{{Short description|2007 video game}} {{Infobox video game |title = Zendoku |image = File:Zendoku DS.jpg |caption = European Nintendo DS cover art |developer = Zoonami |publisher = Eidos Interactive |director = Martin Hollis |producer = Martin Hollis |designer = Alain Vitus |programmer = Richard Brooksby<br>Paul Hankin<br>Gareth Rees |artist = Graham Galvin |writer = James Leach |composer = |released = '''Nintendo DS'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|April 20, 2007|NA|June 26, 2007}}'''PSP'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|April 20, 2007}} |genre = Puzzle |modes = Single-player, multiplayer |platforms = Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable }}
'''''Zendoku''''' is a 2007 puzzle video game developed by Zoonami and published by Eidos Interactive for the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable handheld consoles.
==Gameplay== thumb|left|200px|Screenshot showing Zendoku multiplayer on the Nintendo DS
''Zendoku'' is a variation of Sudoku, offering a slightly more combative experience than simply lining up numbers.<ref name="EuroG review">{{Cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/zendoku-review |title=Zendoku |website=Eurogamer |date=April 27, 2007 |first=Simon |last=Parkin |access-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219150106/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/zendoku-review |archive-date=February 19, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> Players must now insert symbols, rather than the standard numbers. Players choose characters and choose to attack or defend against a challenger, which takes place via mini-games started upon filling in a group of numbers. The game is set against anime-influenced backdrops and has a "light-hearted martial arts" theme. The game also offers single-player puzzles.
==Development and release== ''Zendoku'' was developed by Zoonami and published by Eidos Interactive for the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable handheld consoles. According to Zoonami CEO Martin Hollis, the game's focus is on fun and innovation, stating that the company wanted to turn "a familiar paper and pencil game into a puzzling, battling, micro-gaming, fighting extravaganza."<ref name="IGN announcement">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/19/zendoku-comes-to-psp-and-ds |title=Zendoku Comes to PSP and DS |website=IGN |date=October 19, 2006 |first=Meghan |last=Sullivan |access-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221053758/https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/10/19/zendoku-comes-to-psp-and-ds |archive-date=February 21, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> In North America, ''Zendoku'' was released to retailers on June 18, 2007.<ref name="NA release">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shippin-out-june-18-22-re4-wii-hot-brain-bia-and-simcity-ds/1100-6172770/ |title=Shippin' Out June 18-22: RE4 Wii, Hot Brain, BIA & SimCity DS |website=GameSpot |date=June 19, 2007 |first=Tor |last=Thorsen |access-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517063140/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/shippin-out-june-18-22-re4-wii-hot-brain-bia-and-simcity-ds/1100-6172770/ |archive-date=May 17, 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Reception== ''Zendoku'' received generally mixed reviews from critics.<ref name="Metacritic">{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/zendoku/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |title=Zendoku |website=Metacritic |access-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204022528/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/zendoku |archive-date=February 4, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> The UK Nintendo Magazine, ONM praised the DS version of the game for its colourful graphics, but criticized it for the confusing system of using symbols instead of numbers, as well as the minigames feeling tacked on and more of an annoyance, but finished by saying, "One for multiplayer only".
NGamer praised the multiplayer game highly, saying, "The thrill of using logical reasoning to kick someone's arse is a phenomenal experience."
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==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Cite web |url=http://www.eidosinteractive.com/games/info.html?gmid=174 |title=''Zendoku'' at Eidosinteractive.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071202153424/http://www.eidosinteractive.com/games/info.html?gmid=174 |archive-date=December 2, 2007 |url-status=dead}}
Category:2007 video games Category:Eidos Interactive games Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games Category:Nintendo DS games Category:PlayStation Portable games Category:Puzzle video games Category:Sudoku video games Category:Video games developed in the United Kingdom