Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Platforms: BBC Microcomputer System
Balls (1988)
Balls is a simple yet addictive arcade game released by Atari in 1988. The goal of the game is to hit the balls into your opponent’s goal while avoiding them yourself. Balls can be played with two or four players, and it’s a great game for all ages and skill levels.
Gameplay
Balls is played on a table with two goals, one on each side. The table is divided into three sections: the left side, the right side, and the center. Each player controls a paddle that can move up and down the table. The paddles can be used to hit the balls and send them towards the opponent’s goal.
The balls move around the table randomly, and they can bounce off the walls and the paddles. If a ball hits a paddle, it will bounce off in a different direction. If a ball goes into a goal, the player who scored the goal gets a point.
The first player to reach a certain number of points wins the game. The number of points needed to win can be set by the players before the game starts.
Controls
The controls for Balls are very simple. Each player uses a joystick to control their paddle. The joystick can be moved up and down to move the paddle up and down the table. The player can also press the button on the joystick to hit the ball.
Power-ups
There are no power-ups in Balls. However, there are some obstacles that can make the game more challenging. For example, there are sometimes bombs that will appear on the table. If a ball hits a bomb, it will explode and send the ball flying in a random direction.
Reception
Balls was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, and it quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of the late 1980s. Balls was also ported to several home consoles, including the Atari 2600, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Legacy
Balls is still considered to be one of the best arcade games of all time. It’s a simple game to learn, but it’s hard to master. Balls is a great game for all ages and skill levels, and it’s sure to provide hours of fun.
Tips for playing Balls
Here are a few tips for playing Balls:
- Use the walls to your advantage. The walls can be used to bounce the balls in different directions. This can be helpful for setting up shots or for avoiding the opponent’s paddle.
- Don’t be afraid to hit the ball hard. The harder you hit the ball, the faster it will go. This can be helpful for scoring goals or for getting the ball past the opponent’s paddle.
- Be patient. Balls is a game of patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t score right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Conclusion
Balls is a classic arcade game that’s still fun to play today. It’s a simple game to learn, but it’s hard to master. Balls is a great game for all ages and skill levels, and it’s sure to provide hours of fun.
Review Score
8/10
