Zool 2
{{Short description|1993 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Zool 2
|image = Amiga Zool 2 cover art.jpg
|developer = The Warp Factory
Gremlin Graphics (MS-DOS)
Imagitec Design (Jaguar)
|publisher = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Gremlin Graphics}}|Jaguar{{vgrelease|NA/EU|Atari Corporation|JP|Mumin Corporation}} BlackBerry{{vgrelease|WW|Amiga, Inc.}}}}
|producer = Peter J. Cook
|designer = Ed Campbell
|programmer = Andy Findlay
|writer = Steven McKevitt
|composer = Neil Biggin
Patrick Phelan
|series = Zool
|platforms = Amiga, Amiga CD32, Atari Jaguar, BlackBerry, MS-DOS
|released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|1993}}|Amiga{{vgrelease|EU|November 1993}} Amiga CD32{{vgrelease|EU|1994}} MS-DOS{{vgrelease|EU|1994}} Jaguar{{vgrelease|NA|9 December 1994|EU|9 December 1994|JP|21 April 1995}} BlackBerry{{vgrelease|WW|30 April 2013}}}}
|genre = Platform
|modes = Single-player, multiplayer (up to two players)
}}
Zool 2 is a side-scrolling platform video game originally developed by The Warp Factory and published by Gremlin Graphics for the Amiga in November 1993.{{cite magazine|last=McNally|first=Steve|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_49583|title=Blue Print: Zool 2 - The hype is now coming to an end. Will the final product live up to out expectations?|magazine=Amiga Action|issue=51|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=December 1993|pages=70–71|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528022518/http://amr.abime.net/review_49583|archive-date=2015-05-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Force_Issue_12_1993-12_Impact_Magazines_GB#page/n9/mode/1up|title=Previews! Just around the Corner! - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Force|issue=12|publisher=Europress Impact|date=December 1993|page=10}} It is the sequel to the original Zool, which was released earlier in 1992 on various platforms.
When the forces of Krool are wreaking havoc upon the Nth Dimension with the help from his henchman Mental Block, the intergalactic gremlin ninja Zool alongside his female companion Zooz and their two-headed dog Zoon, are entrusted with the task of stopping Mental Block and restore order to the dimension. Originally released for the Amiga microcomputers, Zool 2 was later ported to the Amiga CD32, MS-DOS, and Atari Jaguar platforms, with the latter being published by Atari Corporation in North America and Europe,{{cite web|url=http://host.fptoday.com:80/melek/Jaguar/jag-94.htm|title=ATARI RELEASES MORE JAGUAR GAME TITLES; FIVE NEW GAMES AVAILABLE FOR HOLIDAY GIVING|website=Nine Lives|date=December 9, 1994|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011121152543/http://host.fptoday.com/melek/Jaguar/jag-94.htm|archive-date=November 21, 2001|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Castle|first=Justin|url=https://issuu.com/amigajay/docs/jaguar_uk_pdf|title=Historical Atari Jaguar UK Magazine Advert/Reviews Collection|publisher=Issuu|format=PDF|date=July 21, 2018|page=340|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104221625/https://issuu.com/amigajay/docs/jaguar_uk_pdf|archive-date=January 4, 2019|url-status=live}} in addition to being published in Japan by Mumin Corporation on April 21, 1995.{{cite web|url=http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_ATC_JG1994-1995.html|title=JAGUAR Soft > 1994-1995|website=GAME Data Room|access-date=2018-10-27|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825175723/http://tk-nz.game.coocan.jp/gamedatabase/software/DB_ATC_JG1994-1995.html|archive-date=2018-08-25|url-status=live}}
When it was originally released for the Amiga, Zool 2 received positive reception from critics who praised the graphics, sound department and gameplay, with some considering it as an improvement over the first game. Other ports of the game received similarly positive reception from reviewers, while the Jaguar version received mixed reviews from critics since its release and has sold nearly 11,000 copies as of April 1, 1995, though it is unknown how many were sold in total during its lifetime.{{cite web|url=http://betaphasegames.com/Feature_Jaguar_Lifetime_Sales.html|title=Atari Jaguar Lifetime Sales|website=betaphasegames.com|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824014231/http://betaphasegames.com/Feature_Jaguar_Lifetime_Sales.html|archive-date=24 August 2017|url-status=dead}}
Gameplay
Zool 2 is a side-scrolling platform game that plays similarly to its predecessor, Zool.Zool 2 game manual (Atari Jaguar, US) Both Zool and his female counterpart, Zooz, almost share the same move set between each other but there are some subtle differences with the two characters in terms of their abilities and means of defense. Whereas Zool attacks with projectiles, Zooz is armed with an energy whip for close quarters combat, along with the ability of shooting projectiles as well. In addition, each character is capable of destroying certain parts of the scenery that the other one could not, and vice versa, resulting in a slightly different route through the levels. As with the original game, the sequel features several minigames, such as a version of Breakout which involves using Zoon, the two-headed morphing pet dog of Zool and Zooz, as a paddle in order to keep the ball in play by bouncing it upwards. The progression system acts similarly to the original game, which involves the player in collecting a set number of items in order to advance into the next level. The game also features a two-player mode.
Plot
Zool 2 takes place several months after the events occurred in Zool. Krool, the main antagonist of the original game has sent his forces and Mental Block, his shapeshifting henchman to invade the Nth dimension and seize power in order to stifle the imagination of the world, causing rampant boredom in the process. Zool, the main protagonist of the first game, alongside his companion Zooz and their two-headed mascot Zoon, are entrusted with the mission of restoring order to the dimension and defeat Mental Block. After traversing through multiple locations, the trio reaches the main area where Mental Block resides and they defeat him, saving the dimension as a result, with a hint at a possible further sequel.{{cite web|url=http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/jaguar/a/zool2.htm|title=Ending for Zool 2 (Atari Jaguar)|website=vgmuseum.com|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610165327/http://www.vgmuseum.com/end/jaguar/a/zool2.htm|archive-date=2016-06-10|url-status=live}}
Development and release
Zool 2 was created by a new development team at The Warp Factory, whose programming staff involved personnel that previously worked on Harlequin for Gremlin Graphics, with only composer Patrick Phelan returning from the original Zool crew as George Allan, Adrian Carless and Tony Dawson did not return to work on the sequel.{{cite magazine|last=Roundell|first=Paul|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_32446|title=Work in Progress - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Action|issue=45|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=June 1993|pages=47–49|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528021217/http://amr.abime.net/review_32446|archive-date=2015-05-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Roundell|first=Paul|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_25569|title=Work in Progress - Zool 2 (Part 3)|magazine=Amiga Action|issue=47|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=August 1993|pages=16–18|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528021023/http://amr.abime.net/review_25569|archive-date=2015-05-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Winstanley|first=Mark|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_20380|title=Things to come - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Power|issue=31|publisher=Future Publishing|date=November 1993|page=31|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528021312/http://amr.abime.net/review_20380|archive-date=2015-05-28|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Maddock|first=Jonathan|url=https://archive.org/stream/amiga-computing-magazine-068#page/n145/mode/2up|title=On the Drawingboard - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Computing|issue=68|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=Christmas 1993|pages=146–147}} Gremlin marketing manager Nick Clarkson stated that they wanted to expand upon Zool{{'}}s character and gameplay for the sequel, while producer Peter J. Cook claimed that the team at The Warp Factory wanted to stay with a basic theme following the same gameplay style but move towards a new direction via new ideas with larger levels to explore. The team also reworked Zool's look for the sequel, while his female companion Zooz went through various changes before release.
The Amiga remained the lead format for the second Zool game,{{cite magazine|last=Borgmeier|first=Carsten|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_19225|title=Newsflash: European Computer Trade Show London '93 - Gremlin|magazine=Amiga Joker|issue=40|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=October 1993|page=11|lang=de|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528022719/http://amr.abime.net/review_19225|archive-date=2015-05-28|url-status=live}} but unlike the first it was not widely ported to the other platforms, only the Atari Jaguar and MS-DOS. The game had originally been planned to be bundled with the CD32 at the request of Commodore, but when Gremlin Graphics failed to reach the deadline, Zool 2 was bundled with the Amiga 1200's Computer Combat pack in 1994.{{cite web |url=http://www.amigahistory.co.uk/a1200combat.html |title=A1200 Computer Combat |access-date=2012-01-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710035028/http://www.amigahistory.co.uk/a1200combat.html |archive-date=2011-07-10 |url-status=live}} It was also re-released as part of the Windows-based compilation CD Best of Gremlin in 2000. The Jaguar version of Zool 2 was developed by Imagitec Design and was first showcased to the public at SCES '94 in a playable state.{{cite web|author=Trev|url=http://freejag.atari.org/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=0oijgoj7nbsu0mqg8vgbqi2tg5&topic=51.msg437#msg437|title=Trevor Raynsford: Programmer and the porter of Zool 2|website=freejag.atari.org|date=August 10, 2009|access-date=2018-10-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181028174636/http://freejag.atari.org/forum/index.php?topic=51.0|archive-date=28 October 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-qJYJnhbYw&t|work=YouTube|date=November 8, 2011|author=BiffsGamingVideos|title=1994 SCES: Parts 01-12 (Atari, Llamasoft, 4Play) (58min 12sec)|access-date=October 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104221624/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-qJYJnhbYw&t|archive-date=January 4, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://atarijaguargamebygame.libsyn.com/16-zool-2|title=The Atari Jaguar Game by Game Podcast: 16 - Zool2|website=atarijaguargamebygame.libsyn.com|date=December 13, 2016|access-date=2019-10-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030063709/http://atarijaguargamebygame.libsyn.com/16-zool-2|archive-date=October 30, 2017|url-status=live}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
|AMI=true
|CD32=true
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|na=true
|GR_JAG=65%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/jaguar/586919-zool-2/index.html|title=Zool 2 for Jaguar|publisher=GameRankings|access-date=2018-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024112853/https://www.gamerankings.com/jaguar/586919-zool-2/index.html|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=live}}
|Allgame_DOS={{Rating|2.5|5}}{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=958|title=Zool 2 (MS-DOS) - Overview|website=AllGame|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114130411/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=958|archive-date=14 November 2014|url-status=live}}
|Allgame_JAG={{Rating|2|5}}{{cite web|last=Scoleri III|first=Joseph|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=371|title=Zool 2 (Jaguar) - Overview|website=AllGame|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114095510/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=371|archive-date=14 November 2014|url-status=live}}
|EGM_JAG=33 / 50{{cite magazine|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AEGM_US_067.pdf&page=36|title=Review Crew - Major Mike's Game Roundup - Zool 2|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=67|publisher=EGM Media, LLC|date=February 1995|page=36|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142119/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AEGM_US_067.pdf&page=36|archive-date=2018-06-12|url-status=live}}
|GameFan_JAG=243 / 300{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_01#page/n24/mode/1up|title=Viewpoint - Zool - Jaguar|magazine=GameFan|issue=1|publisher=Shinno Media|date=January 1995|volume=3|page=25|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104223412/https://archive.org/stream/Gamefan_Vol_3_Issue_01#page/n24/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-04|url-status=live}}
|GamePro_JAG=17.5 / 20{{cite magazine|last=Squideo|first=Captain|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AGamePro_US_067.pdf&page=102|title=ProReview: Zool 2|magazine=GamePro|issue=67|publisher=IDG|date=February 1995|page=100|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024073712/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AGamePro_US_067.pdf&page=102|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=live}}
|NGen_JAG={{Rating|3|5}}{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-003/Next_Generation_Issue_003_March_1995#page/n94/mode/1up|title=Finals - Jaguar - Zool 2|magazine=Next Generation|issue=3|publisher=Imagine Media|date=March 1995|page=91|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104232442/https://archive.org/stream/nextgen-issue-003/Next_Generation_Issue_003_March_1995#page/n94/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-04|url-status=live}}
|rev1=Aktueller Software Markt
|rev1_AMI=10 / 12{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Aktueller_Software_Markt_-_Ausgabe_1994.02/page/n23|title=Review - Zool 2 - Die Rückkehr des ninja|magazine=Aktueller Software Markt|issue=84|publisher=Tronic Verlag|date=February 1994|page=24|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105013126/https://archive.org/details/Aktueller_Software_Markt_-_Ausgabe_1994.02/page/n23|archive-date=2019-01-05|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 10 / 12{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Aktueller_Software_Markt_-_Ausgabe_1994.07/page/n119|title=Replay - Amiga 1200 - Zool 2|magazine=Aktueller Software Markt|issue=89|publisher=Tronic Verlag|date=July 1994|page=120|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105013126/https://archive.org/details/Aktueller_Software_Markt_-_Ausgabe_1994.07/page/n119|archive-date=2019-01-05|url-status=live}}
|rev1_CD32=11 / 12{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/Aktueller_Software_Markt_-_Ausgabe_1994.08/page/n86|title=Neue Amiga-CD32-Software - ...Und Es Dreht Sich Doch! - Zool 2|magazine=Aktueller Software Markt|issue=90|publisher=Tronic Verlag|date=August 1994|page=91|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105013126/https://archive.org/details/Aktueller_Software_Markt_-_Ausgabe_1994.08/page/n86|archive-date=2019-01-05|url-status=live}}
|rev2=Amiga Action
|rev2_AMI=79%{{cite magazine|last1=Ashworth|first1=Rachel|last2=McNally|first2=Steve|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_13855|title=Action Reviews: Zool has left his cosmic chaos to resume his fight for justice... with the help of his dog and girlfriend - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Action|issue=53|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=January 1994|pages=46–47|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923085159/http://amr.abime.net/review_13855|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live}}
|rev2_CD32=82%{{cite magazine|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_13948|title=Review - Zool 2 (CD32)|magazine=Amiga Action|issue=59|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=July 1994|page=40|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923085149/http://amr.abime.net/review_13948|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live}}
|rev3=Amiga Computing
|rev3_AMI=90%{{cite magazine|last=Hackett|first=Tina|url=https://archive.org/details/amiga-computing-magazine-070/page/n134|title=Zool 2 - Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's the return of the ninja from the nth dimension and this time he's got company|magazine=Amiga Computing|issue=70|publisher=Europress, IDG Media|date=February 1994|page=135|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105013126/https://archive.org/details/amiga-computing-magazine-070/page/n134|archive-date=2019-01-05|url-status=live}}
|rev4=Amiga Concept
|rev5=Amiga Down Under
|rev6=Amiga Dream
|rev6_AMI=90%{{cite magazine|last=Marie|first=Christophe|url=https://archive.org/stream/amigadream-french-03#page/n37/mode/1up|title=Jeux tests: Zool II - Gremlin|magazine=Amiga Dream|issue=3|publisher=Posse Press|date=January 1994|page=38|lang=fr}}
(A1200) 85%{{cite magazine|last=Houng|first=Michel|url=https://archive.org/stream/amigadream-french-06#page/n43/mode/1up|title=Jeux tests - Zool II (AGA)|magazine=Amiga Dream|issue=6|publisher=Posse Press|date=April 1994|page=43|lang=fr}}
|rev7=Amiga Force
|rev7_AMI=86 / 100{{cite magazine|last1=Marke|first1=Chris|last2=Smith|first2=Mark|url=https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Force_Issue_15_1994-02_Impact_Magazines_GB#page/n25/mode/2up|title=Reviews! Rich Pickings! CD! - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Force|issue=15|publisher=Europress Impact|date=February 1994|pages=26–27}}
|rev8=Amiga Format
|rev8_AMI=93%{{cite magazine|last=Dyson|first=Marcus|url=https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Format_Issue_055_1994-01_Future_Publishing_GB#page/n75/mode/2up|title=Game Review - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Format|issue=55|publisher=Future Publishing|date=January 1994|pages=76–77|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401204640/https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Format_Issue_055_1994-01_Future_Publishing_GB#page/n75/mode/2up#page/n75/mode/2up|archive-date=2016-04-01|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 9 / 10{{cite magazine|last=Bradley|first=Stephen|url=https://archive.org/stream/amigaformatmagazine-059#page/n90/mode/1up|title=Re-Releases - Zool 2 AGA|magazine=Amiga Format|issue=59|publisher=Future Publishing|date=May 1994|page=91}}
|rev8_CD32=87%{{cite magazine|last=Bradley|first=Stephen|url=https://archive.org/stream/amigaformatmagazine-060#page/n88/mode/1up|title=CD32 Games - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Format|issue=60|publisher=Future Publishing|date=June 1994|page=89}}
|rev9=Amiga Games
|rev9_AMI=76%{{cite magazine|last=Fleischmann|first=Gerhard|title=Amiga Games Review: Grenlins Megaheld legt wieder los! - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Games|issue=17|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=February 1994|pages=20–22|lang=de}}
(A1200) 80%{{cite magazine|last=Ippisch|first=Hans|title=Jump & Run Review (A1200 Speziell/CD32 Speziell): Ninja auf AGA-Tour - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Games|issue=22|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=July 1994|page=17|lang=de}}
|rev10=Amiga Joker
|rev10_AMI=80%{{cite magazine|last=Löwenstein|first=Richard|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=18001|title=Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Joker|issue=43|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=January 1994|page=18|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071016/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=18001|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 77%{{cite magazine|last=Stoschek|first=Monika|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=12248|title=Zool 2 - Das Dimensionsloch - A 1200 Speziell|magazine=Amiga Joker|issue=47|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=May 1994|page=92|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025070946/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=12248|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev10_CD32=85%{{cite magazine|last=Stoschek|first=Monika|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=16836|title=Amiga CD-Joker - Zool 2 - Zool ist cool!|magazine=Amiga Joker|issue=48|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=July 1994|page=73|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071014/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=16836|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev11=Amiga Power
|rev11_AMI=86%{{cite magazine|last=McGill|first=Steve|url=https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Power_Issue_33_1994-01_Future_Publishing_GB#page/n34/mode/1up|title=Game Reviews - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga Power|issue=33|publisher=Future Publishing|date=January 1994|pages=35–37|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105013126/https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Power_Issue_33_1994-01_Future_Publishing_GB#page/n34/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-05|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 87%{{cite magazine|last=Campbell|first=Stuart|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_1558|title=Game Reviews - Zool 2 A1200|magazine=Amiga Power|issue=37|publisher=Future Publishing|date=May 1994|page=80|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011122304/http://amr.abime.net/review_1558|archive-date=2019-10-11|url-status=live}}
|rev11_CD32=87%{{cite magazine|last=Campbell|first=Stuart|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_1589|title=Game Reviews: Hi-Ho Silver Lining - Zool 2 (CD32)|magazine=Amiga Power|issue=39|publisher=Future Publishing|date=July 1994|page=80|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011122228/http://amr.abime.net/review_1589|archive-date=2019-10-11|url-status=live}}
|rev12=AUI
|rev12_AMI=90%{{cite magazine|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_7637|title=Zool 2|magazine=Amiga User International|volume=8|issue=2|publisher=AUI Limited|date=February 1994|page=81|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923085200/http://amr.abime.net/review_7637|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live}}
|rev12_CD32=92 / 100{{cite magazine|url=http://amr.abime.net/review_7684|title=Amiga CD! Review - Zool 2|magazine=Amiga User International|volume=8|issue=6|publisher=AUI Limited|date=July 1994|pages=58–59|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923085149/http://amr.abime.net/review_7684|archive-date=2018-09-23|url-status=live}}
|rev13=ACAR
|rev14=Atari Gaming Headquarters
|rev15=CU Amiga
|rev15_AMI=76%{{cite magazine|last=Sloan|first=Jon|url=https://archive.org/stream/cuamiga-magazine-047/CUAmiga_047_Jan_1994#page/n87/mode/1up|title=Game Review - Zool 2|magazine=CU Amiga|issue=47|publisher=EMAP|date=January 1994|page=89|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610195047/https://archive.org/stream/cuamiga-magazine-047/CUAmiga_047_Jan_1994#page/n87/mode/1up#page/n87/mode/1up|archive-date=2016-06-10|url-status=live}}
|rev16=Consoles +
|rev16_JAG=84%{{cite magazine|last=Boissarie|first=Véronique|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Consoles%20Plus/consoleplus_numero039/Consoles%20%2B%20039%20-%20Page%20099%20%28janvier%201995%29.jpg|title=Jaguar Review - Zool 2|magazine=Consoles +|issue=39|publisher=M.E.R.7|date=January 1995|page=99|lang=fr|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024073803/http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Consoles%20Plus/consoleplus_numero039/Consoles%20%2B%20039%20-%20Page%20099%20%28janvier%201995%29.jpg|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=live}}
|rev17=Game Players
|rev17_JAG=78%{{cite magazine|title=News - 3DO/Jaguar - Zool 2|magazine=Game Players|issue=69|publisher=Signal Research|date=March 1995|page=20}}
|rev18=Game Zero Magazine
|rev19=Génération 4
|rev19_AMI=85%{{cite magazine|last=Houng|first=Michel|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=27&num=449&album=oui|title=Test Amiga: Zool 2 - Un Zool pour Zooz!|magazine=Génération 4|issue=62|publisher=Computec Media France|date=January 1994|pages=88–90|lang=fr|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916201208/http://abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=27&num=449&album=oui|archive-date=2017-09-16|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 84%{{cite magazine|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Generation%204/generation4_numero065/G%e9n%e9ration4%20065%20-%20Page%20056%20%28avril%201994%29.jpg|title=Tests Express... - Zool 2 (Amiga 1200)|magazine=Génération 4|issue=65|publisher=Computec Media France|date=April 1994|page=56|lang=fr}}
|rev20=Jaguar
|rev20_JAG=55%{{cite magazine|last=Felske|first=Niclas|url=https://archive.org/stream/Jaguar2/Jaguar%202#page/n14/mode/1up|title=Jaguar - Ärger in der n-ten Dimension - Zool 2|magazine=Jaguar|issue=2|publisher=Falke Verlag|date=March 1995|page=15|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104232452/https://archive.org/stream/Jaguar2/Jaguar%202#page/n14/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-04|url-status=live}}
|rev21=Joystick
|rev21_AMI=89%{{cite magazine|author=Pinky|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=30&num=594&album=oui|title=Test Amiga: Zool 2 - "La nouvelle référence?"|magazine=Joystick|issue=44|publisher=Anuman Interactive|date=December 1993|pages=74–76|lang=fr|access-date=2020-02-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916194056/http://abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=30&num=594&album=oui|archive-date=2017-09-16|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 60%{{cite magazine|author=Pinky|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Joystick/joystick_numero048/Joystick%20048%20-%20Page%20098%20%281994-04%29.jpg|title=En Bref: Zool 2 (sur Amiga 1200)|magazine=Joystick|issue=48|publisher=Anuman Interactive|date=April 1994|page=98|lang=fr}}
|rev22=MAN!AC
|rev22_JAG=55%{{cite magazine|last=Bannert|first=Robert|url=https://archive.org/stream/MANIAC.N017.1995.03/MANIAC.N017.1995.03-DURiAN_Searchable#page/n71/mode/1up|title=Spiele-Tests - Jaguar - Zool 2|magazine=MAN!AC|issue=17|publisher=Cybermedia|date=March 1995|page=72|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104232446/https://archive.org/stream/MANIAC.N017.1995.03/MANIAC.N017.1995.03-DURiAN_Searchable#page/n71/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-04|url-status=live}}
|rev23=Megablast
|rev24=Mega Fun
|rev24_JAG=65%{{cite magazine|last=Appel|first=Markus|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=13563|title=Test Jaguar – Zool 2|magazine=Mega Fun|issue=29|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=February 1995|page=109|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024113229/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=13563|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=live}}
|rev25=Micromanía
|rev25_DOS=88%{{cite magazine|author=O.S.G.|url=https://archive.org/stream/micromania-segunda-epoca-76#page/n30/mode/1up|title=Punto de mira - El buen arcade llega a PC: Zool 2 (PC)|magazine=Micromanía|volume=2|issue=76|publisher=HobbyPress|date=September 1994|page=31|lang=es}}
85%{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/micromania-segunda-epoca-78#page/n30/mode/1up|title=...Y además - Zool 2 CD (PC CD-ROM)|magazine=Micromanía|volume=2|issue=78|publisher=HobbyPress|date=November 1994|page=31|lang=es}}
|rev25_JAG=76%{{cite magazine|author=C.S.G.|url=https://archive.org/stream/MicromaniaTerceraEpocaSpanishIssue8#page/n85/mode/2up|title=Punto De Mira: Siente el poder ninja - Zool 2 (Jaguar)|magazine=Micromanía|volume=3|issue=8|publisher=HobbyPress|date=September 1995|pages=86–87|lang=es}}
|rev26=The One for Amiga Games
|rev26_AMI=90%{{cite magazine|last=Broughton|first=Matt|url=https://archive.org/stream/theone-magazine-63#page/n61/mode/2up|title=Review - Zool 2 (A500/600)|magazine=The One for Amiga Games|issue=63|publisher=EMAP|date=January 1994|pages=62–63}}
(A1200) 63%{{cite magazine|last=Byron|first=Simon|url=https://archive.org/stream/theone-magazine-67#page/n78/mode/1up|title=Updates... - Zool 2 A1200|magazine=The One for Amiga Games|issue=67|publisher=EMAP|date=May 1994|page=79}}
|rev26_CD32=90%{{cite magazine|last=Broughton|first=Matt|url=https://archive.org/stream/theone-magazine-68#page/n77/mode/1up|title=Updates... - Zool 2 CD32|magazine=The One for Amiga Games|issue=68|publisher=EMAP|date=June 1994|page=78}}
|rev27=PC Joker
|rev27_DOS=85%{{cite magazine|last=Stoschek|first=Monika|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=18416|title=Action Section - Games Für Flinhe Finger - Zool 2 - Zool ist cool!|magazine=PC Joker|issue=25|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=October 1994|page=82|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025071018/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=18416|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev28=PC Player
|rev28_DOS=69 / 100{{cite magazine|last=Lenhardt|first=Heinrich|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=16099|title=Spiele-Test - Zool 2 - Noch einmal ins Gewühl: Eines der schnellsten Plattformspiele erlebt seine technisch beeindruckende Neuauflage|magazine=PC Player|issue=22|publisher=Future Verlag|date=October 1994|page=98|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025070945/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=16099|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev29=Player One
|rev29_JAG=60%{{cite magazine|last=Buret|first=Stéphane|url=http://download.abandonware.org/magazines/Player%20One/playerone_numero049/Player%20One%20n%B049%20%28Janvier%201995%29%20-%20Page%20114.jpg|title=Vite Vu - Jaguar - Zool 2|magazine=Player One|issue=49|publisher=Média Système Édition|date=January 1995|page=114|lang=fr}}
|rev30=Play Time
|rev30_AMI=79 / 100{{cite magazine|last=Gerhardt|first=Roland|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3APlayTime_DE_1994-02.pdf&page=50|title=Amiga Reviews - Zool 2|magazine=Play Time|issue=32|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=February 1994|page=50|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190152/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3APlayTime_DE_1994-02.pdf&page=50|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
(A1200) 80%{{cite magazine|last=Ippisch|first=Hans|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:PlayTime_DE_1994-08.pdf&page=89|title=Amiga Reviews - Zool 2|magazine=Play Time|issue=38|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=August 1994|page=129|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025070943/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:PlayTime_DE_1994-08.pdf&page=89|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev30_DOS=67 / 100{{cite magazine|last=Maueröder|first=Petra|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:PlayTime_DE_1994-10.pdf&page=45|title=PC Reviews - Zool 2|magazine=Play Time|issue=40|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=October 1994|page=45|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025070916/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:PlayTime_DE_1994-10.pdf&page=45|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev30_JAG=65%{{cite magazine|last=Girlich|first=Stephan|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:PlayTime_DE_1995-03.pdf&page=119|title=Jaguar Reviews - Zool 2|magazine=Play Time|issue=45|publisher=CT Computec Verlag GmbH & Co. KG|date=March 1995|page=119|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024113124/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File:PlayTime_DE_1995-03.pdf&page=119|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=live}}
|rev31=Power Play
|rev31_AMI=70%{{cite magazine|last=von Duisburg|first=Christian|url=https://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=488|title=Dynamisches Duo - Zool 2 (Amiga)|magazine=Power Play|issue=71|publisher=Future Verlag|date=February 1994|lang=de}}
(A1200) 70%{{cite magazine|last=Gollert|first=Knut|url=https://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=6047|title=Test: Zoologie - Zool 2 (A1200)|magazine=Power Play|issue=76|publisher=Future Verlag|date=July 1994|page=94|lang=de}}
|rev32=Score
|rev32_DOS=79%{{cite magazine|last=Formánková|first=Irena|url=https://archive.org/stream/ScoreCZ1994/Score%20010%20%2810-1994%29#page/n20/mode/1up|title=Recenze - Zool 2 - Hopsá, hopsá, šmik sem - housenka mrtvá, šmirk tam, sardinka to má za sebou|magazine=Score|issue=10|publisher=Omega Publishing Group|date=October 1994|page=21|lang=cs|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105013126/https://archive.org/stream/ScoreCZ1994/Score%20010%20%2810-1994%29#page/n20/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-05|url-status=live}}
|rev33=ST-Computer
|rev33_JAG=60%{{cite magazine|last=F|first=R|url=http://www.stcarchiv.de/stc1995/03/jaguar-zool-2|title=Jaguar: Zool 2|magazine=ST-Computer|issue=107|publisher=falkemedia|date=March 1995|page=95|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024113004/http://www.stcarchiv.de/stc1995/03/jaguar-zool-2|archive-date=2018-10-24|url-status=live}}
|rev34=Tilt
|rev34_AMI=82%{{cite magazine|last1=Béronie|first1=Noelle|last2=Feroyd|first2=Morgan|url=https://www.abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=28&num=326&album=oui|title=Tests >> Zool 2 >> Gremlin Graphics >> Amiga|magazine=Tilt|issue=122|publisher=Editions Mondiales S.A.|date=January 1994|pages=52–53|lang=fr|access-date=2019-06-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170918213831/http://abandonware-magazines.org/affiche_mag.php?mag=28&num=326&album=oui|archive-date=2017-09-18|url-status=live}}
|rev35=Video Games
|rev35_CD32=71%{{cite magazine|last=Schaedle|first=Wolfgang|url=https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AVideoGames_DE_1994-08.pdf&page=78|title=Rom Check - CD32 - Zool 2|magazine=Video Games|issue=33|publisher=Future-Verlag|date=August 1994|page=82|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025070945/https://retrocdn.net/index.php?title=File%3AVideoGames_DE_1994-08.pdf&page=78|archive-date=2018-10-25|url-status=live}}
|rev35_JAG=71%{{cite magazine|last=Zengerle|first=Robert|url=http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=13135|title=Atari Jaguar - Reviews - Zool 2|magazine=Video Games|issue=39|publisher=Future-Verlag|date=February 1995|page=90|lang=de|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180707005906/http://www.kultboy.com/index.php?site=t&id=13135|archive-date=2018-07-07|url-status=live}}
|rev36=VideoGames
|rev36_JAG=6 / 10{{cite magazine|last=Hallock|first=Betty|url=https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_74_March_1995#page/n77/mode/1up|title=Zool 2 - Watch Out For Those Eggs On Legs|magazine=VideoGames - The Ultimate Gaming Magazine|issue=74|publisher=L.F.P., Inc.|date=March 1995|page=76|access-date=2018-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104223412/https://archive.org/stream/Video_Games_The_Ultimate_Gaming_Magazine_Issue_74_March_1995#page/n77/mode/1up|archive-date=2019-01-04|url-status=live}}
}}
The Amiga versions of Zool 2 received generally high review scores,{{cite magazine|last=James|first=Jeff|url=https://archive.org/stream/amazing-computing-magazine-1994-09#page/n78/mode/1up|title=Zool 2|magazine=Amazing Computing|volume=9|issue=9|publisher=PiM Publications|date=September 1994|page=77}} including 93% in Amiga Format, 90% in Amiga Computing, 86% in Amiga Power and 76% in CU Amiga.
GamePro gave the Jaguar version a positive review, saying that the varied abilities of the playable characters "push this game to the top of the Jaguar hop-n-bop ranks". GamePro also praised the graphics, stating that "Zool{{'}}s Nth Dimension is a shiny, inventive world that's equal parts candy shop and toy store", and that the Jaguar version is sharper and brighter than previous versions of the game. Next Generation called it "still a basic platform game, but one of the best we've seen a while". Like GamePro, they praised the quality of the graphics, and additionally the large number of interesting power-ups and stages. Mike Weigand of Electronic Gaming Monthly assessed it as "a pretty good version of the pint-sized ninja character", particularly noting the large levels, though he felt the graphics were sometimes "visual overkill".
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://atariage.com/software_page.php?SoftwareID=2510 Zool 2] at AtariAge
- [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/amiga/576345-zool-2 Zool 2] at GameFAQs
- [https://www.giantbomb.com/zool-2/3030-2350/ Zool 2] at Giant Bomb
- [https://www.mobygames.com/game/zool-2 Zool 2] at MobyGames
{{Portal bar|1990s|Amiga|United Kingdom|Video games}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zool 2}}
Category:Gremlin Interactive games
Category:Imagitec Design games
Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games
Category:Side-scrolling platformers
Category:Video games about ninja
Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom
Category:Video games featuring female protagonists
Category:Video games scored by Patrick Phelan