Personal Computer Games


Zenji

Author: Robert Patrick
Publisher: Activision
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #13

Zenji

To tell the absolute truth when I first loaded this game I could make neither head nor tail of it. The aim is to fill a maze with yellow by rotating the various elements.

As you can see, this does not lend itself easily to description and the copywriter, to avoid this problem, has filled the tape inlay card with a load of pseudo-philosophical hokum. The instructions are full of words like 'experience', 'desire' and intuition in a desperate attempt to create an illusion of oriental mystique. In fact the game is simply a puzzle to be solved in real time.

You move your man around and when you reach a junction you can rotate that section left or right. If you make a useful connection the pieces you have connected with turn yellow. Eventually you will turn the whole network yellow and you then progress to a higher level with a larger maze and the added disadvantage of having the flames of desire chasing you. Should you make contact with these you will 'lose your head' and have to start again.

Zenji

'Zenji is like life' claim Activision. But then they also say: 'There is no conquest. There is no planning. Use the mind differently.' Well I'm not going to argue with their philosophy but I am dubious as to how well this game is likely to sell. It's not easy to get into and even when you have figured out what to do, it's not exactly the most addictive game you'll play.

On the plus side the graphics are good and chunky and the sound though not excessively used, is nonetheless effective.

Control is fairly good but can be a little sticky at times.

Zenji

If you like computerized puzzles, Zenji may appeal to you; it's certainly one of the best, but unfortunately this isn't my cup of Darjeeling.

In the words of my brother, 'How do you shoot?'

Martyn Smith

The strange and mystic writings and the warning to trust your intuition on the cassette inlay made me a bit sceptical about the content of this game. But, they are right - to get to grips with this one you must take heed of the warnings and use your intuition.

Zenji

The graphics are pretty unimaginative and there is no sound to speak of. The overall presentation is rather scruffy and looks as though Activision have rushed it out, but Zenji is still very good, and an excellent puzzle.

With the release of Beyond's Ankh it looks as though we may be entering the era of the arcade-puzzle and, if so, Zenji will be one of the top sellers. A worthy addition to anyone's software collection and especially those with quick fingers and logical minds.

Steve Spittle

To begin with, I found Zenji horribly frustrating - now I know it's horribly addictive.

You compete against yourself, perhaps that is what makes it so enthralling. I guarantee that even if you hate puzzles, this one will have you hooked; but remember "hang loose".

Robert Patrick

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