Zombies Ate My Neighbors

"Possibly the best non-RPG title for the SNES!"

Zombies Ate My Neighbors is just about the most addictive game I've ever played. As soon as I fire up the game, I know I won't be able to even think about putting the controller down until level forty or so. I recommend that everyone should at least try this game.

In ZAMN, you have a choice between Julie and Zeke as your playable character. Unlike, say, Resident Evil (another game with zombies), the difference between the characters is either nonexistent or really insignificant (I know that I sure haven't figured it out). As the character of your choice, you must try to save your obnoxious neighbors in a wide variety of environments, such as houses, yards, malls, football fields, boardwalks, ancient labyrinths, castles, and my personal favorite, hedge mazes.

Whoever who are trying to save, whether it's those perky cheerleaders (for a whopping 1000 points), or the F- teacher (for a measly 10), a mob of monsters will be after you. The staple enemy in many levels is the basic, everyday Zombie. Still, many other stages feature Evil Dolls, Squid Men, Mummies, Chainsaw Maniacs, Werewolves, Baby Spiders, Giant Plants with Weeds and Mushroom Men, Jelly Blobs, Martians, and my all-time favorite to battle with, Giant Ants (yes, that's right, both Red and Black). Also, there are some irritating mini-bosses like Frankenstein, the elusive Giant Baby, Snakeoids, etc.

Dr. Tongue, who seems to be in charge of the decomposing zombies and leaping lycanthropes, even makes two signature appearance as a big boss. However, it is insanely difficult to kill him without the Lawnmower to mow his spider webs.

The game's music is downright catchy (especially that level 8 music) and WILL PROBABLY be stuck in your head for days. The graphics aren't bad, and the graphics of the various kinds of enemies (not to mention neighbors!) are funny and unique. I really like how the Squid Men turn into dead fish when they die (Gotta love that Fish Fry Bonus!). It is also funny when the Jelly Blobs fire that vile goo at either you or an unsuspecting Baby or Archaeologist, causing it to land on your head.

I could go on forever about the greatness of this game, but I don't wanna keep anyone who reads this review reading for hours. Again, I think that everyone should play this game, as people who enjoy this type of game will promptly become an obsessed fan.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/24/01, Updated 01/24/01