Zanzarah

by Softek International

Product Features

• Real-time combat
• Beautiful visuals and sounds
• use magical teleportation runes to shift to virtually any key location - provided, of course, she has already found the corresponding rune
• Several critics named the music of ZanZarah: The Hidden Portal one of the most impressive soundtracks in years.[1][2] Most of the themes were created by a German composer King Einstein (also known for his work on the Cultures RTS series). The title theme Come With Me was composed and performed by British-Latvian singer Karina Gretere, whom some compare to Enya.[3]
• The gameplay in ZanZarah: The Hidden Portal is quite simple but nevertheless entertaining. Following the tradition of Final Fantasy series, the game process is divided into battle and exploration phases.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00007JO7G
• Media: CD-ROM
• Release Date: December 1, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,512 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This game rocks!, January 7, 2003

By 

Mike (Hamburg, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zanzarah (CD-ROM)

I am usually very critical regarding PC games
and for the most part with reason since innovation
combined with quality is a rare phenomenon nowadays.

I feel that Zanzarah brings innovation to the world
combined with an attractive gameplay that not only
appeals to youngsters but also to the elder generation
of PC gamers. The graphics are very up to date and fluent.
Rarely have I experienced such an atmosphere rich in
detail and colours. Combined with the music one falls
deep into Zanzarah with a sense of being part of that
magical world.

As I've stated before this is a game that can be
enjoyed by folks of all ages. The action part of
the game might seem a bit complicated at first but
is easily managed after a little practise.

This is one of the best games I've ever played
in my life. The graphics are extremely good and
the music and sound fx are brilliant.

Buy this game, it's worth EVERY Cent!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome game, August 29, 2003

By 

avgold (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Zanzarah (CD-ROM)

Although this game is an obvious pokemon [copy], it is one of the better fantasy games I have ever played. It took me quite a while to get used to the fighting mode, it is challenging and confusing at first, but once mastered, it is a blast. The sound and graphics are fantastic, the control was excellent, and the story line, although similer to others was great. I absolutly loved it and will play it through again, collecting and training different faries the second time around. There are 77 different faries that can be found and trained.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of The Best Games EVER!, August 25, 2006

By 

M. Mcmahon "phaylen" (East) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

= Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Zanzarah (CD-ROM)

I'm deeply saddened that Zanzarah: The Lost Portal was discontinued by the developers. As evidenced by the reviews throughout the internet, it truly is a gem that every game/fantasy lover should experience. I have to say it is perhaps one of the most fulfilling games I've ever played.

1. Graphics and Design are impeccable. The beautiful artwork that has brought the multi-faceted world of Zanzarah is like no other. Rivaling some of the most high profile/heavily funded games on the market, the Graphics are simply awe inspring.

2. Gameplay; This provided weeks of endless entertainment. Unlike so many other computer games, this one can't be beaten in an hour of play and shelved. The world is deeply complex, and it requires both patience, skill and a desire for fun.

3. Storyline - Absolutely magnificent, bringing together the most beloved races in fantasy as we know it, the story of Zanzatah is breathtaking and well devised. I was never once disappointed or bored, and as it unraveled before me throughout gameplay, it was often difficult to stop as you never knew what was beyond the next curve. It was wonderfully immersive.

4. Play Style - Easy to navigate, beautiful, unimposing interface, simple, uncomplicated. Traversing the world was easy and unobtrusive. No encyclopedia of hotkeys to memorize, fully customizable. One of the most user friendly styles I have seen.

5. Soundtrack - Positively mezmorizing. The music of Zanzarah was completely befitting for the atmosphere, never severe and highly appropriate for the genre. It really lended itself to the overall experience and contributed to the game seamlessly.

6. Entertainment Factor - I gave it five stars. This is a game for everyone, children, adults, lovers of fantasy, gamers, you name it. I would share this game with ANYONE with good conscience, and proudly.

7. Combat - Anyone familiar with the Final Fantasy combat style will recognize the influence here. You have full control, and as your character advances, enjoy many new opportunities in a combat situation. It is a welcome break from the increasing market of 'slash'em up' sword and shield games. These are magical creatures with an extensive line of elemental abilities including fire, nature, chaos, psi, metal, air, stone and more. The creatures all have strengths and weaknesses and understanding them is key to success- all of this diversity really lends itself to the enjoyment. You have to rely more on wits here than on simple mechanical actions. This keeps your attention, and makes you have to think- something many games lack.

8. Multiplayer options - Once confident in teh 'team' you acquire throught your journeys, and the possibilities are limitless- you can take a chance and enter the lavish arena to test your skills against players from across the globe. This add a whole other dimension to Zanzarah, extending gameplay potential.

9. System Compatibility - More and more we have games that are getting astronomical in size. Zanzarah is suitable for almost ANY computer, and still maintains the integrity of a quality visual event. It is not adversely large, doesn't require an large amount of memory and will not monopolize your computer resources. Many times I alt-tabbed out, had other programs running, and never once suffered even the most remote lag, or glitch and my computer is Average. You can further optimize the level of quality in the video options which will maximize your game performance.

Truthfully, I cannot say enough good things about Zanzarah. I am dumbfounded that it failed to perform on the competitive game market. However, I contribute this to poor commercial marketing. I had never heard of this title until I accidentally stumbled across it on ebay. Zanzarah was quietly released in 2002 and due to the lack of visibility made barely a ripple in the pond and was consequently discontinued.
I personally hope the developers pick up the ball once again and realize what a treasure this game is and continue developing Zanzarah add-ons and expansions. If you get this game, you will NOT regret it!