Why is it that love and danger go hand-in-hand? Every video game demands that you put your life on the line for your loved ones. Moreover, to make matters worse, you normally require ungodly skills to progress through the simplest of stages. Well, unsurprisingly, this is exactly what happens in Kid Ball Adventure. It is a game that will drive you crazy as you become hooked on its deceptive simplicity.
Developed by Spoonbox Studio and Ratalaika Games and published by Eastasiasoft Limited, this is a 2D precision platformer. What’s more, it has an array of game modes to make it that bit harder. As such, you’ll scream with rage as you die repeatedly. However, when you are successful, you’ll enjoy the euphoric and fleeting moment of victory.
Kid Ball Adventure is a simple tale of love.
Dragons have an unhealthy obsession with kidnapping fair maidens. Shock horror this is exactly what happens to the protagonist’s bit on the side. There they were, enjoying a bounce along the road, when the evil dragon struck. He grabbed the innocent pink ball and stole her away to his lair. As a consequence, the hero must undertake a dangerous and difficult journey across 100 stages.
As you can see, Kid Ball Adventure is a simple tale of love. What’s more, the simplicity extends to the core concepts and the level design. Subsequently, the action is easy to understand, even if it’s tough to overcome. Its gameplay is reminiscent of Super Meat Boy and OkunoKa Madness. Yet, it isn’t quite so brutal, and therefore won’t make you want to smash your controller.
Keys, gates, and obstacles.
Every stage is broken down into core components. There are collectables to gather, a key to find, and plenty of obstacles to overcome. First, if you strike anything you die. Second, if you fall into a pit, you die. Finally, if you screw up…you guessed it, you die. Therefore, nothing but precision will do in this cruel platforming title.
Yet, I may be exaggerating slightly, as planning and patience are key. If you study a route, observe your enemies, and miss some collectables, you can progress pretty quickly. However, the drip-fed traps and new enemies will keep you on your toes. There are spikes, circular blades, projectiles, and more that await you at every turn. On top of this, you can’t kill your enemies. Therefore, all you can do is avoid their attention and make your way to the exit.
Kid Ball Adventure is old-school.
Precision platformers belong to a golden era of gaming. Consequently, Kid Ball Adventure has captured this in its retro aesthetics. With garish colours, clean lines, and repetitive backdrops, it is distinctly old-school. What’s more, the sprites are basic but cute and the obstacles contrast the landscape. As such, everything is easy to identify, and this makes it nicer to play.
Thanks to its familiar plot, you can enjoy a dramatic soundtrack. This jovial and upbeat affair drives you onwards. Alongside this, there are some nice shrill sound effects to complement the visuals. All in all, it lacks originality but works wonderfully with the theme.
Simple controls.
Though precision is the name of the game, Kid Ball Adventure is easy to master. With minimal effort, you’ll understand the controls and enjoy a stripped-back UI. Moreover, the responsive inputs and accurate movement ensure that frustration and failure are kept to a minimum.
With 100 levels to complete and a gradual difficulty curve, there is plenty of longevity. However, this is enhanced thanks to the excellent time trial modes. With three to pick from, you’ll test your abilities and patience as you up the ante.
Kid Ball Adventure ticks many boxes.
If you want a challenging but not infuriating precision platformer, then this is your game. Kid Ball Adventure will push you to your limits without being unduly harsh. As such, it is rewarding, addictive, and great value for money. It is for these reasons that I recommend you to buy it here! Can you bounce through every stage and save your girlfriend? Avoid the obstacles, grab the collectables and unlock each door.
