N-Ball is a classic side-scroller with a twist. It could be that you're controling a glowing plasma ball that bounces off the scenery. Maybe it's the lack of enemies who have been replaced by moveable obstacles.
Or perhaps it's the funky 70’s music sound track is what makes this game unique. Whichever you think is its most outrageous aspect, one thing is for sure – N-Ball is fun.
The idea behind N-Ball is as simple as the controls – left, right and jump. You guide a ball through each level overcoming obstacles along your way to reach a floating platform at the far end of the level.
Unfortunately the end of the level also means the end of existence. If you go that little bit too far you'll drop like you’ve just fallen off the edge of the world and have to begin the level again!
The physics of the game are very life-like with the ball accelerating down slopes or bouncing off rubber surfaces. As you progress you will encounter various objects and gadgets that will react differently to the ball depending on how contact is made.
These can include balancing scales, sticky surfaces, funnels, levers, etc. As for the music, it should take you about three levels to start humming along and four to be grinding your teeth at hearing the same clip over and over.
On consideration, the best way to look at N-Ball may not be as a game, but more of an experience. There isn't really any goal that you must reach, but rather you can play around interacting with the multitude of contraptions and trying to manipulate them to assist your ball on its journey.
With 40 levels to explore you will get hours of enjoyment and as you reach the latter levels perhaps a little frustration. What's more, you also get a level editor so you won't ever need to play the same level twice.
