I, Ball Explained

Developer:Timothy Closs
Publisher:Firebird Software
Designer:Timothy Closs
Composer:Rob Hubbard
Released:May 1987
Genre:Scrolling shooter
Modes:Single-player
Platforms:Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum

I, Ball is a vertically scrolling shooter published for the Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum in 1987 by Firebird. It was programmed by Timothy Closs.[1] The C64 version features music written by Rob Hubbard, based on two tunes by Cabaret Voltaire called "Whip Blow" and "I Want You". Hubbard was commissioned to write music based on the style of the band.[2] The audio also includes synthesised speech.

It was followed by a sequel, I, Ball 2, released later the same year.

Reception

Reviews were largely positive, with CRASH magazine awarding the Spectrum version of the game 90% and describing it as "a great little game with plenty of lasting appeal".[3] Zzap64 awarded the C64 version 80%, calling it "unusual and competent"[4]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Commodore C64 Manual: I, Ball (1987)(Firebird Software). 1987.
  2. Web site: Interview with Rob Hubbard.
  3. Web site: CRASH magazine review, 1987. 2007-02-25.
  4. Web site: Zzap 64 review, 1987. 2007-02-25.