Switchball

What It's All About

When I first heard about Switchball and saw some screenshots, I was wondering how similar it would be to Marble Blast Ultra - which I used to like a lot - and if it could even offer anything on top of that. A few seconds of playtime were enough to make me stop doing comparisons and just rush the levels to see what was next.

Switchball is basically a puzzle game were you move around as a ball - "the Marbleball" if you want. The goal is to get from point A to point B as quick as you can while avoiding falling out of the level at the same time. Sounds easy enough? Oh wait, I didn't mention that you also have to actually solve some puzzles as you progress through the various levels.

As if that wasn't enough, along the way you'll find some spots to morph the MarbleBall into different balls, up to 4 (including the initial one) that you will unlock as you progress through the game.

Single Player

Switchball offers 5 different worlds with 6 levels each, of increasing difficult. The very first levels will help you get confident with moving around, with some objects that will help you as well as obstacles. The worlds feels kinda different from each other and are definitely well thought out: the puzzles are ingenious and I can assure that a grin will be seen on your face while you pat yourself on the back for finally figuring out the correct route to get and actions to take.

Moreover, the different balls you can morph into, aren't just cosmetic, but they are part of the puzzles. Each has its strenghts and weaknesses: the metal heavyball can move large objects, the superball can charge a couple powers like to jump around and sprint, the airball is slightly larger and much lighter than the other ones and so on. More than often, you'll have to not only choose the correct route, but also the correct ball.

The game helps in that - of course - by placing the morphing points at certain spots, so that you'll be sure to not miss them when a particular ball is needed and by rotating the camera to show you important angles or objects that may help you.

Multiplayer

Switchball features online play, both competitive (up to 8 players) and co-op (2 players) and it's.. Ok. It isn't nearly as fun and rewarding as the single player play, but still a nice added value. The nice thing about co-op is that you will REALLY have to cooperate with a buddy in order to advance through the 4 levels available. So don't forget your communicator, you'll need it.

Graphics and Gameplay

The graphics are mostly amazing. Really, just look at it! I haven't seen many Live Arcades that are so beautiful. Each world has its own look and feel - and a bit of personality - and the lightning effects and reflections on the ball are pretty cool to see. You may notice a bit of tearing at times, disappointing but we're kinda used to it even in "full" retail games so I won't go as far as complaining for 800 Microsoft Points.

Achievements

The achievements are well thought and involve both the single player and the multiplayer aspects of the game. Most require you to complete some / each level as quick as you can, earning you a "silver" or "gold" medal. Unsirprisingly enough, there are some for all the casual gamers out there who may want to just take their time and explore each world.

Value

In short...

If you like Live Arcades and puzzle games, you can't miss this one. In my opinion, Switchball is actually one of the best Live Arcades ever and definitely worth the money. You may think it's too easy at first, but as you progress it quickly becomes much harder and rewarding when you finally reach the end of the hardest levels.

Review by Luigi [ZaaM IT] Violin