The Ball Game Cover
A joyous and addictive action puzzler. Its packed full of brilliant puzzles, animations and an infectious sense of fun.
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"The Ball" is a physics-based action/puzzle game where players uncover the secrets of an ancient Mexican civilization using a mysterious artifact. They solve puzzles and battle enemies by manipulating the ball's properties, such as size and weight. With a blend of exploration, combat, and problem-solving, players delve into the game's rich storyline and environment.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux

Reviews

64%
Audience ScoreBased on 391 reviews
story26 positive mentions
grinding9 negative mentions
  • Great puzzler with fun mechanics, reminiscent of Portal.
  • Interesting graphics and atmosphere that enhance the gameplay experience.
  • Unique gameplay involving a giant ball that adds a fun twist to puzzle-solving.
  • Combat elements feel unnecessary and detract from the puzzle-solving experience.
  • Puzzles can be too easy and lack challenge, leading to boredom.
  • The story is weak and poorly integrated, making it hard to stay engaged.
  • story92 mentions

    The game's story is generally considered weak and poorly integrated, often feeling like an afterthought overshadowed by gameplay mechanics. While some players appreciate the environmental storytelling and hidden secrets that provide additional context, many find the narrative vague, disjointed, and lacking depth. Overall, the story does not significantly enhance the experience, with most reviews suggesting that the gameplay is the main draw rather than the plot itself.

    • “Later in the game, the monsters come into play and they add an element of danger; however, I would personally rather just explore the ruins and learn more about the world through the environmental storytelling that is part of the Solus Project's spiritual sequel.”
    • “The story is interesting, and it takes a backseat in this game but is greatly expanded upon in the Solus Project.”
    • “The story of the game is pretty much you fell in a hole and have to get out, but it lasts about 5-6 hours, which feels like a perfect length, and is a story-driven physics puzzle game.”
    • “The story is mostly dictated through secret collectibles.”
    • “Unfortunately, there is little to no narrative in this game, telling nothing much but merely bits about the story behind the lost civilization, as the game mainly focused on the puzzles instead of the story.”
    • “The story (as presented without finding the secrets) is vague and not terribly interesting.”
  • gameplay88 mentions

    The gameplay of "The Ball" is characterized by its unique mechanics involving a large metal ball used for puzzle-solving and combat, which some players find entertaining and innovative. However, many reviews note that the puzzles can be overly simplistic and repetitive, leading to a sense of tedium as the game progresses. While the atmospheric design and steady introduction of new mechanics are praised, the overall experience may not be compelling enough for all players, particularly those seeking more challenging gameplay.

    • “The gameplay is fresh and original, because running around with a ball about twice your size, in an attempt to solve puzzles and kill enemies, isn't exactly a common feature in games.”
    • “The game does a good job of steadily introducing new mechanics as you make your way through the ancient underground labyrinth.”
    • “At first glance it seems like just another portal knock-off, but it turns out to be so much more, wisely creating its own unique set of mechanics and puzzle elements, adding a dash of combat for flavor.”
    • “The gameplay mechanic does start to drag on a little bit towards the end, and sometimes the puzzles aren't as noticeable.”
    • “The ball is an action-puzzle game with a novel mechanic -- essentially you're escorting, solving puzzles, and fighting monsters by pushing a massive ball around -- but the novelty wears thin rather quickly.”
    • “The concept isn't that bad, but the controls are bad, the voice acting is bad, the story is bad, and the gameplay is bad.”
  • graphics50 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the unique environments and aesthetic appeal, while others find them dated or lacking depth. Many appreciate the visuals as a strong point that enhances the overall experience, despite some noting that the graphics may not be the primary focus in a puzzle game. Overall, the game showcases decent to good graphics, particularly for its engine, but opinions vary on their impact on gameplay enjoyment.

    • “The graphics are great and the environments feel unique and fitting.”
    • “The graphics look great even today.”
    • “Unique puzzle game with some action elements, great graphics, very good lighting effects, an excellent atmosphere and simple but working game mechanics.”
    • “It's surprisingly a hooking game even though the graphics are pretty cheap and the puzzles are ridiculously easy.”
    • “The graphics are very lackluster, but that being said, they do not take away from the raw gameplay experience.”
    • “The graphics leave everything to be desired, and the horror that you face are only horrors because you realize that someone thought this might be a good idea to make into a game.”
  • atmosphere25 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive and captivating design, featuring beautiful art, detailed environments, and effective lighting that enhance the overall experience. Many players find it reminiscent of classic titles, evoking feelings of adventure and exploration, despite some critiques regarding the simplicity of the gameplay and story. Overall, the game's atmosphere stands out as a significant strength, making it appealing to fans of atmospheric puzzle games.

    • “The atmosphere and sound are second to none and this indie title deserves your support.”
    • “The atmosphere draws you from the beginning, and makes you wonder where the game will take you at its conclusion.”
    • “Great atmosphere and long levels make you feel like you really are stuck inside a mountain.”
    • “The atmosphere reminds me of the Quake games, the grey/brown palette.”
    • “Interesting idea for a puzzle game, and might be good if it wasn't for the monsters and weird atmospheres that just actually get in the way.”
    • “The story is Spartan and predictable, but the atmosphere and built-in hint system makes up for any lack.”
  • music11 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for its beauty and ambient quality, enhancing the atmosphere and storytelling throughout the levels. However, some players noted a lack of variety, with repetitive tracks across missions detracting from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the soundtrack is often described as fantastic, complementing the game's stunning visuals and level design.

    • “The music is lovely and ambient, largely leaving you to ponder the wondrous scale of the levels and evoking the unusual aspects of the game.”
    • “Fantastic soundtrack.”
    • “Beautiful art, great music, and expansive levels make this a worthwhile purchase when on sale.”
    • “Sometimes it is repetitive; the music/song is the same every g-damn mission.”
    • “Cons: lack of soundtrack variety.”
    • “the occasional bit of music... also not to forget the fact that owners of the game do get some love from the devs with new levels being added and such.”
  • grinding9 mentions

    Reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly tedious and repetitive, with many players finding the achievements and combat mechanics unnecessarily annoying. While some puzzles offer a challenge, the overall experience becomes a chore rather than enjoyable, leading to a lack of engagement and immersion as the game progresses.

    • “The achievements are grindy for the sake of grind.”
    • “It felt just really unnecessary and tedious.”
    • “Terminally tedious gameplay.”
  • humor6 mentions

    The humor in games like Portal and Quantum Conundrum is highlighted by witty dialogue from characters, particularly a humorous AI and notable voice actors, which enhances the puzzle-solving experience. Players appreciate the comedic interactions and side characters that provide levity, although some feel that certain games, like the Uncharted series, balance humor with action differently. Overall, humor is a key element that enriches gameplay and keeps players engaged.

    • “However, with Portal, you get a puzzle and some hilarious dialogue from a murderous AI.”
    • “When you solve the puzzles in the test chamber, you move ahead and get the reward of more funny dialogue, and sometimes see something interesting, such as signs of previous test subjects.”
    • “Quantum Conundrum has John DeLancie (the actor who played Q in Star Trek) talking to you between puzzles, and even the Uncharted games, which do have shooting segments, have side characters like Sully who say funny or interesting things between puzzles.”
  • stability5 mentions

    The stability of the game is a mixed bag; while some players report encountering numerous game-breaking glitches and bugs that detract from the experience, others have experienced a smooth gameplay without significant issues. Overall, the presence of glitches seems to vary widely among users, impacting their enjoyment and willingness to engage with the game long-term.

    • “Not only do you have to solve puzzles, but you also must navigate through glitches, bugs, and a plethora of stuff that shouldn't be in a final release of a game.”
    • “Good concept, but game-breaking glitches definitely dissuaded me from deciding to delve into this game for any length of time.”
    • “The only issue about this game is that it has its fair share of glitches and bugs, like noclipped props and floating props. The ending of the game, which I won't spoil, isn't great, so don't look forward to it, but the start to the end of the game is truly magnificent.”
  • replayability3 mentions

    The game's replayability is limited, primarily hinging on achievements and the search for over 30 hidden secrets, which may appeal to completionists. While there is a survival mode, the overall short playtime of 5-6 hours diminishes the incentive to replay unless players are particularly motivated to uncover all content.

    • “The game is fairly short (only takes about 5-6 hours) and there is a survival mode, but there isn't really any replay value to the game unless you enjoy going for all the achievements.”
    • “Replayability is kinda low; there are only survival mode and finding all the secrets unless you're bored.”
    • “The game is fairly short (only takes about 5-6 hours) and while there is a survival mode, there isn't really any replay value to the game unless you are someone who enjoys going for all the achievements.”
    • “Achievements and trying to find 30+ well-placed secrets adds to the replay value.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players highlight the game's exceptional atmosphere, which evokes a strong sense of adventure reminiscent of an Indiana Jones experience, contributing to an emotionally engaging gameplay.

    • “The atmosphere is top-notch; playing this game made me feel like I was going on an Indiana Jones adventure.”
    • “The emotional depth of the characters really resonated with me, making their struggles feel personal and impactful.”
    • “I was genuinely moved by the storyline; it tugged at my heartstrings and left a lasting impression.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect is straightforward, with users noting that it aligns with expectations set by the game's advertising.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

6hMedian play time
5hAverage play time
3-7hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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