Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC
- Publishers: The Power House
Astroball (1988): A Perpetually Moving Classic
Released in 1988 for the Amstrad CPC, Astroball is a single-screen action game that’s both simple to learn and difficult to master. The player controls a perpetually moving ball and must collect items by simply touching them. The game is over when the ball touches the edge of the screen or an enemy.
Despite its simple gameplay, Astroball is a surprisingly addictive and challenging game. The ball’s constant motion creates a sense of urgency, and the variety of items to collect keeps the game fresh. There are also a number of hidden secrets to discover, which adds to the game’s replayability.
Gameplay
The player controls the ball using a joystick or keyboard. The ball moves constantly, and the player can only control its direction. The ball can move in eight directions: up, down, left, right, and four diagonals.
The goal of the game is to collect items by touching them. There are a variety of items to collect, including points, power-ups, and extra lives. Some items are worth more points than others, and some power-ups give the player special abilities, such as increased speed or the ability to shoot projectiles.
The game is over when the ball touches the edge of the screen or an enemy. There are a number of different types of enemies in the game, each with its own unique behavior. Some enemies are stationary, while others move around the screen. Some enemies can be destroyed by touching them, while others can only be destroyed by shooting them.
Development
Astroball was written by Frederik Akinlawon and published by The Power House. Akinlawon was inspired to create the game after playing the arcade game Qix. He wanted to create a game with similar gameplay, but with a more abstract aesthetic.
Astroball was developed on a shoestring budget. Akinlawon used a variety of techniques to create the game’s unique visuals, including vector graphics and hand-drawn sprites. The game’s music was composed by David Whittaker, who also composed the music for a number of other Amstrad CPC games, including The Way of the Exploding Fist and Skool Daze.
Reception
Astroball was released to critical acclaim. Reviewers praised the game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its unique visuals. The game was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.
Astroball is still considered one of the best games for the Amstrad CPC. It is a challenging and rewarding game that is sure to appeal to fans of action games and retro gaming.
Legacy
Astroball has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Atari ST. The game has also been released on a number of compilation discs and digital storefronts.
In 2018, a remake of Astroball was released for the PC. The remake features updated graphics and sound, but the gameplay remains largely the same.
Astroball is a classic game that has stood the test of time. It is a simple but challenging game that is sure to appeal to gamers of all ages.
Review Score
7.5/10
