DX-Ball 2 (1998)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

DX-Ball 2 (1998): A Classic Brick Buster with Stunning Graphics and Innovative Gameplay

DX-Ball 2 is a brick buster game developed by Longbow Games and released in 1998 for Microsoft Windows. It is the sequel to the popular DX-Ball game by Michael P. Welch, and it features a number of improvements over the original, including stunning 16-bit high-color graphics, new power-ups, and a multiplayer mode.

Gameplay

The gameplay in DX-Ball 2 is similar to other brick buster games. The player controls a paddle at the bottom of the screen and must use it to bounce a ball up and destroy the bricks at the top of the screen. The bricks are arranged in a variety of patterns, and the player must use different power-ups to help them clear the screen.

One of the most unique features of DX-Ball 2 is its board-set selection system. This allows the player to select between different sets of boards to play. The free demo comes packed with a total of 24 boards divided into 6 board-sets of 4 boards search. Additional board packs can then be installed for more boards, whereas Board Pack 1 will expand the demo board-sets to 25 boards each, for a total of 150 boards. This gives the game a lot of replayability, as there are always new challenges to try.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in DX-Ball 2 are some of the best in the genre. The game uses a 16-bit high-color engine to create vibrant and detailed graphics. The bricks and backgrounds are all beautifully textured, and the animations are smooth and fluid.

The sound in DX-Ball 2 is also top-notch. The game features an original soundtrack by SideWinder, and the sound effects are all very well done. The music is catchy and upbeat, and it helps to create a fun and exciting atmosphere.

Power-Ups

DX-Ball 2 features a variety of power-ups that can help the player clear the screen. These power-ups include:

  • Expand: Makes the paddle wider, making it easier to hit the ball.
  • Shrink: Makes the paddle narrower, making it more difficult to hit the ball.
  • Speed Up: Makes the ball move faster.
  • Slow Down: Makes the ball move slower.
  • Fireball: Makes the ball shoot fireballs that can destroy multiple bricks at once.
  • Laser: Makes the ball shoot a laser that can destroy bricks instantly.
  • Bomb: Drops a bomb that can destroy all the bricks on the screen.

Multiplayer Mode

DX-Ball 2 features a hotseat multiplayer mode that allows up to four players to compete against each other. The multiplayer mode is a lot of fun, and it adds a lot of replayability to the game.

Conclusion

DX-Ball 2 is a classic brick buster game that still holds up today. The game’s stunning graphics, innovative gameplay, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging brick buster game to play, then DX-Ball 2 is definitely worth checking out.

Additional Information

  • Developer: Longbow Games
  • Publisher: Microsoft
  • Release Date: 1998
  • Platforms: Microsoft Windows
  • Genre: Brick Buster
  • ESRB Rating: Everyone

Screenshots

[Image of DX-Ball 2 gameplay]

[Image of DX-Ball 2 board-set selection screen]

Links

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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