For an FPS junkie that has never cared for physics, I thought Switchball would be a drag, but I’ll admit I was quite entertained. There are 5 worlds (Lava World, Sky World, Ice World, etc) with 6 levels for each and two modes for online multiplayer. The goal is to complete each level while using the motion and force of the ball that the player is controlling. The game also makes it intriguing by allowing the ball to change into different physical properties that a player can use to their advantage. Changing it into metal will make the ball heavier and vulnerable to magnetic forces, but rolling through hefty barricades will be easier. Another type is the air ball, which is the opposite of the metal ball. It’s lighter and can glide across thin sheets where as a metal ball can not. There is one more type of ball that a player can morph into, which is the most fun, but I don’t want to give too much away.Single player can grow tiresome considering the layouts of every level is pretty much the same. The colors, obstacles, and lighting incorporated into every scene is what distinguishes each world from one another so it’s not a complete bore. The multiplayer, however, is what I had the most fun with. There is a co-op mode where team work is crucial, in order to finish the level. Slopes, fans, wooden blocks, and other obstacles will make the level more interesting to get through. There are only 4 levels, which was enough to make me happy considering the amount of time that was spent on each. The other mode I enjoyed was the race mode, where up to 8 players can battle it out by racing down narrow pathways and knocking each other off the course. In each level, a player can also sabotage their opponent to make them become further behind, but the consequence of it may make someone consider otherwise. One more thing I have failed to mention was the camera. Many might be irritated with how the camera operates since it will focus on walls or make it difficult to direct the ball toward the correct path. The game though, gives the player 4 options to choose from in regards to controlling the camera. Directing the ball with one analog stick and being able to manually control the camera with the other is similar to moving a character in third and first person games so most players should be used to it.
Overall, as an Xbox Live Arcade game, it’s worth 800 MS points. Personally, it was a nice break away from the competition I strive for in FPS games. Switchball can still grasp that competitive edge, but for me, it was just plain mindless fun as my friend and I kept beating each other up with a ball. Any game that is that enjoyable is priceless.
Single Player: B+
Multiplayer: A
Overall: A-
Switchball is also available to download as a demo located on Xbox Live Marketplace or download a trial version on PC.