Free 'GravBall' is Surprisingly Fun

posted April 6th, 2009 3:22 AM EST by arn in Free, iPhone games, iPod touch games, Maze

Stop me if you've heard this before: this game requires you to use the accelerometer to navigate your ball to the end goal.

At this point, I could be describing one of many (bad) iPhone games, but Psycho Turnip Games' GravBall [App Store] manages to incorporate some interesting level design that makes the game surprisingly compelling.

Levels start off simply enough but the game quickly introduces a number of additional elements such as death blocks, lasers, switches, moving blocks, and guided rockets.

The game offers 50 progressively difficult levels and is presently a free download.

Even as a free game there are things to criticize: there are no sound effects, the graphics are very simple, and there are even framerate problems. That said, it's the type of game that keeps you trying "just one more time".

The game was originally introduced at $0.99 but quickly dropped to free, so get it while you can.

App Store Link: GravBall, Free

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BigA

Very nice little game. Sound would be nice. I like the simple cartoonesque graphics. And so far no framerate issues: ) The levels are going by fast though: ( Any chance of a level editor? This guy is 15!!!! He should give lectures on 'The Art of Game Play' to some of the supposed 'big gun' developers out there...
BigA

Very nice little game. Sound would be nice. I like the simple cartoonesque graphics. And so far no framerate issues: ) The levels are going by fast though: ( Any chance of a level editor? This guy is 15!!!! He should give lectures on 'The Art of Game Play' to some of the supposed 'big gun' developers out there...
Moff

What? no framerate issues? It's laggy as hell!
Moff

What? no framerate issues? It's laggy as hell!
Moff

But yeah, it's free and it's pretty fun
Moff

But yeah, it's free and it's pretty fun
BigA

...well, nothing game breaking anyway; )
BigA

...well, nothing game breaking anyway; )
swarmster

The game isn't laggy, the ball just has way more inertia than you would expect given its apparent size. I find that's actually what makes the game more interesting than the hundreds of other similar get-the-ball-to-the-goal games out there.
swarmster

The game isn't laggy, the ball just has way more inertia than you would expect given its apparent size. I find that's actually what makes the game more interesting than the hundreds of other similar get-the-ball-to-the-goal games out there.
BigA

@swarmster. Thanks for clearing that up. I agree with you. The way the ball moves is really well done. Responsive with only small tilt gestures required. I don't find myself wielding my iPod around like it was a lightsaber: )
BigA

@swarmster. Thanks for clearing that up. I agree with you. The way the ball moves is really well done. Responsive with only small tilt gestures required. I don't find myself wielding my iPod around like it was a lightsaber: )
arn

I managed to get to level 50. But haven't beat 50. I'm not sure if I am going to be able to.

arn
arn

I managed to get to level 50. But haven't beat 50. I'm not sure if I am going to be able to.

arn
Moff

Well it seems like 10-15 fps to me anyway.
Moff

Well it seems like 10-15 fps to me anyway.
Adams Immersive

If the site owners have time to play to level 50, this is probably worth having!
Adams Immersive

If the site owners have time to play to level 50, this is probably worth having!
BigA

..damn, I can't get passed level 39 'Gas Mask'. Looks like I won't be needing a level editor after all...
BigA

..damn, I can't get passed level 39 'Gas Mask'. Looks like I won't be needing a level editor after all...
http://Www.heritagegalleria.net Chihuahuadogz

Yeah I reached level 50 and it looks very difficult. I think that it may be impossible...
http://Www.heritagegalleria.net Chihuahuadogz

Yeah I reached level 50 and it looks very difficult. I think that it may be impossible...
WilliamFarini

Stuck on level 48, it's impossible