Orbz

"Can Shooting a ball at stars be fun? Yes."

Overview
Orbz is one of the most unique games I have ever played. The main plot of the game is to shoot a ball or Orb at one of 4 different stars. A yellow one, or the most common, is worth 100 points. An Orange, or semi-common one is worth 200 points. A Red or rare star is worth 300 points. And finally a purple star is worth 400 points. The Purple star pops up in random places and disappears after about 20 seconds. The object of the game is very simple, yet it is one of the most addicting games I have ever played. There are 14 levels, all unlocked for you, each with its own sort of cooky-ness to it. There is a construction level where there are girders everywhere and you go on platforms to get to higher up stars. There is a haunted level where it is dark and there are castle walls everywhere. There is a lake level where you are at a sparkling lake. And many more. You shoot by pressing the mouse, and a power bar comes up that goes back and forth. The higher is goes, the further you shoot. This game turns into a very deep game where you must plan your shots to go next to other stars, because there are in-a-row bonuses that come after you get 1 star. 20 in-a-row can get you over 500 bonus points. Now, this isn't all. There are also items, which can affect you positively or affect your opponents negatively. One item is sticky-shot, where whatever you hit you stick to. Then there is freeze-frame, where you freeze your opponents for 10 seconds. There is also curse of the goober, which makes your opponents weigh a lot so they can't shoot as high or far. Then there is my favorite, money shot, which when activated the next star you hit will be worth double its normal value. A purple star being hit with a money shot is worth 800 points! There are many other items, including super shot where your ball will shoot almost 4 times as much as it would normally fly. Now, this would be enough for most players, but there's more. There are over 20 Orbz to choose from, and more than 5 unlockable ones. Now, there is no difference between each ball strategy-wise, but they all look awesome, so it's a show-off. And by the way, the unlockables look 10 times better than any normal one. And finally, there is the greatest part of this game….the multiplayer online. There are rooms already set up for you, but you can make your own, with any custom rules, such as what map and how long of a time limit, and rounds. You can add botz, or computer players. But the fun lies in the ranking system. You can choose to have a ranking along with your name, and it will track how good you are in comparison to the rest of the orbz players. Can you be number 1 ranked? Play to find out.

Fun-Factor: 10/10
Probably the best part of the game and what should be the best part of any game. The concept is easy to get, the controls are simple, but the fun will last a lifetime. The internet play is the main source of fun, and all you need is an internet connection, no additional fee required.

Graphics: 10/10
Detailed orbz and great landscapes, with each level having a very distinctable setting, the graphics are wondrous to look at, and will keep on amazing you for months to come.

Sound: 10/10
The sound is great in this game. You hear the WHING when you shoot the ball, the PWING when you hit an item, the crash of the orb hitting the ground, the churning of grass when you roll in it, and oh ya, the fact that each level has its own sound track! Great sound.

Replayability: 10/10
There is no story, no fancy gimmicks, just plain fun. If the internet part isn't to your liking, there is a one-player mode where if you get 5 gold metals (by completing a minimum score) you unlock a new orb. 35 challenges in 1 player mode await you.

Rent or Buy?
For 20 bucks at Shockwave.com you don't even have to get out of your chair to buy this! That right there is enough, but you should really buy this game because you will have the most fun in your entire life with this game.

Final Thought:
Orbz is THE most unique concept game I have ever played, yet it is also THE best game I have ever played. There are no flaws whatsoever in this game, and you like any type of fun in your life AT ALL you will buy this game. I can GUARUNTEE you will like this game. Now stop reading and go get it!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/14/04