Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Fighting, Strategy
- Platforms: 3DO Interactive Multiplayer, Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
- Developers: PF Magic
- Publishers: Accolade, Panasonic
Ballz: The Director’s Cut (1995): A Unique and Entertaining 3D Fighting Game
Released in 1995 for the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, Ballz: The Director’s Cut is an improved version of the original Ballz 3D: Fighting at its Ballziest. It’s a 3D fighting game with a unique twist: all of the characters are made out of balls.
Gameplay
Ballz: The Director’s Cut features a roster of 12 playable characters, each with their own unique moves, animations, and combos. The game’s single-player mode consists of a series of fights against the other playable characters, followed by a variety of final bosses, such as a tyrannosaurus, kangaroo, scorpion, ostrich, and bull. Each boss has a unique fighting style and weak spot, making for challenging and varied boss battles.
The game’s multiplayer mode allows two players to fight against each other. The multiplayer mode is just as fun and chaotic as the single-player mode, and it’s a great way to show off your skills to your friends.
Graphics and Sound
For a 16-bit game, Ballz: The Director’s Cut has impressive graphics. The characters are all well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, with a variety of catchy and upbeat tunes.
Critical Reception
Ballz: The Director’s Cut received positive reviews from critics upon release. Many praised the game’s unique concept, fun gameplay, and impressive graphics. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.
Legacy
Ballz: The Director’s Cut is a unique and entertaining 3D fighting game that still holds up today. Its unique concept, fun gameplay, and impressive graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Characters
- B-Ball: A basketball with a goatee and sunglasses. He is the game’s mascot and has a variety of basketball-themed moves.
- Soccer Ball: A soccer ball with a mohawk. He is a fast and agile fighter with a variety of soccer-themed moves.
- Football Ball: A football with a helmet and shoulder pads. He is a powerful fighter with a variety of football-themed moves.
- Baseball: A baseball with a baseball cap and glove. He is a well-rounded fighter with a variety of baseball-themed moves.
- Volleyball: A volleyball with a ponytail and headband. She is a quick and nimble fighter with a variety of volleyball-themed moves.
- Golf Ball: A golf ball with a golf cap and visor. He is a slow and deliberate fighter with a variety of golf-themed moves.
- Tennis Ball: A tennis ball with a tennis headband and visor. She is a fast and powerful fighter with a variety of tennis-themed moves.
- Bowling Ball: A bowling ball with a bowling shirt and shoes. He is a heavy and powerful fighter with a variety of bowling-themed moves.
- Pool Ball: A pool ball with a pool cue. He is a skilled and precise fighter with a variety of pool-themed moves.
- Billiards Ball: A billiards ball with a billiards cue. He is a slow and deliberate fighter with a variety of billiards-themed moves.
- Ping-Pong Ball: A ping-pong ball with a ping-pong paddle. He is a fast and agile fighter with a variety of ping-pong-themed moves.
- Marble: A marble with a marble shooter. He is a small and nimble fighter with a variety of marble-themed moves.
Final Bosses
- T-Rex: A tyrannosaurus rex with a variety of powerful attacks.
- Kangaroo: A kangaroo with a variety of fast and agile attacks.
- Scorpion: A scorpion with a variety of poisonous attacks.
- Ostrich: An ostrich with a variety of fast and powerful attacks.
- Bull: A bull with a variety of powerful and charging attacks.
Tips for Playing Ballz: The Director’s Cut
- Learn the different characters and their moves. Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to learn how to use them effectively.
- Use the environment to your advantage. The arenas in Ballz: The Director’s Cut are filled with obstacles that you can use to your advantage. For example, you can use the walls to bounce your attacks off of, or you can use the platforms to jump over your opponents.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. Ballz: The Director’s Cut is a game that rewards experimentation. Try out different combos and strategies to see what works best for you.
- Have fun! Ballz: The Director’s Cut is a game that’s meant to be enjoyed. So relax, have fun, and don’t take it too seriously.
Review Score
7.5/10