigger point bonus (for filling up the game meter):

• Clear a longer string of matching balls
• Combo: Clearing one set causes subsequent matches
• Chaining: Continously clear sets with subsequent shots
• Gap bonus: Shooting balls through a gap in the train and creating a match on the other side
• Double gap bonus: Shooting balls through two or more gaps in the train and creating a match on the other side
• Collecting golden coins that appear on the game screen

Another reason for racking up the score is that extra lives are awarded for every 50,000 points earned (including stage clear bonuses). Everytime you clear a stage, additional scores are awarded depending on the distance between the last ball on the track and the golden skull. If you manage to beat the ace time for the game field, you’ll be awarded a time bonus.

Unlike Luxor (reviewed earlier), where the shooter can move lengthwise along the width of the screen, the frog idol remains in a fixed position and can rotate 360 degrees. This makes things a little more challenging as it is difficult to judge corners. However, like Luxor, there are numerous powerups to help you along in your quest to solve the mysteries of Zuma, such as bombs (blows up when cleared), pause, slowdown, reverse, and tracer (draws a line from your shooter to its target).

The game features two modes, Adventure and Gauntlet. In the Adventure mode, you go through a series of puzzles as you try to unearth the secret of Zuma while in Gauntlet, you choose a map and keep going in an endless game. How long can you survive? There’s also a practice Gauntlet mode in which you can try out that nifty move that you think will rack up some super score or sharpen your wits and aim.

To extend the time, refer to Boredworkers.com’s GotW for the recommended downloads and follow thus:

• Download both the recommended files
• Install Zuma Deluxe
• Browse the crack archive
• Uncompress ‘zumares.dll’ to the installation directory and overwrite the existing dll file
• Start up the game and have fun

So now you know. Do you have what it takes to beat the game? Can you make the crazy frog dizzy?? Only one way to find out. Be warned that the game is addictive!

Disclaimer:
The author does not condone piracy. If you find that you enjoy the game after playing it for a bit, do purchase the license. Good work should be given its due.