''Incredible Shrinking Sphere'' is a 1989 video game developed by Foursfield and published by
Electric Dreams Software for
Amiga
Amiga is a family of personal computers produced by Commodore International, Commodore from 1985 until the company's bankruptcy in 1994, with production by others afterward. The original model is one of a number of mid-1980s computers with 16-b ...
,
Amstrad CPC
The Amstrad CPC (short for "Colour Personal Computer") is a series of 8-bit home computers produced by Amstrad between 1984 and 1990. It was designed to compete in the mid-1980s home computer market dominated by the Commodore 64 and the ZX Spec ...
,
Atari ST
Atari ST is a line of personal computers from Atari Corporation and the successor to the company's Atari 8-bit computers, 8-bit computers. The initial model, the Atari 520ST, had limited release in April–June 1985, and was widely available i ...
,
Commodore 64
The Commodore 64, also known as the C64, is an 8-bit computing, 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International (first shown at the Consumer Electronics Show, January 7–10, 1982, in Las Vegas). It has been listed in ...
, and
ZX Spectrum
The ZX Spectrum () is an 8-bit computing, 8-bit home computer developed and marketed by Sinclair Research. One of the most influential computers ever made and one of the all-time bestselling British computers, over five million units were sold. ...
Plot
On the planet Sangfalmadore, the player is recruited to the Sphere Training Corps. An earthquake has trapped the STC's Colonel Matt Ridley, leaving it up to the player to rescue him.
Gameplay
The game consists of eight levels, each divided into four maze sections. The player must direct the ball to the exit of the maze. Each maze has traps and assassin enemies. Assassins can be countered with collectable shields or ammo. Traps can be tackled by shrinking or enlarging the ball.
Development
Anna Ufnowska's inspiration for designing the game came from the intricate weaving of a pair of slippers.
The project began in late February 1988 and took seven months to put together.
Release
The game package included a contest slip offering a chance to win a
Tomy Omnibot 2000 or a limited-edition ''Incredible Shrinking Sphere'' poster.
Reception
''ACE'' magazine called ''Incredible Shrinking Sphere'' an impressive debut for Foursfield because of the realistic ball movement.
The Spanish magazine ''Microhobby'' gave the game the following scores:
[(Spanish]
Incredible Shrinking Sphere - ZX Spectrum de Electric Dreams Software (1989)
- article on Soloretro Originality: 80% Graphics: 80% Motion: 80% Sound: 80% Difficulty: 100% Addiction: 100%
References
External links
*{{moby game, id=/incredible-shrinking-sphere
1989 video games
Action games
Amiga games
Amstrad CPC games
Atari ST games
Commodore 64 games
Electric Dreams Software games
Foursfield games
Marble video games
Single-player video games
Video games about size change
Video games developed in the United Kingdom
Video games set on fictional planets
ZX Spectrum games