The first game I ever played and look what it's done to me, I'm a gaming junkie now. All thanks to this unique, challenging game!
The premise of this bizarre side-scrolling adventure starts with a galactic wizard in a ball shaped spaceship (along with his faithful cat, also in a ball) trying to regain all the color in the universe that has disappeared, for some unknown reason.
That is more or less, story-wise. You bounce and hover your way through each planet, gathering paint from fallen enemies in an attempt to fill the level with color.
But Wizball (the wizard in the ball) cannot pick up the paint himself, he must rely on his trusty Cat (in another ball) to pick it up for him. However, you have to 'earn' his Cat by picking up power ups along the way. And yes, the poor wee Cat can be killed. This is what makes the game so challenging, because without the Cat, you cannot progress in this game.
There are lots of other power ups (the ability the hover instead of bounce, many weapons for Wizball or his cat and a bomb that eradicates all enemies) along with many strange foes, such as floating 'Jacks', bouncing paint and even the police if your unlucky enough.
I enjoyed watching the screen
slowly begin to gain color in this game, along with the challenge of trying to stay alive while your Cat picked up paint (bouncing at the start was always a real test of skill and patience sometimes).
Once you have collected enough of the required paint for a level, you shoot off into space where the player is treated to a fun little mini-game. This is where you must shoot every enemy you can while staying alive (was always so difficult, but thankfully never ended your game).
After which, Wizball (can Cat if you have him) lands back home. I always found it funny watching the wizard walk out of the ball (he's twice the size!) and mix the paint his cauldron while his Cat drank milk!!
To put it simply, I have never played a game like this ever since. Which is a pity because I'm sure an updated sequel in this day and age would be fantastic!! There just so much potential to this game, shame on developers for letting this little gem become a forgotten classic.
My advice would be to give this game a go, its so unique and fun that you'll wonder why there was no sequel too!! I suppose its better that way though, doesn’t want another 'frogger' bombardment or sloppy development ruining a classic. In conclusion: Play this game, its ace and started my life of gaming. It’s old, yes, but you'll never play another game like this. I promise you that!!
