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Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension (USA)
Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension (USA) on Genesis
Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension is a platformer that hit the Sega Genesis in 1993, originally developed by Gremlin Graphics for the Amiga and then ported westward. The game casts you as Zool, a tiny ninja who dashes through candy- and toy-themed levels, collecting sweets and hopping on enemies. It was one of the earlier mascot platformers trying to snag a piece of the Sonic boom, but it never reached that kind of fame in North America.
You move Zool left and right across side-scrolling stages, jumping on foes and avoiding hazards. Each level has a time limit and a set of colored gems to collect, plus power-ups that let you shoot projectiles or move faster. The controls are simple: run, jump, and attack. The challenge comes from tight platform sections and enemies that require precise timing to stomp or dodge. There are bonus rounds and occasional boss fights, but the core loop is straightforward - reach the end of the stage with enough points and lives intact.
Today, Zool is a curiosity more than a must-play classic. It wears its ninja and candy themes on its sleeve, but the level design feels a bit stiff compared to Sonic or even the better Mario games. If you enjoy obscure Genesis platformers or want to see how British developers tried to break into the mascot race, it's worth a quick romp. Just don't expect deep mechanics or tight controls - it's a product of its era, and that era was figuring out what worked.
You move Zool left and right across side-scrolling stages, jumping on foes and avoiding hazards. Each level has a time limit and a set of colored gems to collect, plus power-ups that let you shoot projectiles or move faster. The controls are simple: run, jump, and attack. The challenge comes from tight platform sections and enemies that require precise timing to stomp or dodge. There are bonus rounds and occasional boss fights, but the core loop is straightforward - reach the end of the stage with enough points and lives intact.
Today, Zool is a curiosity more than a must-play classic. It wears its ninja and candy themes on its sleeve, but the level design feels a bit stiff compared to Sonic or even the better Mario games. If you enjoy obscure Genesis platformers or want to see how British developers tried to break into the mascot race, it's worth a quick romp. Just don't expect deep mechanics or tight controls - it's a product of its era, and that era was figuring out what worked.
How to Play Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension (USA) Online
Start a new game by pressing Enter. The first level is a candy land called Choccyworld. You'll see Zool standing on the left; use the arrow keys to move him right. Press X to jump over pits and onto enemies, and S to attack if you have a weapon power-up (you start without one). The goal is to reach the big exit door at the end of each stage. Grab as many colored gems as you can - they boost your score and sometimes trigger bonus items. Avoid touching spikes, falling into pits, or getting hit by enemies. Touching an enemy without stomping it costs a life.
Your main attack is jumping on top of enemies, much like Mario. But you can also collect a fireball power-up that lets you shoot with the S button. The game scrolls automatically in some sections, so keep moving or you'll be crushed. Each world has three levels and a boss fight. The time limit is generous early on, but later stages get tighter. If you lose all lives, you can continue from the beginning of the current world, but your score resets. Take your time to learn enemy patterns and tricky jumps - the game rewards patience over speed.
Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension exclusive to SEGA Genesis or did it appear on other systems?
It was not exclusive to the Genesis. Zool originally launched on the Amiga in 1992 and later received ports to several platforms including the SNES, Game Boy, and PC. The Genesis version is one of multiple console adaptations.
In what year was Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension originally released?
The original Amiga release was 1992, and the Sega Genesis port followed in 1993. The exact month varies by region, but the Genesis version is generally listed as 1993.
Who developed Zool - Ninja of the 'Nth' Dimension?
The game was created by Gremlin Graphics, a British developer based in Sheffield. They produced the Amiga original and handled the Genesis conversion in-house.
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