Ziro is a challenging puzzle game that uses two primary concepts, terrain placement and simple mathematics, to solve puzzles within a 2D and 3D setting.  In Ziro, humanity has become more technological, using up all of Mother Nature’s resources as they become more disconnected from mother earth.  To show her dislike to humanity, she begins changing the weather across the earth, which comes to the attention of Ziro, a snowman earth guardian.  Wanting to save the Earth, you start a quest with Ziro to save the world from global warming, which you do by helping Ziro solve puzzles on different continents.  While helping Ziro on his quest, the player is challenged with over 300 puzzles as they learn interesting facts about global warming. 

Graphics: 10

I found the graphics to Ziro to be rather impressive. It is rare that players are able to move between a 2D and 3D setting.  In most cases, the background, blocks, and dice look to be 2D, but as you start moving around the camera, you have options of seeing each level in multiple modes, including a 3D mode where you can easily see the beautiful textures of the dice sprites. 

Sound: 10

Again, Ziro surprised me with the music that is incorporated in the game.  Unlike most puzzle games, the music changes throughout the game, moving from something whimsical to an almost techno style.  This music is reminiscent of many old console video games and I would not be surprised if many players have a feeling of deja vu.  I believe it was definitely worth the time of the developers to spend extra time working on sound effects and music, since this part of the game was absolutely superb. 

Game Play: 10

While playing Ziro, I could not find any obvious errors or bug in this game. Everything worked beautifully and complemented other aspects of the game.  Ziro has very simple controls, primarily consisting of sliding the dice around the level as you try creating like numbers on the dice, eventually leading to all the dice disappearing from the level.  One of my favorite features that helped with game play was the multiple angles that are available to the player through the camera.  As I was playing, I found eight different camera views, which the player could quickly switch between using the number keys. 

Options: 10

Seeing all the options that were available in this game was shocking, since many puzzle games have very few options to help or change game play.  Most of the typical options were available in the game, such as volume controls, screen modes, monitor resolutions, etc.  What truly surprised me were the other options to change the actual game play.  For one, players could choose to play through quest mode, skill more, or practice.  Once players have decided on their chosen game mode, they can then choose between three difficulties: easy, medium, or hardcore.  Even with these difficulties, the game slowly progresses in difficulty, creating a challenging game for all levels of players. 

Fun: 10

Being someone that normally does not play dice games, I was surprised how entertaining and absorbed I became in this game.  It has been a long time since I’ve seen a game that has been this well executed.  I found the timing of different challenges very rewarding as well, since many of these obstacles appeared at points where the player has become accustomed to their gaming surroundings.  I personally like puzzle games that appeal to not only my mind, but my other senses as well, and Ziro did this.

Overall:  10

I found Ziro to be a fun, entertaining, game that was executed to the near perfection by its developers.  Thinking back on my game play experience, I cannot think of any glaring flaws.  I could see some players not appreciating the pushy message of global warming, but it is expected when one chooses to play a game with this theme.  Even for those who are unsure if they will like the games storyline, I highly recommend this puzzle game and am certain it will keep you busy for hours.

Go to Ziro download page.