I finished
Wizorb.
I finished the main game and didn't bother to grind for some of the other Steam achievements. This game is another take on Breakout. For those who don't know what Breakout is, you move a ball along in a stage and you break blocks with it. There is a paddle at the bottom that keeps the ball moving. You can use the paddle to alter the speed and direction of the ball. Some blocks require multiple hits and others you can't break, which serve as obstructions for the stage design. Wizorb is an 8 bit fantasy take on Breakout. You progress through 5 worlds containing 12 stages each. Then there are secret levels to free some characters that you will need for the final battle. You start off in a destroyed town with everyone having their hands out wanting some money from you. You get the money from playing through the stages. By donating money once you get enough money, the next time you revisit the town, the building or house or what have you will be restored. You can get all of these buildings, houses, and people taken care of pretty early in the game.
The game is pure breakout, which means the game can range from very fun to extremely frustrating. The creators of this game didn't spare much of the latter as during the final stages, you will be spending minutes hoping that the ball you hit will finally break that hard to reach block. The game itself isn't necessary hard but the speed of the ball can make it a challenge. Then trying to capture jewels, coins, hearts, etc. while making sure you don't lose a life is the tricky part. There will be times where you will have to let a coin or a jewel (ruby?) fall uncollected.
I had stability issues with the game. As you can see from the previous post, I had to reboot my computer twice to get it to recognize a save and to eliminate this inexplicable choppiness going on. Also the Steam listing doesn't list all of the achievements I got either. To be honest, this game isn't that compelling enough to replay to get those achievements. Maybe another time and by another time, I mean never. Having played many freeware Breakout clones when I was a kid, Wizorb definitely isn't the best take on the formula but if the price is right, it's worth a play.
Time on the steam clock: 4.5 hours
Indie Cred: High - While 8 bit indie games are a bit passé, you could probably still have a
expression when you say "Oh, I'm just playing a game called Wizorb. You probably haven't heard of it."
Buy? Wait until it is grouped together with a bunch of other indie games for a couple of dollars
Next game will be
Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit.
