Zubo

Nintendo exclusive

Zubo is a 3D rhythm action game set in the vibrant and melodic universe of Zubalon. Players enter Zubalon to help the zany inhabitants, the Zubos, defeat a malicious mastermind and his army of dastardly Zombos.

Released: 3 October 2008
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Genres: Action Real-time strategy Rhythm Role-playing
Developers: Electronic Arts
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Modes: Single-player
Themes: Action Comedy Kids
Country: United Kingdom
Age ratings: ESRB E10+PEGI 7

About

Zubo (Japanese: Toobo (トゥーボ, Tūbo)) is a rhythm action video game developed by EA Bright Light for the Nintendo DS. The game was released in October 2008 in Europe and Australia, January 2009 in Japan and March 2009 in North America.

›Story

Players enter the world of Zubalon to help the colourful and zany inhabitants, the Zubos, defeat an evil force which is bent on world domination. Players can befriend the Zubos they meet along the way, feed and nurture them, help them gain skills and strength, and assist them in their battles with the enemy, the dastardly Zombos. A key element to Zubo is music, which is intrinsic to Zubalon from its tuneful plant life through to its currency of musical notes. The player will use the music to drive the battles forward, synchronising their stylus action and tapping in time with the musical beats to win! With 55 Zubos available to find and recruit to a player’s squad, plus a wealth of interactions and mini-games, and the world of Zubalon to explore, Zubo offers a deeply rewarding Nintendo DS experience.

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

All actions, including movement, selection, and battles, are performed with the stylus and touch screen. In Zubo, players can befriend up to 55 different types of Zubos they meet while travelling in Zubalon, feed and nurture them, help them gain skills and strength, and assist them in chasing off Zombos. Each Zubo is one of 3 types which allows a fully flexible team that you can use to your own advantage in strategic battles with rhythm action mechanics, where the player attacks by tapping or sliding the stylus on the Nintendo DS's touchscreen; different Zubo types are stronger or weaker at attacking others. The game is divided into several themed worlds, each with a team of Zubos which the player can add to their team.

Story

Zubo is set in the world of Zubalon, which is inhabited by a race called the Zubos. Zubalon is under siege by Big Head and his army of fake Zubo clones, named Zombos.

The objective of the game is to go on a journey around Zubalon with a team of any 3 Zubos you meet along your way, to scavenger through 3 different worlds, defeat all bosses, and then defeat the final boss, Big Head at the end of the game to save and restore the world of Zubalon.

Reception

Zubo received mixed reviews. Critics complimented its charming presentation and new combat system, recommending it for children, while criticizing its lack of storyline and lack of objectives.