As a bit of a game junkie, I’ve got to confess that I’ve tried many different games over the years. Chess games, solitaire, sliders, action, RPG, and so on. You get the picture, I’m sure. Actually, there are more games installed on my Touch Pro than there are productivity apps. Honestly, this has caused a slight bit of numbness when looking for a new game to excite my senses, one that makes me want to revisit it after the initial five minutes of joy wears off.
I’ve known about
Astraware’s Zuma game for several years, first becoming aware of it as a Palm user. I never played it though, as I didn’t know if it would appeal to what I wanted in a game. So, when Astraware announced that they had introduced an updated version for Windows Mobile, the time seemed right for me to give it a try. Alison and crew were kind enough to set me up with the full version so that I could try it on my Touch Pro. When I was finally able to install it Saturday, you might be surprised by my initial reaction: “WOW!” I simply couldn’t believe I hadn’t tried this game before!
Game play is a cross between a puzzle and an action game, with a tinge of RPG creeping in here and there. Your character is the frog idol, given the task of “shooting” different colored balls at a string of advancing marbles. If you can group together three or more in row, they disappear in a glittery explosion. You have to be quick though, the parade of marbles continues to progress towards the center. If they make it, you lose one of three lives; if you clear the balls from the level, you advance. The game play is enjoyable in two aspects: you can start the game with the goal of a long marathon session of protecting the temple, or you can jump in and out of for quick bursts of activity. Astraware’s own description is quite accurate:
Survive the ancient temples of Zuma, the critically acclaimed action-puzzler from PopCap! Deep in the jungle lie hidden temples bursting with traps and trickery, and it’s up to you to uncover their treasures. Fire magical balls from your stone frog idol to make matches of three or more and clear the deadly chain before it reaches the golden skull.
Explore all the temples – if you’re good, you’ll rack up huge combos and special bonuses that’ll help you on your way. But think fast and aim smart, or you’ll be history in this action-packed puzzle challenge!
The graphics in the updated version have been optimized for newer devices, and animations are slick. The details are so rich that they only add to making Zuma a true joy to play! I’ve set the image quality to normal on my Touch Pro and the game runs very smoothly. Animations keep the flow from level to level visually exciting as well.
You can download a fully functional, time limited trial of Zuma
here. If you decide to register it, the full version is available for $9.99. When registering the full version, you will find that Astraware uses a new system. You will no longer receive a code based on your owner name. Instead you will receive a link associated with your Astraware account that can be used to download a full version CAB file. This method was very smooth and welcomed, as in the end it provided one less piece of information for me to have to organize.
In conclusion, Astraware’s Zuma for Windows Mobile is a joy of a game that I found truly refreshing in both game play, quality of graphics and animation. I definitely encourage you to give the demo a chance on your handheld. I don’t think you will be disappointed!
Details for Astraware Zuma:
- Cost: $9.99
- Version: 1.50
- Supported Devices: Windows Mobile Professional w/ Touch Screen, QVGA, QWVGA, VGA, WVGA
- 10+ MB of Memory
- Trial Available Here
- Information for Previous Users:
Please Note: This is a completely new version of Zuma, totally rebuilt for all phones running Windows Mobile 5 and later. It adds compatibility for newer phones and has a new play mode, but if you already have Zuma, you’ll need to completely uninstall the previous version and you will lose your saved games. If you don’t want to lose your progress, please do not install this new update.
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Related posts:
- Astraware Updates Zuma for Windows Mobile
- Deal of the Day: Astraware Solitaire for Windows Mobile
- Press Release: Astraware Presents Bubble Shuffle
