Airball (1987)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Airball (1987): A ZX Spectrum Classic

Airball is a ZX Spectrum action-adventure game released in 1987. It was developed by David Whittaker and published by Sinclair Research. The game is set in a mansion filled with spikes, killer pads, and other obstacles. The player controls a ball of air that must navigate the mansion and find the Spellbook that will transform it back into a human.

Airball is a challenging but rewarding game that was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. It was one of the first ZX Spectrum games to use parallax scrolling, and its soundtrack is considered to be one of the best on the platform.

Gameplay

The player controls a ball of air that must navigate a mansion filled with spikes, killer pads, and other obstacles. The ball of air has a slow leak, so the player must jump on air pumps to remain inflated. If the ball of air is inflated too much, it will burst.

The player must also collect objects such as crosses, tins of beans, a Buddha, a dragon statue, a pumpkin, a flask, and crates. These objects can be used to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles.

The game is divided into 256 rooms. Each room is filled with different obstacles and puzzles. The player must find the Spellbook in order to progress to the next room.

Graphics

Airball’s graphics are impressive for a ZX Spectrum game. The game uses parallax scrolling to create a sense of depth. The sprites are well-drawn and animated. The game’s colors are vibrant and the overall presentation is polished.

Sound

Airball’s soundtrack is one of the best on the ZX Spectrum. The music is composed by David Whittaker and it is known for its catchy melodies and atmospheric sound effects. The game’s sound effects are also well-done and they help to create a sense of immersion.

Reception

Airball was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound. The game was also a finalist for the Golden Joystick Award for Best Arcade Game of the Year.

Airball is still considered to be one of the best ZX Spectrum games ever made. It is a challenging but rewarding game that is sure to please fans of retro gaming.

Legacy

Airball has been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Commodore 64, Amstrad CPC, and MSX. It has also been released on a number of compilation albums.

Airball has been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including the Mario series and the Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Tips for Playing Airball

  • Use the air pumps to keep your ball of air inflated.
  • Collect objects to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles.
  • Be careful not to inflate your ball of air too much, or it will burst.
  • Explore every room thoroughly to find the Spellbook.
  • Don’t give up! Airball is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding.

Conclusion

Airball is a classic ZX Spectrum game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. It is a challenging but rewarding game that is sure to please fans of retro gaming. If you are looking for a great ZX Spectrum game to play, then I highly recommend Airball.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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