Summary
- Release Year: 1998
- Genres: Arcade
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Longbow Digital Arts
- Publishers: Longbow Digital Arts
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
