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(Eric Carr Games)
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
"Sonic-style gaming shrinks down for QuickBasic"
If there's one truth
about video games, it's that hedgehogs will always be fast. So it's appropriate
that Sonic's twin Spinball comes over to QB with the same razor-sharp wit
and superior speed you'd come to expect from his species.
In Spinball, you're
going to have to battle through seven levels of moving spikes, lava pits,
and waterholes to reach the reactor core. Then, use your hedgehog-like
intuition in an impressive battle against the reactor core itself!
| Graphics (n.)
The use of animation and visual effects to stimulate the senses |
vvvv
(Very Good) |
You know, you'd figure using pure QuickBasic
code would create second-rate clones. But my gosh, this game is FAST. Eric
Carr did a great job keeping his Sonic clone up to speed while keeping
all the nifty special effects that Sonic fans have come to love. One thing
I really liked about Spinball is that it's a Sonic clone without any ripped
graphics from the Sega games. This gave Eric Carr the opportunity to make
original graphics that really blended with the rest of the game, which
gave Spinball a feel distinct from the Sonic series.
The subtle attention to physics is also sweet. Spinball will richochet off of the walls like a rubber ball, but there isn't so much as a single graphics glitch. The coins that Spinball captures are animated as well, atop varying backgrounds. There are even water effects and other little goodies for the eyes. All in all, one of the high points of Spinball. |
| Sound/Music (n.)
The smooth blend of atmospheric sounds and original harmonies |
vv
(Average) |
Another scent of originality in what first appeared to be a pure Sonic clone comes in the sound/music category. There isn't any Sound Blaster support, but there are some classic Apogee-style PC sound effects that will keep Spinball players ripping through the game's many levels. It's these PC sounds (instead of taking Sonic sound bites directly from Sega) that give Spinball some real individuality. |
| Gameplay (n.)The precision of control and involvement of character within its universe | vvv
(Good) |
Average. Spinball is set up just like Sonic, with seven levels of platform action that you basically try to run through as fast as you can. There are also bosses in Spinball, but you won't see any enemies until Level 5. So a lot of Spinball consists of grabbing some rings along with some running and jumping here and there. You won't expect any inversions or roller coaster effects, but the control of Spinball is as precise as Sonic. |
| Story (n.)
The creativity and presentation of the game's critical plot |
vv
(Average) |
Spinball goes straight to the action and doesn't really bother with the story that much, except for an ending that looks pretty good but really doesn't put a staple on Spinball's plot. Maybe the plot itself is self-explanatory. Just think of a mad doctor bent on world destruction and you'll have a pretty good idea what Spinball is all about. |
| Replay Value (n.)
The timelessness of the gamer's delight, such that the experience can be repeated again and again |
vvv
(Good) |
In a world dominated by QBRPGs, the fast pace of SpinBall is always enjoyable. The level layout of Spinball also varies enough that there's something different to do. One level will have you running as fast as you can. Other levels will test Spinball's agility as he'll have to hop over spikes and lava pits. |
| Challenge (v.)
To strike the mental nerve in such a way as to stimulate human thought and reflexes |
vv
(Average) |
There are some tricky jumps here and there but the physics are very sound and it didn't look like Eric Carr was trying to annoy anyone with Spinball. If you've played a Sega Genesis or Dreamcast before, then you've probably played at least one Sonic game. The training you've received from those games will help you familiarize with Spinball pretty quickly, giving you an immediate edge. |
| Fun Factor (n.)
The overall entertainment value as maintained throughout the adventure |
vvv
(Good) |
With seven levels, Eric Carr Games apparently made sure that none of the worlds carried annoyance factor to compensate for the lack of Sonic powerups and baddies that hardcore Sega fans know and love. This is a good thing, because when you play Spinball the speed gives you the freedom to fly like the wind. |
| Players | 1 player | Genre: Platform Game |
| Rating |  |
To solve: 2-3 hours Final Rating: 19/35 |
To download this game, click here.
| Installation Tips
wIf you're unzipping this program in DOS, use the -d option. wTo play SpinBall, run "SB.EXE". |