The game also includes Zen mode, wherein the player races against the clock to complete boards, attack box mode, where the various attack mini-games can be practiced, and a robust multiplayer feature allowing players to go head to head with one cartridge. Multiplayer especially is a blast – the back and forth nature of the battle system is well suited for balanced matches, provided that all parties are familiar with the game.

Overall, the gameplay is fresh and rewarding, but it takes getting used to. The biggest hurdle for players weaned on Sunday paper puzzles is the change from numbers to symbols – it’s difficult to reference them at first, especially when simple digits are so immediately familiar. The symbols do appear on the side of the board for convenience, but this doesn’t completely alleviate the problem.  Also, the pace is truly manic – Sudoku experts may have an easier time adjusting, but it’s difficult to complete the more difficult boards when you’re under the constant barrage of wacky mini-games.

The Aesthetic lends itself to games like Super Puzzle Fighter – with a storyline containing super deformed, anime style characters that have little to do with the gameplay past a “lucky” symbol that brings more attack power. The graphics are bright and colorful, and the music is upbeat, if a bit generic. In Sudoku mode, it’s actually rather tranquil and much more “Zen” than it is in Zendoku mode.

Overall, Zendoku is a game that takes a wildly popular (and rather overdone) game, tweaks it, and repackages it with character and color. The gameplay is solid, if a bit gimmicky at first, and the theme is cute and well executed throughout. With that said, Zendoku is not for everyone – it lacks the “pick up and play” accessibility of many other puzzle titles, due to the very features that set it apart from the pack. It’s a quirky title, highly recommended for fans of puzzles and twitch gameplay, but not necessarily to the average gamer.