Ballistic
Game by Infogrames
Reviewed by dM97
p_nguyen@ix.netcom.com
Size: 8 megabits (1 megabyte)
Save: no save feature
Released: 1999
Works with: works with all GameBoy hardware (classic, Pocket, Light, Color)

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Opening Snide Remarks: An original puzzle game that looks really nice
on the GameBoy Color.

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Gameplay Descripion:
The game starts off with the Infogrames logo and fairly cheesey 'start'
screen.  The next screen gives you the option of playing alone, against
another person, customizing a few settings, or check the current high 
scores.  The object of the game is fairly simple: connect 3 (or more) balls 
of the same color and they disappear.  A typical game starts with your ball
shooter in the middle of the screen, while the computer sends a string of 
balls towards you in a swirl like formation.  The game ends when the string
of balls reach the center and touch you. 

Liked: The different play options.

Hated: Of all the options they give you, why no save feature.

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Graphics Description:
The graphics in Ballistic are very clean because Infogrames was smart and 
stuck with primary colors in choosing their color pallet.  Everything is 
sharp and uncluttered.  As far as puzzle games go, simple is better, and 
Ballistic does a better than average job.  For a backwards compatible 
GameBoy Color game, I think Ballistic looks better color-wise than a lot of 
GameBoy Color only games I've played.  The backgrounds are noticeable and do 
not distract from game play.  It's everything that Bust-a-Move 4 was not in 
terms of how colors are used.  The shapes inside the bubbles are big enough 
to make Ballistic fairly playable on a non-Color GB.

Liked: Everything is simple and colorful.

Hated: Nothing.

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Sound/Music Description: 
There isn't much about the sounds to comment on in this game.  The only
sounds you'll hear is the sound of your ball shooting and occasionally a few 
of the balls getting blasted when you line up 3 or more.  There are a few 
different background tunes in Ballistic and they can all be heard in the 
under the 'options' menu at the start of the game along with other sound
tests.  Once the balls start closing in, you will get an earful of a 'panic' 
type of tune to let you know that the end might be near.

Liked: Pretty much everything, especially tune #4.

Hated: Not much to hate.

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Play Control/Game Design: 
Ballistic does suffer a bit on the play control side of things.  The D-pad 
used on the GameBoy is passable, but the game calls for a knob-style 
controller similar to the old arcade game, Tempest.  Infogrames did try to
pack a lot of play into Ballistic with all the playing options.  The chain 
reaction system adds a nice variation to the gameplay.  Add it all up and 
you have a very playable puzzle game which is why I find it so infuriating 
that there is no save feature for the scores or at the very least, a 
password option to keep track of progress in the puzzle mode.

Liked: Pretty much everything.

Hated: The lack of a saving or a password option in the puzzle mode.

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Improve: If there is one thing that absolutely must be improved upon, a save
feature and battery back-up.  Why keep track of high scores if they get
reset everytime you turn the stupid game off!?

RIYL: Zoop, Bust-a-Move, Puyo Puyo Sun and if you're into the 'Checkmate' 
(puzzle) mode, side of things, try Lazlo's Leap, Pyramids of Ra.

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Final Words: Ballistic is one of the better puzzle games that I've bought 
for the GB.  Gameplay is straightforward and the chain reaction combos
makes the game challenging to master.

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Score
Gameplay: ***
Graphics: *****
Sound/Music: ****
Play Control/Game Design: ***
Personal Opinion: ***
Total: 18 out of 25 stars


Final Score: 72%

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Currently Known Codes: None.