Zuma Deluxe Review

By Kristan Reed Published 21 February, 2006

Stone temple pilot.

Version tested: Xbox 360

This could get messy. We're not exactly sure on what planet it is that guardian frogs must protect the spiralling corridors of their temples from an unholy invasion of coloured balls, but we suspect it's the same one Bub and Bob visited.

Yes folks, you are now entering ball-bursting territory. Abandon all hope of having normal dreams for several days.

Not content with raining down from the skies above in Bust-A-Move, these evil, merciless, relentless coloured balls are now intent on invading and terrorising the confines of the musty, once-deserted chambers of these eerie old shrines. But a wise old frog knows the weaknesses of the nefarious spherical menace; you could call it a good old fashioned trichotomy: two's company, three's a crowd. It's satisfying in the knowledge that however many hundreds pour through the defenceless temple doors, this ball-spitting frog idol can send them packing back from whence they came... with a satisfying pop.

In case we hadn't rammed home the point enough lately, Xbox Live Arcade on 360 is just about the most instantly entertaining way to get your kicks on a home console these days, and thanks to the complete lack of any definable storylines or premise, we get to completely make them up off the top of our heads. It's a win win, and no mistake.

Spiral of doom

'Zuma Deluxe' Screenshot chorus

The frog chorus.

Zuma Deluxe is another one of those games you'll probably be familiar with from the previous Live Arcade, or from the shareware scene it originated from. As with almost everything available for download on the 360, it doesn't look anything worth bothering with from the outset. Sure, it's in high definition, but it looks simple, dated, low budget and certainly nothing to get excited about. And then, unexpectedly, six hours later you're hauling yourself off to bed with spiralling eyes and humming that tune forever.

But as anyone who has ever sat playing through dozens of Bust-A-Move levels in one sitting, it's got that devilishly moreish appeal that seems to follow all good puzzle games. We are the Bisto kids, and this is the smell of home-cooked gaming that we'll follow to the end of time.

Zuma's certainly no slouch, though, and that's where your problems start. You control the aforementioned frog idol, a passive aggressive little fellow who sits in the middle of the screen with the ability to rotate 360 degrees and spit balls at the oncoming evil horde.

Much like the other ball-poppers we know and love, the rule of three applies, so you must attempt to fire your ball at two or more balls of the same colour to destroy them. But unlike other ball-popping extravaganzas, the ever-spiralling throng are on the move, thus making it harder to line-up a shot, and increasing the risk of missing the mark entirely. If you consistently foul up, the music enters its 'dance of death' mode, the ball bonanza reaches your gaping maw, you lose a life, you scream blue murder, and you start that stage from scratch.

Backwards frog

'Zuma Deluxe' Screenshot onslaughts

Sometimes you're fending off two seperate onslaughts at the same time.

The trick (if there is one) is to be quick and be deadly. Matching up chains one after the other gains you a points bonus, and the more you can eliminate in succession, the quicker you'll fill up the points bar. Once full, the floodgates dry up, no more balls appear to replace the old ones, and you can go about mopping up the remainder. In addition, enemy balls regularly change in appearance, giving you the opportunity to take advantage of the power-ups. As well as granting you incredibly useful face-saving powers such as the Backwards Ball, you'll also be able to temporarily stall the onslaught, or even cause mass explosions that give you breathing space just when you need it.

Other tricks present themselves on occasion, such as squeezing shots through tiny gaps for a bonus, or snatching coins for a score bonus - skillshots which all help towards stalling the ball supply.

Needless to say, it all gets very familiar very quickly, but somehow that's not a problem in a game where you'll be pushed to the limits. The short, sharp, addictive appeal only seems to grow the more you're tested, and with 20 temples (all with five or more stages in each) in the Adventure mode to conquer, it's a game that could feasibly last far longer than you initially suspected. Even progressing beyond the game's fifth stage is a tall order, but when games are measured in minutes rather than hours, you won't mind coming back for more when it's all over; in fact, you'll be struggling to stop yourself. It's a messy business.

Be quick or be dead

'Zuma Deluxe' Screenshot crazy

It all starts going a bit crazy once the paths start to obscure access to others.

Zuma Deluxe's Gauntlet mode offers slightly less appeal for the average adventurer, delivering what amounts to a deadly survival mode where you must progress from one stage to the next armed with just one life. Challenging and palpitating as it may be, it's hugely disappointing to make huge inroads only to be punished for a minor error, but them's the breaks.

Elsewhere, there's not really much to it. There's no additional 'classic' mode, no multiplayer challenges thrown in, no online modes or tweakable skill levels or the sort of features many other Live Arcade games seem to be happy to sport. Meanwhile, some of the achievements seem heavily weighted towards the total obsessive (earn 20 points for playing for 24 hours, one ludicrous example), so don't expect to boost your Gamerscore by any great degree.

Zuma Deluxe is a hugely addictive addition to the Live Arcade scene, but very much a completist's game for the lone puzzler. Once you've waded your way through what's on offer, you'll have seen literally everything, because, as compelling as it is while you're hooked on it, it's unlikely to be something you'll revisit much. Questionable, too, is the price; at 800 points it's a little on the high side for something lacking much in the way of variety or replay value. While Zuma Deluxe lasts, though, it's up there with the best currently available on Live.

7 / 10

Zuma Deluxe is available on Xbox Live for 800 points (approx £6.66)

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Kristan.

About Kristan Reed

Kristan is a former editor of Eurogamer, dad, Stone Roses bore and Norwich City supporter who sometimes mutters optimistically about Team Silent getting back together.

Read more articles from Kristan by visiting the Kristan Reed archive page.

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Comments (46) Latest comment 6 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Thamuhacha #1 6 years ago

    Are there actually any proper games coming out on the 360?

    I don't mind these reviews, but I feel like I am getting a kind of "Ultimate" version of an Atari Collection, one game at a time.

  • reflux #2 6 years ago

    Been playing this to death on the PC. My sis and my gf beats me all the time though. I suck ;_;

  • krudster #3 6 years ago

    The 'proper' games are a few weeks off yet...Burnout Revenge, Blazing Angels, Fight Night Round 3, Far Cry Instincts... Until then, I'm more than happy to bide my time playing these.

    Try them...you might like them.

  • Zomoniac #4 6 years ago

    Call it expensive if you will, but my girlfriend has put in about 100 hours on this and is currently ranked 42 in the world. So that's about 7 pence an hour...

  • Furbs #5 6 years ago

    /waits for LetsGo's first insightful comment of the day.

  • Talha #6 6 years ago

    Wait... Did you say Far Cry Instincts? Are they doing an X360 version?

  • Wobble #7 6 years ago

    so far i've spent about 20x longer playing xblive arcade games on my 360 than i have spent playing 'real' games. I'd still be happy if I hadn't bought any 'real' games yet.

  • Steve_Ince #8 6 years ago

    Fun gameplay with excellent graphics at a very good price, it doesn't get any more "real" or "proper" than this.

  • reality_cheque #9 6 years ago

    I seem to spend more time playing bloody Backgammon than anything else.

  • Thamuhacha #10 6 years ago

    I wasn't suggesting that this wasn't a great game, and much better than any of the full price retail things.

    But spending 400 quid to download stuff like this can't be the sole reason to have one of these machines, surely?

  • reality_cheque #11 6 years ago

    @Thamuhacha: I wouldn't pay £400 for an X360 even if it had all the game in the world, considering the RRP is £280 :p But you're right, it's not (quite) worth buying for just these arcade games; but it is worth it when you consider the games that are out next month.

  • rolika #12 6 years ago

    is there auctally a xbox360 game that needs more power, than a gameboy?

    i mean, i'm excited to see a new (=no license, no sequel, no prequel) game for the 'nextbox' , but it turns out to be a live arcade game. disappointing
    Edited by 1 at 21/02/06 @ 10:11

  • neuroniky #13 6 years ago

    @reality_checque: " but it is worth it when you consider the games that are out next month. "

    Let's just hope next month you won't be saying the same thing again... :D

  • CrunchinJelly #14 6 years ago

    I didn't read the review fully, but was there any mention of the PC version?

    After playing both, I've come to the conclusion that the XBLA version is much harder than it's PC brother, and it's in one department: Controls.

    With the PC version you have full control with a mouse, where as in the XBLA version, the developers have decided that rather than making the sensitivity of the analogue stick high so you can get the same precision, that they'll make the analogue stick lack any sensitivity and make it hard to get those vital shots.

  • OllyJ #15 6 years ago

    @ the posters that think arcade IS 360.

    FFS shut up! every bloody Live arcade review gets some whinging git with the same attitude towards it!

    Live arcade is a "SERVICE!" a nice "EXTRA", completly different to the "Proper" gaming side.

    I wouldn't spend £300 on a console to play these game but the fact that I have the option to do so is awesome, it's a win for everyone except those who haven't got a 360 that just don't know how it works.

    EG are reviewing games for 360 owners that like themselves think live arcade is a great part of the console, and warants having it's own reviews.

    Please see what arcade for what it actually is...

    /first proper EG rant over
    Edited by 1 at 21/02/06 @ 10:51

  • optimusprym8 #16 6 years ago

    I love Zuma. My GF introduced me to it on the PC a while ago. Initially I turned my nose up but after 20 mins I was hooked. However the transition to controller has lost some of the speed of the game needed at the later levels, the joypad just isn't accurate enough over the mouse or maybe that's just because I'm crap at it. Yes, this is one of the few games my GF whups me at.

  • Thamuhacha #17 6 years ago

    Calm down everyone

    Yes, £400 was quoting the highest price I have seen it going for. And yes, there are some great games out *soon* (although stuff like Oblivion is a bit vague on the facts)

    I was just pointing out that these arcade games, while very worthwhile, are not exactly next-gen. Which is what I want. Not HD trailers, not a jumped up MP3 player, not ANOTHER DVD player. Next-generation bloody games please.

  • Xerx3s #18 6 years ago

    Fair nuff, would have given it an 8, but ive played it on the PC.

    Thamuhacha, these games might not look like much, but they have alot of fun packed within. More than most 'proper' games. And the price makes it even better.

    EDIT: Frod: True, as always. -_-
    Edited by 1 at 21/02/06 @ 11:06

  • OllyJ #19 6 years ago

    @Thamuhacha

    You are missing the point entirely!

    So are Microsoft bad for giving us all these extra features because they aren't what you would label "next gen"?

    So you want next gen games, they are already there. So they can't release arcade games becuase you don't think the next gen quota is high enough?

    I'd say they were, persistant global leaderbords on all arcade games...was that on PS2?

    in fact a fully fledged arcade service for fun interesting gmaes...was that on PS2 or even succesfully on Xbox?

    can Geometry wars Evolved be done on PS2?

    My problem with your attitude is you obviously have not got a 360 and are complaining about a free service (demos are free) that actually gives you a break from FPS/RPG games and gets all other levels of gamers in, my wife hasn't played a console game for years until 360.

    These game *ARE* worthwhile and to me they are a part of next gen, whether the games them selves are next gen is debateable but the service they provide is most definately next gen and it is not to be discarded as some throwaway toy until the next Pixel shaded RPG mega adventure comes along.

  • Lutz #20 6 years ago

    Zuma is so good my Mrs actually paid for it for the laptop about 6 months back.

  • Thamuhacha #21 6 years ago

    @ OllyJ

    I'm not really complaining. And it's not an "attitude".

    I do have a 360, but I haven't got around to getting it online yet. I also haven't got an HD telly, so the nice white box on it's own is a bit wasted at the moment.

    All I am saying is that these small snippets of gaming at £6.99 or so, while obviously very entertaining, don't really make me want to run home and play them.

    And while we're at it, one man's "bite-size, digitally distributed content" is another man's "incremental revenue that fills the gaps until the AAA stuff is out".

    Yes, my 360 won't really get turned on regularly until Oblivion is out. But don't mistake that for a total dismissal of these games.

  • Furbs #22 6 years ago

    The stupid thing is, if Nintendo had this service, some people would consider it a milestone in gaming, aimed at attracting non-gamers.

  • OllyJ #23 6 years ago

    @Thamuhacha

    Fair point well made. Although I think you may have a bit of a cynical viewpoint there, i'd be very suprised if in 12 months time there hasn't been an arcade game you haven't liked so much you have paid for the unlock.

    so until you actually try it can you just ignore it then? ;]

  • Fodder #24 6 years ago

    I was put off Zuma by an interview with Popcap on Gamasutra a few months back where they were complaining about all these Zuma clones that are coming out. Which, given that Zuma is a clone of Mitchell's Puzz Loop/Ballistic, is a bit rich.

    What's the betting that when Puzz Loop comes out on the DS next month, it'll be called a Zuma clone in the reviews?

  • lennon #25 6 years ago

    Zumas ok not my favourite XBLA game but good fun. I actually prefer the 360 controls to the pc version.

  • HunterKiller #26 6 years ago

    Costs £6.66?

    Altogether now: 'The number of the beeastt!!'

    Sorry.

  • Vinicity #27 6 years ago

    I've got Zuma on my cell phone, and it's easily one of my favorites (along with Doom RPG, Ancient Empires I and II, Puzzle Bobble, Townsmen 3...)

    I've actually missed my tram stop several times thanks to Zuma.

  • king_skins #28 6 years ago

    Talha: Wait... Did you say Far Cry Instincts? Are they doing an X360 version?

    As everyone else ignored you, yes and no. Its an updated version of Instincts and the new Next Chapter game, looks really good espeshially the water effects. I think EG ran a story on it a few weeks ago and there are some videos around on the web of its graphics vs PC.

  • SlackMaster #29 6 years ago

    There seem to be a lot of puzzly style games coming out that aren't really showing what the console is capable of... wonder if developers are holding off until more concrete news of the PS3?

  • DrDamn #30 6 years ago

    Small point on the Zuma XBox360 vs. PC debate. The X360 version is actually cheaper @ £6.80 or less (depending where you buy your points). PC version is $19.99.

  • Thamuhacha #31 6 years ago

    >You make it sound like "real" games are being put on the back burner to produce these...

    Well, I'm not. I appreciate that they are different projects. All (and I stress all) I wanted to point out was that the last 4 Xbox360 reviews on here were for arcade release puzzle games.

    And we are approaching the end of Feb with only 2 major full releases to show for our expensive next generation toys in 2006. And that is a little diappointing to me personally.

    That's all.
    Edited by 1 at 21/02/06 @ 15:03

  • Furbs #32 6 years ago

    Have you seen the release list for March??

  • Stormflood_UK #33 6 years ago

    My girlfriend won't stop playing Zuma - my gamertag is 'stormflood' if you want to beat her. And no, it's not me just saying that it's her because I'm too embarrased to admit playing an XBLA game more than any full price games since I bought a 360.


  • Thamuhacha #34 6 years ago

    >Have you seen the release list for March??

    I know that Oblivion is out on my girlfriend's birthday :-(

    Not as excited about Burnout / Ghost Recon. But I will probably get them.

  • Furbs #35 6 years ago

    Oblivion is going to be April now, but theres at least a dozen "decent" titles coming out. If those dont get you excited about the 360, then you might as well sell it now as its clearly the wrong machine for you.

  • Thamuhacha #36 6 years ago

    I saw "The Outfit" at E3 last year and liked it quite a lot.

    But when I tell you that the only 4 games I still own on Xbox are KOTOR, KOTOR2, Jade Empire and Fable, you might have a guess at the kind of thing that interests me :-)

  • Furbs #37 6 years ago

    Confuscious say "Man who buy 360 on launch for RPG's really should have waited for the Playstation".

  • gaijin #38 6 years ago

    @Furbs

    Gem of Hindsight - smugness +10

    to be fair, none of the games he mentions were actually available on the PS were they? But yeah, the launch line-up looked under-endowed on the RPG front (rocket-propelled grenades excepted)
    Edited by 1 at 21/02/06 @ 16:19

  • Furbs #39 6 years ago

    True, but he's clearly an RPG fan, and for that, whilst those titles are great, arguably the PS2/3 or Ninty consoles are better.

    I do get a sense that alot of people who moan about the 360's launch lineup or soon to be released games didnt do any research as to what was coming out and when - merely got caught up in the hype and had to have it right away. Ok Oblivion was always going to be a near-launch title (albeit now 5 months after!) but I dont recall hearing about too many other RPG's due out on it in the first 6 months.

    In fact even now, the only other RPG I can think of is Biostorm (I think? The new one from the KotoR people).

  • gaijin #40 6 years ago

    quite agree re the hype vs launch line-up thing. decided at outset to wait until at least Q2 and see what had actually arrived before I purchased. Not helped of course by the fact that I don't think I can justify a new console AND a new TV in one go...

    Superior Monk Gem of Self-satisfaction - smugness +20

  • Thamuhacha #41 6 years ago

    >In fact even now, the only other RPG I can think of is Biostorm (I think? The new one from the KotoR people).

    It's Mass Effect

    But Fable 2, Jade Empire 2 ... etc can't be far away!


  • HavaR #42 6 years ago

    @Fodder: Regarding Popcap, I completely agree. It seems their entire business strategy consists of copying other peoples ideas and making them available to the mass public in a convenient fashion. It wouldn't be as off-putting if they at least admitted it. I found an interview with the head of Mitchell at Insert Credit in which they touch on the Puzzloop\Zuma situation near the end. He seems pretty pissed off.
    Edited by 2 at 17/03/06 @ 23:05

  • Furbs #43 6 years ago

    Thats the one! Sorry my minds going.

  • urban #44 6 years ago

    yeah, i played this one at work for 3 months.

    oh yeha, for free!

  • msephton #45 6 years ago

    Popcap are scum for ripping of people's ideas. Hopefully Mitchell will show them who's the real deal with Puzzloop DS.

  • Royal Fool #46 6 years ago

    This game is really addictive, but also really, really hard. Once you get to the later temples the game punishes you for even the simplest mistakes and you have to be lucky to finish a level.