Personal Computer Games


Pi-Balled

Author: SNC
Publisher: Automata
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Personal Computer Games #5

Pi-Balled

If you've ever played that incredibly difficult game Q*Bert in the arcades and, like me, you found it much too difficult but actually liked the game, Pi-Balled is probably what you've been waiting for.

For anyone who doesn't know the scenario you have to help your man, in this case Burt, change the colour of a pyramid to the mystical colour displayed in the top right of the screen. The pyramid of Pi is made up of a number of blocks. You colour in a block by jumping on to it.

Jumping is controlled by either the keys or Kempston joystick. But even though a joystick option is included the keys are well placed and I found it much easier to control Burt using these.

Pi-Balled

To make life difficult for Burt, a number of nasties inhabit the pyramid, including the Piman, the Ball Brothers, Col, las and Sid the Snake. Each of the nasties have their own personality, some such as the snake being more difficult to avoid than others.

The graphics are excellent with some superb animation. When Burt gets on to one of the lifts to avoid a nasty he rotates slowly as he glides back up to the top of the pyramid and the movement of the nasties (and their intelligence) is truly frightening.

It's a pity that the sound in Pi-Balled isn't a little better. Pi-Balled is a good copy of the arcade version but a lot easier to play. Definitely a recommended buy for anyone who liked the original.

SNC

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