There is a particular type of game with a real simplicity that has been rolling around in front of our very eyes, marble games. Sometimes theyre a bit puzzle, sometimes theyre a bit action, sometimes theyre a bit of both. But mainly the trope is that you're a spherical object in an abstract landscape navigating around at a pace the developer seems fit.
There's Ball Resurrection on Android (honestly, check the Play Store for "3D Ball" and try not to drown), A unique and cult-hit with Kula World or the crazy Marble Blast Ultra, ho my GOODNESS that one was fast and fun
But the real GOAT is a game released on the Xbox Live Arcade and PC in 2007 and PS3 in 2009 called Switchball. Winner of the Best PC Game at the Swedish Game awards, and Technical Excellence Class during the IGF, developed by a studio called Atomic Elbow and published by Sierra, Switchball is all the typical features polished to the ultimate degree possible, a true masterclass in physics (thanks PhysX!), aesthetic and accessibility.
The above gif is just a painfully simple example of the first level, but even today the graphics still look satisfying and the sounds of a marble scurrying and rolling across wooden terrain is a joy for the ears, the real twist comes in the way the ball can take different forms such as a heavy steel ball that can roll straight through objects with enough momentum
However you have to be careful how you proceed, as the wrong weight might prove to be the players undoing, only lighter objects will last on things like thin cloth.
Or you can become an energy ball with the power to boost upon will through obstacles (with some gorgeous illumination)
Whilst a strong emphasis is placed on pushing and moving objects, many levels are meticulously planned and complex whilst being incredibly accessible to work with
I can't really accurately portray Switchball purely through .gif form but I want to say, if you have a 360, PS3 or PC handy please go and download a demo for this game. Switchball is one of those rare games that exists as a three dimensional experience but is timeless in its look and simplicity, something I could only say about other games like Rocket League. Getting through each puzzle and world is massively satisfying and the relaxed yet challenging pace is a pleasure to experience in an industry littered with twitch-movement and hand-holding.
There's Ball Resurrection on Android (honestly, check the Play Store for "3D Ball" and try not to drown), A unique and cult-hit with Kula World or the crazy Marble Blast Ultra, ho my GOODNESS that one was fast and fun
But the real GOAT is a game released on the Xbox Live Arcade and PC in 2007 and PS3 in 2009 called Switchball. Winner of the Best PC Game at the Swedish Game awards, and Technical Excellence Class during the IGF, developed by a studio called Atomic Elbow and published by Sierra, Switchball is all the typical features polished to the ultimate degree possible, a true masterclass in physics (thanks PhysX!), aesthetic and accessibility.
The above gif is just a painfully simple example of the first level, but even today the graphics still look satisfying and the sounds of a marble scurrying and rolling across wooden terrain is a joy for the ears, the real twist comes in the way the ball can take different forms such as a heavy steel ball that can roll straight through objects with enough momentum
However you have to be careful how you proceed, as the wrong weight might prove to be the players undoing, only lighter objects will last on things like thin cloth.
Or you can become an energy ball with the power to boost upon will through obstacles (with some gorgeous illumination)
Whilst a strong emphasis is placed on pushing and moving objects, many levels are meticulously planned and complex whilst being incredibly accessible to work with
I can't really accurately portray Switchball purely through .gif form but I want to say, if you have a 360, PS3 or PC handy please go and download a demo for this game. Switchball is one of those rare games that exists as a three dimensional experience but is timeless in its look and simplicity, something I could only say about other games like Rocket League. Getting through each puzzle and world is massively satisfying and the relaxed yet challenging pace is a pleasure to experience in an industry littered with twitch-movement and hand-holding.
