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Gyroball (Arcade) by Joanvr  When I saw the screenshot of this game, I immediately was interested. :D If you've ever played the flash game of the same name, you'll know how this game plays, as it appears that it is to be an exact port of the game. If you've never played this game, it plays a lot like Marble Madness. You directly control a marble on an obstacle course full of flat surfaces, ramps, and speed boost tiles. The objective is very straightforward: get from the start to the goal. This particular port is in early stages, and there are only 5 levels, but I'd imagine there are more to come. :) Gameplay It appears that neither the time limit nor the lives system have been implemented yet, as you can take as long as you want, and as many tries as you want. This isn't necessarilly a bad thing, as this game is pretty fun without them anyway. Controls are very simple and easy to get used to: use the d-stick to move. There doesn't seem to be a lot of traction on the landscape as you contine to roll for a long time, after letting go of the d-stick, so keep that in mind. There aren't a lot of threats to worry about... just as long as you don't fall off the landscape, you'll be fine. There are a few bstacles, such as ramps, and boost tiles, but that's it. What really counts here is the level layout, and how those obstacles are put to use. So far so good! :) Sound Just one XM that loops a short song. No sound effects. The XM gets old a bit quickly, so you can turn it off at the title screen. Nothing spectacular. Graphics Simple, and very easy on the eyes. A background composed of a stationary gradient, with a parallaxed isometric grid drawn over it, and then the main action is in front of it. The color of the landscape varies per level, and is shaded depending on fixed ambient lighting. The color is pretty much solid, except for the grid lines drawn onto the landscape (which is isometric 2d). You know where the goal is because it's a differently colored tile with light radiating from it upwards. Progress The levels share a pretty balanced difficulty, getting a little bit more complicated as you go. Dunno what else to say. Game Idea This is a fantastic idea! I like these kind of games. Very unique. Seriously, if you like Marble Madness, Spindizzy (c64), and Super Monkey Ball (GCN), you'll enjoy this game as well. ^_^ Replay Value Unfortunately, 5 levels only go so far... There's also no timer yet, so you can't tell if you're improving your speed on each go. Final Notes I really enjoyed this game, and it's definately worth a look. If only there were more levels though... (and maybe a level editor? :D) After you've completed 5 levels, Fenix gives you an error, and then the gp32 reboots. That's your reward for successfully completing the game. ;) Also, there are some debug numbers on screen... I have no idea exactly what they are. Download Gyroball from GP32x.de
Review by Drag Apr/04/2005. |
