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How Metascores Are Calculated
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Altered Beast
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
[Xbox Live Arcade] Switchball challenges players to control an ever-changing ball along a narrow and challenging course suspended in midair. A polymorphous ball exhibits different physical characteristics as it changes form as either a standard Marbleball, a feather-light Airball, an electrically charged Powerball or a dense and powerful Metalball. Players will have to solve their way through challenging levels packed with tricky obstacles, traps and mazes. With beautifully rendered 3D environments including Skyworld, Iceworld, Caveworld, Cloudworld and Lavaworld, Switchcball features an advanced physics engine, allowing players to interact with objects just as they would in the real world. [Sierra Online]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 96
Console Monster
Superb physics engine.
 94
Team Xbox
All in all, Switchball is certainly one of the best puzzles games on XBLA, and is definitely the best, um, ball-based puzzle game of all-time. It’s a great looking game, offering a deep single-player mode and plenty of multiplayer options.
85
Digital Entertainment News
Sure, it's too short, but it's also inexpensive, and it's so fun to play you'll be begging for more. Definitely worth a download!
85
GameZone
Following the path of Marble Blast Ultra, Switchball delivers a well-chiseled puzzle experience to Xbox 360 owners everywhere. And for only 800 MS points, the experience is completely worth it.
85
MS Xbox World
If you are into a lot of arcade puzzle games then this is a must have. It’s particularly enjoyable for all games players of all ages, there’s a lot to do and there is a good amount of challenging achievements to work for. So if you’re missing a game like Mercury on the Xbox then this is one to get.
84
Gamers' Temple
Switchball is a nice blend of cerebral and manual challenge, and is a nice switch from your usual puzzle fare.
84
IGN
There’s no doubt that Switchball is worth your hard-earned Microsoft Points if you’re into puzzlers. It offers an innovative look at ball-centric XBLA games with its different abilities that stay fresh throughout the five separate environments.
82
Game Almighty
As far as XBLA games are concerned, this is a rare gem.
82
Console Gameworld
Despite these minor flaws I found Switchball to be one of the better puzzle games based on rolling a ball around.
80
AceGamez
A very addictive and innovative gameplay experience awaits anyone willing to part with their precious Microsoft points to purchase Switchball, although a little bit of patience is required with some of the harder levels, which some gamers may find tough to get to grips with.
80
Jolt Online Gaming UK
With so many fast-paced action games clogging up Xbox Live Arcade, a slower-paced puzzler like Switchball really stands out. As to whether or not that’s a good thing, well it’s really up to you.
80
Games Radar
Switchball is one of the finer, original Live Arcade titles to grace the service in a while, and is undeniably addicting. Even if you plan to play for just a few minutes at a time, you'll find yourself losing hours to the creative puzzles and intuitive game play.
80
Official Xbox Magazine
This is the kind of game Xbox Live Arcade was made for. [Holiday 2007, p.73]
80
Thunderbolt
Switchball is an innovative new take on the traditional marble game, with a plethora of interesting additions to spice up the old formula, and stunning graphics to please the eyes.
80
Gaming Nexus
Not only is this one of the best puzzle games on the Xbox Live Arcade, but it's also a fantastic looking game with a compelling gimmick.
78
Game Chronicles
Ultimately, this is a great game and easily worth the $10 you have to sacrifice to land a copy of it.
75
The Onion (A.V. Club)
The game quickly runs out of maps, but for this budget price, it's an eye-pleasing, patience-testing distraction.
75
GameSpot
This clever physics-based puzzler is both challenging and addictive.
70
Video Game Talk
It’s very much geared toward a laid back style of play that’s surprisingly difficult to transition into when playing anything else on the Xbox 360.
70
EuroGamer
At 800 Microsoft Points which equates to a couple of Big Mac meals and a side of chilli cheese tops, it definitely offers the kind of quality that some say is lacking at the moment at a more than reasonable price. However, do be warned that the game gets insanely difficult half way through and although the multiplayer modes are fun, it's fleeting.
70
Talk Xbox
All in all, this is a nice addition to the XBLA collection. When you’re ready for some “down” time from the hectic fraggin’, Switchball is a good change of pace.
70
Official Xbox Magazine UK
Ultimately, this is still the same old Switchball that it ever was, just with one less thing to bitch about. [May 2008, p.92]
61
Game Positive
If you enjoy 3D platform puzzlers, you could do a lot worse than purchase Switchball. However, some of the negative factors in the game can make it an incredibly frustrating experience.
60
Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
One of the most inventive puzzle games on 360, ported from the PC with little love and attention. [Jan 2008, p.92]
60
X360 Magazine UK
"Marble Madness" with cannons. [Issue 28, p.118]
Nick R. gave it a10: Marvel M. gave it a9: |
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