Zzap


Madballs

Publisher: Ocean
Machine: Commodore 64

 
Published in Zzap #33

Madballs

On a series of suspended platforms high above the planet Orb, politics have gone crazy. The group that forms parliament is a gang of notorious Madballs, but they're without a leader. The player takes the role of Dust Brain, who has decided to fill the vacancy.

Dust Brain convinces the other Madballs by smashing them off the multi-directionally scrolling platforms. A 'persuaded' ball appears in a tube at the bottom of the screen, and if the eventual goal of persuading all eight madballs is achieved, the tube is full. However, if the ball currently in play falls off a platform, another from the tube takes its place.

There's one madball per level, and when it has been collected the 'downtube' exit is found to the next level.

DG

Madballs

Here's another in the now infamous line of toy conversions, albeit a less wholesome one than usual. The game has very little of the subject matter's character, and is more-or-less a Bounder imitation.

Personally, I don't like the feel of the action, as the control is a bit vague, and other than bouncing off objects and into other balls, there's not a lot to do.

The tune that runs during the game is repetitive - and therefore suits the action...

SJ

Madballs

This is a strange licence to obtain for a computer game - and frankly it doesn't work. The main characters could be anything, but we know they're Madballs because it tells us so on the title screen.

A really annoying aspect is the apparent ease with which all of the other Madballs can happily bounce around on thin air without fear of falling, but as soon as the hero character gets near the edge, he falls off. After the first few minutes, the initial attraction disappears completely and you're left with a boring game and an annoying soundtrack.

Verdict

Presentation 67%
Smart appearance, but few useful options.

Madballs

Graphics 61%
Bland backdrops and the sprites lack definition.

Sound 61%
The jaunty tune becomes annoying after a surprisingly short time.

Hookability 53%
Although not difficult to play, the lack of action is less than appealing.

Lastability 39%
The unrewarding and repetitive gameplay soon bores.

Overall 40%
An uninspired and unappealing toy conversion.