Prelim: This is the first game I'm going to review, it may seem like a strange one, but I feel like reviewing it. I hope to review more games generally on the unique and different side. If you have any games you'd like for me to review, drop me a line or comment on the blog. Note: I am doing this for personal pleasure, not under any endorsement or prompt from the developers or third-parties.
Game Name: FizzBallDeveloper: Grubby Games
Publisher: Garage Games
Released: November 2006
Little did I know when I decided to write a review for FizzBall that the publisher is none other than GarageGames. I should have figured as much though. To give a little bit of intro, GarageGames has been at the forefront of technolgies designed to aid the development and abilities of games and their developers. They've come out with numerous engines (notably the "Torque" engine). What I warmly know them as is the big guys. My #1 all-time favorite game is called Orbz, which was also published thanks to Garage Games (you may recognize it as being on Shockwave.com for sale at one time). The developers for that game were different, but the idea is still the same: to produce stunning games through simplistic gameplay.
FizzBall is not your run-of-the-mill game. It is very 2-D perspective and is drawn up slightly cartoonish, but simply looks that way. The story deals with a professor faced with a problem. All the animals are hungry and they are complaining (or something like that-yes they can talk). I soon began to wonder whether A) PETA was behind this or B)PETA was suing this. The game involves the professor shooting out a "FizzBall" which with enough space will trap *ahem* I mean "rescue" the animals to bring them to a safe environment, the "sanctuary", to eat.
The gameplay is quite simplistic, and it much in tune with the ol' brick/breakout/pong/any other classic game of that type. It can get quite complicated though, with fences, barrels, boxes, etc blocking the way. The biggest thing I love about the game is the capabilities for children. While I feel it's points are a little bit cheesy and upfront, a child would find it fun and would try to *avoid the pollution* in real life too. You may have to play the game to get the full effect.
Overall, it is one of the best games I've seen in a long time. With it's unique gameplay, simplistic but rich graphics, and unbeatable charm, FizzBall will all but fizzle out....speaking of cheesy.
Sum Up:
Pros: Great for Family, Simplistic Gameplay, Lots of Animals
Cons: Cheesy
, Slightly Liberal, Addicting
Anyway, this was my first review, I know, it stinks, and I'm not going to edit it just yet (once I do you will no longer see this bottom piece and it'll do the game justice.) Please tell me what you think and try out the game, I highly recommend it or else I take my FizzBall at you!
Grubby Games
Garage Games
FizzBall Demo Downoad
Extranneous:
21-6 Productions (Orbz Developer)
Orbz 2 (Orbz Online)
