Zanzarah

List Price: $4.99 Discount Price: $9.06

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.

Accessories:
PC Gamer (1-year)	Games for Windows: The Official Magazine

Customer Reviews:

Awesome game [Posted on 2003-08-30]
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.

Are there more out there like this? [Posted on 2005-08-18]
My husband and I buy computer games to play together, but we don't do it as often as we used to, because the games have really taken on the feel of the same-old, same-old. This game was a blast! We fought over who got to run the computer and we didn't even look for cheats until we had spent hours and hours just playing it. I loved the combination of the adventure/search for clues and the fairy battles. I don't generally enjoy the role playing games, so this one was just enough interaction to keep it interesting and not so much that it was mind-numbing. I'm still looking for a game that is like it.

One of The Best Games EVER! [Posted on 2006-08-26]
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!

Fairy lover's dream [Posted on 2007-01-20]
This is challenging enough for even the most skilled gamer but is not too hard to learn even for beginners. I highly recommend this game. The scenes are beautifully done and the game play is great.

Simply great! [Posted on 2008-03-03]
This is one of the best games I ever played. I spent hours of great time on Windows 2000, then XP but when Vista came out, game didn't work very well at first. That disappointed me a lot, I thought I lost it. But don't get discouraged, if you have tuned Vista, Zanzarah works even on Vista although it's not rated.

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