Free colorful match-3 puzzle game
Zuma is a trial version of the match-3 puzzle game. In this highly addictive arcade game, you control a frog that can spit out balls of different colors. Once these launched balls match at least two of the same color from the moving line of balls, they explode.
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Because of its success, Zuma has seen several other similar games in the market, most notably Luxor and Tumblebugs. These games feature the same gameplay mechanics but with slightly different designs, with the PopCap Games creation serving as the template for all others.
Make all the balls explode
The basic objective of Zuma is to complete levels by making all the balls explode. Each level has a clearly defined path through which a series of balls passes. At the end of this path is a sacred golden skull, and once the balls reach this skull, it’s game over for you. Before this happens, you have to eliminate the slowly-moving balls by completing sets of three or more from your trusty ball-spitting frog.
Your frog stays in a fixed position and can only rotate around its axis. Aside from the active ball at the mouth of your frog, you can also see a spare one at its back, allowing you to switch between the two balls to make a better shot whenever possible. Also, there are bonuses such as coins for doing trick shots, such as passing balls through gaps in the line, or power-ups that slow down the movement of the balls or make them go backward for a short time.
In terms of gameplay, the Aztec aesthetics give the game a unique identity that has helped it stand out from other games in the genre. Also, the game becomes more complicated as it goes on. Certain stages have extended lines of balls, while others challenge you with multiple golden skulls to guard the balls against. It provides additional challenges despite its repetitive gameplay mechanics.
Lacking in variety
Zuma has two main modes: Adventure and Gauntlet. In adventure mode, you get to play through the levels, which are divided into “temples” and “worlds.” On the other hand, the gauntlet mode lets you play any level you’ve previously completed. It allows you to practice your aim and response, or you can play the survival mode, where the continuous stream of balls gets faster over time. Unfortunately, there’s not much difference between the two game modes in terms of difficulty, gameplay, or features.
Additionally, another drawback of the game is that its gameplay mechanics don’t change. From the first to the last level, you are tasked with the same objective of eliminating the balls. Of course, as your responsiveness and aiming skills improve over time, the latter stages become less challenging, making the game boring in the long run. It makes the game less enjoyable, especially for the more competitive players.
Fun for the whole family
Zuma boasts easy controls, an intuitive gameplay mechanic, and a visually appealing design–making it a perfect game for a wide range of players. Its steadily progressing stages and its in-game bonuses create opportunities for extra achievements for players willing to go the extra mile, such as shooting through gaps or aiming for specific balls.
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