"Zoop may rhyme with Poop, but far from synonymous it is"

Zoop. What a really, really odd name for this game, or really anything, for that matter. However odd it is, it works, and the game behind it is one heck of a simple, colorful, and addictive time killer.

Chicken Noodle Zoop

The game needs a large introduction, as it never really got the coverage it deserved. Basically, you play as, get ready for this... an arrow. That's right. A simple, pointed triangle which is a certain color. Shapes appear in rows and columns toward your pointer, and you need to suppress their constant advancement toward your middle square. This is done by matching and swapping the colors of both your pointer and the encroaching shapes. By hitting a shape of the same color, you remove that shape and continue along the row, until you hit a different colored shape. Your pointer and said shape swap their colors, and you're sent flying back to the center square whence you came. As you reach higher levels, shapes are faster and more abundant, and the few powerups that this game provides are sparse. Much like pinball, the game doesn't end at a certain stage or score. The game ends once you've exhausted your play time, in this case, having an object reach the center. The game, once learned, is really little more than a mindless time killer, but a damned good one at that.

Paint Bombs and Line Clears and Springs, Oh My!

There's really not much else to say about this game. The shapes that come after you are unique for their color, but simple in their design. A few blobs, a few pointy things, and nine different backdrops to signal each level in the game. The music, however, is far from standard fare. Jazzed up tunes, most of which feature a xylophone play through the game, almost offering a relaxing peace when compared to the sometimes frantic pace of the game. The controls, for what they're needed, have no complaints associated with them. Moving around the little pointer really isn't hard, unless your controller is next to dead. Shooting the pointer is also a single button fare.

End of Game

If you're looking for a challenging way to kill a few hours, picking this game up is strongly recommended. It's the kind of thing you can learn easily, play easily, and get lost in with little difficulty. Puzzle games always seem to work with the most basic of ideas, and Zoop is no exception. It's almost kind of funny how basic games like these can stand up to the flashy, million dollar budget games of present day.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/22/02, Updated 08/22/02