Wall Ball Atari 2600 game

Break through the "flat" habit and experience a new dimension in video games with Wall Ball, a nostalgic trip back to the 1980s. In this rare VCS title from Avalon Hill & Sports Illustrated, players take control of a paddle-like object, aiming to break through a wall made of bricks while preventing the ball from falling off the screen.

Wall Ball offers 9 levels of 3-D racquet-and-ball simulation for the Atari 2600. Using the joystick, players must destroy 57 bricks of a 72 bricks wall to advance, with skilled players capable of destroying up to four bricks at once. But beware, losing all 99 balls results in a game over.

The game's graphics are minimalistic yet stylish, with a deep blue rear wall contrasting well with the paddle and ball. However, the sounds are lackluster, featuring only chirps and a terrible buzz upon missing a ball.

Gameplay-wise, Wall Ball is akin to Breakout tilted on its side and made 3D. Players must hit the ball against the wall to knock out pieces, while avoiding losing lives by missing the ball with the paddle. The difficulty curve can be steep initially, but with practice, players can find a balance between approachability and challenge.

Despite its innovative 3D graphics for its time, Wall Ball suffers from choppy scaling and a lack of indicators for ball positioning, making gameplay frustrating. While it may offer a decent challenge, the game's execution ultimately falls short of its potential.

In conclusion, while Wall Ball may hold nostalgic value for Atari enthusiasts, its flaws in gameplay execution and limited features make it a game best left in the annals of gaming history.