Astroball

Astroball
Developer(s)	Balor Knight
Publisher(s)	Revelation
Platform(s)	ZX Spectrum, SAM Coupé
Release	1992
Genre(s)	Platform
Mode(s)	Single-player

Astroball is a platform game for the ZX Spectrum and SAM Coupé, written by Balor Knight and published by Revelation.

A sequel, Turbulence, set on a rotating sphere, was released for the Spectrum in 1993.

Gameplay

The player controls a bouncing ball and collects coins from each level before proceeding to a level's exit. Small spikes, named Deathstars, are to be avoided, as any collision results in a life being lost. The game also features "blinking" platforms, which can only be used for bouncing when visible, requiring careful timing from the player.

Various power-ups can be collected, including extra time, temporary invulnerability, and a slow motion mode. The main power-up item will cycle between the various power-ups available, and its sprite updates accordingly. Most levels require the player to determine the appropriate power-ups to be collected to progress through the level.

Reception

Your Sinclair gave Astroball a rating of 90, calling the game "sheer, unadulterated fun".

External links

• Astroball at SpectrumComputing.co.uk
• Review of the Spectrum version in Your Sinclair
• Review of the SAM Coupé version in Your Sinclair