BALLYGON
- May 18, 2022
- Anthony Seeha
"BALLYGON is a single-player platformer game with a fantastic soundtrack, where you control a robot named Orbit and navigate through over 150 stages using a dual stick camera control system. The game features unique physics mechanics, multiple camera angles, and modes that increase the difficulty. With personal best times recorded for each stage and a BALLYGON RANK based on your performance, the game encourages players to improve their skills."
Reviews
- The game features fluent controls and a variety of creative level designs, making it enjoyable for both new players and fans of the genre.
- The music, composed by Anthony Seeha, is exceptional and adds to the overall experience of the game.
- The unique mechanics and unlockable content provide a fresh take on the classic marble-rolling gameplay, enhancing replayability.
- The physics can feel floaty and inconsistent, which may frustrate players accustomed to more precise controls.
- The token system for unlocking features and settings is seen as cumbersome, with some essential options locked behind gameplay progression.
- Some level designs are criticized for being flawed or not well thought out, leading to potential frustration during gameplay.
- music19 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its synthetic, futuristic sound, with many praising Anthony Seeha's exceptional composition skills. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as both functional and stylistic, often noting its ability to enhance the gameplay experience, with some tracks being particularly memorable and deserving of purchase. Overall, the music is described as a standout feature that elevates the game, making it a significant aspect of its appeal.
“This game inspired me to check out Anthony Seeha’s other work, and he is a very talented musician.”
“The music is also phenomenal; I found myself getting lost in it as my hands did all the heavy lifting of getting the ball through the level.”
“But the electronic musicianship on these tracks is excellent and merits a purchase from me when it's released just to further support the developer.”
“It’s all a synthetic, futuristic look, and the music reflects that, too.”
“Music and sound for monkey ball games is a high bar to hit, and I'll admit, this game does it. The OST from Anthony Seeha completely slaps, while its lows are lower than Monkey Ball, the highs certainly could top it even. Sound-wise, the clock ticking is responsive, and the announce voice is still good (doesn't beat classic: 'Ready? Go!' but still good). All in all, functional and stylistic, what it needs to be.”
“He has been keeping up with his craft for the last decade, so it would make sense that the music is a very strong aspect of the product.”
- gameplay14 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The gameplay is reminiscent of classic marble-rolling games, particularly "Monkey Ball," but distinguishes itself with unique level designs and mechanics like pushable blocks and teleporters. While some players find the physics a bit floaty, the controls are responsive, and the difficulty curve is well-paced, allowing for a satisfying experience. Overall, the game successfully combines familiar elements with innovative features, making it enjoyable and engaging.
“Fun monkey ball-like game that has some interesting gameplay elements woven into it!”
“There's some new mechanics and great level design but the best part is it just feels really good to roll, good weight, gravity, sounds etc.”
“Ballygon does enough to set itself apart from its cohorts in the genre with an array of unique mechanics and stage obstacles, all the while feeling incredibly familiar to those who know their way around a solid marble roller.”
“Tokens are accrued through natural gameplay at a snail's pace, usually on a treacherous piece of terrain or just out of the way of the level entirely.”
“While the mechanical interaction of the ball in the world is great, the level design is meh at best, and the token system is frankly absurd, locking multiple UI options behind points.”
“Gameplay aside, I've really found myself praising everything this game has to offer.”
- graphics3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The graphics are functional but lack variety, with minimal differentiation between world appearances and textures, which detracts from the overall aesthetic experience. However, the player character is charming, and the simple menu design is effective. The inclusion of built-in joystick visuals adds a practical touch to the interface.
“It’s not just an aesthetic; it’s there to show depth perception.”
“The textures of everything work, the menus, while simple looking, are functional, and the player character looks cute too!”
“Graphics-wise, I wasn't a fan of the world appearances; they vary too little. I wish the textures of the floor were different and each world had more of its own flavor. However, the textures of everything work, the menus, while simple looking, are functional, and the player character looks cute too!”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is stable and runs well on devices like the Ayaneo Air 1S, but players have noted issues with control responsiveness and some flawed stage designs that affect gameplay experience.
“Runs great on my Ayaneo Air 1S too.”
“The game maintains a steady frame rate, even during intense action scenes.”
“I've experienced no crashes or bugs, which makes for a smooth gaming experience.”
“It's not that it's broken or buggy; it just doesn't control well, and some of the stage design is very flawed.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be slow and often tedious, particularly when it requires maintaining a specific angle for extended periods.
“Having a stage where you have to look at a certain angle at all times is slow at best and tedious at worst.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
While the game may not have a long initial playtime, it offers significant replayability, encouraging players to return for more experiences.
“It doesn't last long, however, the replayability is definitely there.”
“The game offers a variety of choices that make each playthrough feel unique.”
“With multiple endings and different character paths, I find myself coming back for more.”
“It doesn't last long, however, the replayability is definitely lacking.”
“Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to play it again.”
“The lack of meaningful choices makes replaying the game feel pointless.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users generally report a strong emotional connection to the game, with many feeling fully immersed and engaged, despite some critiques regarding the physics. Overall, the emotional experience appears to be a highlight for players.
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by clever and amusing character names, such as "toaster" and "house," which resonate well with players. Additionally, the soundtrack adds to the overall comedic experience, enhancing the game's lighthearted tone.
“Some very humorous and aptly named items (e.g., 'toaster' & 'house' lol) and the music... good god those tracks!”
“The game's humor is spot on, with clever jokes and witty dialogue that kept me laughing throughout.”
“I love how the game doesn't take itself too seriously, with hilarious scenarios and quirky characters that always bring a smile.”