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I, Ball II follows on from the success of its predecessor with a combination of platform and shoot-'em-up action. The player guides his ball around a series of single-screen landscapes, bouncing from platform to platform and avoiding or shooting the aliens along the way.

Features are added to the sphere, including time warp factors or fuel injections, and a key is collected to enable the player to transport to the next landscape via an exit. Play starts on any one of the first five levels, and fifty are completed in order to finish the mission.

This sequel is a very different game to I, Ball, since the emphasis is more on platform skills, with the blasting taking a back seat.

There aren't as many customisations available, and some of the original's cuteness has been lost, partly because of the small hi-res graphics and dull, simplistic backdrops. Still, it's a very playable game once you get hold of the initially awkward control method, even if it is extremely frustrating at times!

The speech is 'brill', and the effects are appropriate enough, if nothing special. The only major fault is that on some screens you have to wait for something to happen before you can progress: it's not a matter of skill, just patience. Even so, I 've no hesitation in recommending it.

"Get ready, go for it", says the surprisingly clear voice at the beginning of this brilliant collect-'em-up/platform game.

Graphics are simple but clear, and are adequate for this type of game. However, it's playability that counts and I, Ball II certainly has plenty of that.

Each screen is devious, entertaining and challenging. Sound is limited, but what's there is great.

The voice comes out with such ego-boosting utterances as 'far out', 'groovy' and 'oh yeah'. Go out and buy this game now - you won't regret it.

Presentation 82%
Clear display and icon system with good introductory sequence and choice of level entry.

Graphics 54%
Bland, colourless and simplistic, but well-drawn and adequate.

Sound 87%
Excellent speech and good in-game effects.

Hookability 93%
The unusual combination of platform and shoot-'em-up formats proves highly addictive.

Lastability 91%
Fifty levels of blasting action, each of which requires a skilful combination of timing and precision.

Overall 90%
A more than worthy sequel and a very entertaining game in its own right.