Zoo Cube (GBA) (Zoo Cube (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Zoo Cube (GBA)
Date:	07/06/09 (38 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay

Disadvantages: Some graphics

"ZooCube" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2002 by Acclaim. It is a puzzle game based on three dimensional objects. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

In this title, the evil Dr. Buc Ooze has completed an experiment by proxy on all of the animals in the world. This experiment ends up distorting their appearance into odd shapes and it is the player's objective to reunite these shapes in almost a "Bejewled" (PC - 2001) like venture. Here, the player will be presented with a large grid that contains an assortment of animal faces. The player must then swap one shape with another in an adjacent square with aims of creating long strands of identical animal faces. At the right side of the display is a tally with the required amount of animals that the player must remove from play prior to progressing to the next stage. Each stage also has a time limit and this can become more difficult towards the latter stages when more animal shapes are present and there is a minimal amount of time available.

The graphics are presented from a side perspective which focuses on the puzzle in play. I found the images to be very simple in this game. Animal faces are difficult to distinguish and I was only able to truly see that a frog, giraffe and hippopotamus reflected their intended animal. At the left side of the display rests a three dimensional giraffe which sways and gestures during play. This can provide some visual enjoyment but, generally speaking, I find the images to be less than flattering. The soundtrack features quite upbeat and lively musical compositions which are accented by "ding" sound effects when removing animals from play.

Overall, ZooCube is an enjoyable puzzle game which I would recommend to prospective buyers. It is hindered slightly by some lack of clarity in the artwork but remains a fun playing experience for extended periods of time.

Summary: Thumbs up