A highly enjoyable game that packs in a lot of playtime for the points.

User Rating: 8 | Zuma Deluxe X360
By Jarua | Review Date:
Zuma is one of the first games I played in the arcade, and was also one of the first titles I purchased through Microsoft's new online system. Although the concept isn't entirely original, this doesn't detract from the fast paced action and enjoyment you'll get from beating some of the more difficult levels.

The first contact most people have with this game is through the demo, which is freely available through the Xbox Live Arcade -- and it has to be said that you won't be disappointed with the free trial. Popcap games give you a healthy selection of five levels to try, if you enjoy puzzle games that's more than enough to get you hooked!

After purchasing the game for a respectable 800 points you gain access to a wide selection of additional levels, as well as a new gauntlet mode where you see how long you can survive against an endlessly advancing stream of balls. Although some of the earlier levels are less than exciting, things soon get interesting once the speed picks up. As with all other arcade games there are numerous achievements that when earned add to your overall gamerscore. These achievements can be a little tricky to say the least -- they range from simple things like managing to pull off a set number of combos in a row, to far more difficult challenges such as completing a level in less than five seconds. It's fair to say that if you enjoy earning achievements in Live you'll have plenty to keep you busy here.

Although it's probably my own personal neurosis, one of the things I enjoyed the most about this game is the repetitive music that fits so well with the theme. Even though the music only changes to a more nerveracking tone just before you're about to lose a life, its repetitive nature of the Zuma theme doesn't bother me in the slightest -- in fact I find it to be a comforting reminder that things aren't going completely wrong for me in a level. However, I wouldn't be surprised if it drove some people crazy.

Compared to some of the other games in the arcade, Zuma Deluxe does have the feel of being an extremely well polished title -- the music, the artwork, and even the back story all fit into an Aztec style that fits very well indeed. While visually it may be a little easy on the eye candy, everything is done to a high standard.

I have no trouble in recommending Zuma is one of the better games available through the arcade, and a must have addition for any puzzle fan.

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