Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Firebird Software
I, Ball: A Retro Gem That’s Still a Blast to Play
Released in 1987, I, Ball is a vertically-scrolling shoot ’em up game that was one of the first to feature a wide range of power-ups. The player takes control of the eponymous Ball and must blast their way through waves of enemies, collecting power-ups to increase their firepower and abilities.
I, Ball was developed by Hewson Consultants and released on the ZX Spectrum, Commodore 64, and Amstrad CPC. It was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best shoot ’em ups of the 8-bit era.
Gameplay
I, Ball is a vertically-scrolling shoot ’em up in which the player controls the eponymous Ball. The Ball can move left, right, and up, and can shoot in eight directions. The player must blast their way through waves of enemies, collecting power-ups to increase their firepower and abilities.
There are a total of 16 different power-ups in I, Ball, each of which gives the player a different ability. Some of the power-ups include:
- Speed Up: Increases the Ball’s speed.
- Fire Power: Increases the Ball’s firepower.
- Spread Shot: Gives the Ball the ability to shoot in multiple directions.
- Homing Missiles: Gives the Ball the ability to fire homing missiles.
- Shield: Gives the Ball a shield that protects it from enemy fire.
The player can collect multiple power-ups at the same time, and the effects of the power-ups stack. This allows the player to become incredibly powerful and to take on even the toughest enemies.
Levels
I, Ball contains a total of 16 levels, each of which is themed differently. The levels are set in a variety of locations, including space, underwater, and inside a volcano. Each level is filled with different enemies and obstacles, and the player must use their skills and power-ups to overcome them.
Bosses
Each level of I, Ball ends with a boss fight. The bosses are large and powerful enemies that require the player to use all of their skills and power-ups to defeat them. The bosses are varied and challenging, and provide a satisfying climax to each level.
Graphics and Sound
I, Ball’s graphics are colorful and detailed for the time. The backgrounds are varied and interesting, and the enemies are well-animated. The game’s soundtrack is also impressive, with a catchy main theme and a variety of other tunes that fit the different levels.
Legacy
I, Ball was a critical and commercial success, and is still considered one of the best shoot ’em ups of the 8-bit era. The game’s innovative use of power-ups and its catchy soundtrack have made it a favorite among retro gamers. I, Ball has been ported to a variety of platforms, including the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii.
Conclusion
I, Ball is a classic shoot ’em up that is still a blast to play today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, combined with its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack, make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a retro game that will provide hours of fun, then I, Ball is definitely worth checking out.
Review Score
8/10
