Intro

3DZ is a puzzle-platformer in which you switch your zombie between a normal, nimble and tough form to navigate maps.

Playtime: 13 minutes

TL;DR: 3DZ does two things and neither of them properly.

Review

Switching between different player characters has been around since Lost Vikings (1993) and done really well in games like Trine and Trine 2 (2009/2011). 3DZ combines this gameplay element with "hardcore" platforming found in Super Meat Boy and millions of other games. It's a decent idea, just executed poorly.

Switching between forms feels clunky, especially because the default keys (Q/E) are too far from attack/activate (Z/X) to be tapped reliably without looking. There aren't even remotely enough checkpoints, so you have to redo too much of the level when you die. The nail in the coffin is that you can't control how high you jump. You always take a big leap. This means you never feel in control, which is essential for a "hardcore" platformer.