Astroball
Encyclopedia
Astroball is a platform game
for the ZX Spectrum
and SAM Coupé
, written by Balor Knight and published by Revelation.
The player controls a bouncing ball and collects coins from each level before proceeding to a level's exit. Small spikes, named Deathstars, are to be avoided, as any collision results in a life being lost. The game also features "blinking" platforms, which can only be used for bouncing when visible, requiring careful timing from the player.
Various power-up
s can be collected, including extra time, temporary invulnerability, and a slow motion mode. The main power-up item will cycle between the various power-ups available, and its sprite
updates accordingly. Most levels require the player to determine the appropriate power-ups to be collected to progress through the level.
A sequel, Turbulence, set on a rotating sphere, was released for the Spectrum in 1993.
Platform game
A platform game is a video game characterized by requiring the player to jump to and from suspended platforms or over obstacles . It must be possible to control these jumps and to fall from platforms or miss jumps...
for the ZX Spectrum
ZX Spectrum
The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit personal home computer released in the United Kingdom in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd...
and SAM Coupé
SAM Coupé
The SAM Coupé is an 8-bit British home computer that was first released in late 1989. It is commonly considered a clone of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer, since it features a compatible screen mode and emulated compatibility, and it was marketed as a logical upgrade from the Spectrum...
, written by Balor Knight and published by Revelation.
Summary
Various power-up
Power-up
In computer and video games, power-ups are objects that instantly benefit or add extra abilities to the game character as a game mechanic. This is in contrast to an item, which may or may not have a benefit and can be used at a time chosen by the player...
s can be collected, including extra time, temporary invulnerability, and a slow motion mode. The main power-up item will cycle between the various power-ups available, and its sprite
Sprite (computer graphics)
In computer graphics, a sprite is a two-dimensional image or animation that is integrated into a larger scene...
updates accordingly. Most levels require the player to determine the appropriate power-ups to be collected to progress through the level.
A sequel, Turbulence, set on a rotating sphere, was released for the Spectrum in 1993.