Get it from:. Best mac os x version.
| DX-Ball | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Michael P. Welch |
| Designer(s) | Michael P. Welch Seumas McNally |
| Programmer(s) | Michael P. Welch |
| Platform(s) | Windows Mac OS 6 or higher. |
| Release | 1996 (Windows) 2002 (Mac) |
| Genre(s) | Breakout clone |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
DX-Ball (stylized as DX • BΔLL, sometimes also written as DXBALL) is a freewarecomputer game for the PC first released in 1996 by Michael P. Welch and Seumas McNally. The game, originally based on an earlier series of Amiga games known as MegaBall, is patterned after classic ball-and-paddle arcade games such as Breakout and Arkanoid. A level editor was also made available as well. DX-Ball has been succeeded by three direct follow-ups: DX-Ball 2 (1998), Rival Ball (2001) and Super DX-Ball (2004).
Windows: Download Super DX-Ball (3.8 MB) Mac: Download Super DX-Ball - Mac Edition (6.3 MB) Neon Wars v1.11a Shareware Edition Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 and Windows 10 Updated May 12th, 2007. Windows: Download Neon Wars. Get Super DX-Ball Deluxe for Windows 230 Boards $19.99 Instant Download 100% Safe: To purchase the Mac version, click here. Super DX-Ball delivers a vibrant and colorful brick-breaking game that the whole family can enjoy. Created by Michael P. Welch, the original author of DX-Ball, this game brings together the amazing world of tessellation.
Gameplay[edit]
The game is basically a Breakout clone: the player controls a paddle at the bottom and deflects a single ball, hitting different colored blocks on the top of the screen without having the ball fall below the screen. Clearing all the blocks results in completing the level and going to the next. There are 50 levels to complete. Similarly as Arkanoid and MegaBall, there is an inclusion of power-ups other than extra balls. Various power-ups appear when hitting random blocks, floating downwards towards the bottom and can be picked up by touching it with the paddle. If only a single block remains on a level and it continues to be untouched by the bouncing ball for a minute or so, an electricity sound begins to build and eventually the block is blasted away by a lightning.
In certain levels, the layout of unbreakable blocks may allow the ball to become stuck in an infinite loop without touching the paddle. If this occurs, all unbreakable blocks will eventually replaced with the breakable ones after a minute or so of the ball being stuck in a bouncing pattern.
Power-ups[edit]
There are three neutral, ten positive and five negative powerups in the game. Neutral powerups can affect the gameplay in both positive and negative ways, depends on the situation, positive ones help in passing the level, while negative ones make the level more difficult. To alert the player, a loud warning sound will be heard if the player picks up a negative power-up.
Sadly, this isn't quite the generational upgrade we were hoping for. Microsoft works for mac os. It's the case with the newly-updated Mac mini (2020).
Most of the power-ups are directly taken from MegaBall with different names. New additions include FireBall, Set-Off Exploding, Shrink Ball, Split Ball, Super Shrink, and Fast Ball.
In addition, there are also two unused negative power-ups called Gravity Ball and Magnetism, found in the game's internal coding and is a leftover from MegaBall. These two power-ups were dropped on the game's final development as it requires a more advanced game engine to render their effects yet their icons still remain in the coding files.
Trivially, the game's function could be temporarily transformed into a shoot 'em up by using a hidden cheat code that enable the Shooting Paddle power-up at the player's control, at the cost of reduced points.
History[edit]
MegaBall[edit]
DX-Ball draws its main inspiration from the Amiga game MegaBall, programmed by Mackey Software in 1991–1993 for the Amiga. This game, originally a vast improvement upon Taito's Arkanoid, has several features that carried on to DX-Ball, such as similar power-ups, a large playfield (compared to other Breakout clone games), and both shares a same level background textures. In addition, both games also include a level editor. The original author released in 2012 the source code of MegaBall under the Apache license.[1][2]
DX-Ball development[edit]
Michael P. Welch designed DX-Ball in 1996 as PC remake of MegaBall which was only available for the Amiga platform. According to a message of the programmer in the game's leaderboard screen, it was originally dedicated for Michael's wife, so that she can play something in the PC that was similar to her favorite Amiga game MegaBall. In the message, Michael himself even states that his wife enjoys MegaBall more than his own game, Scorched Tanks, which was probably his main motivation to design DX-Ball.[citation needed]Seumas McNally (1979–2000), whose programmed its sequel, has also contributed the game's 3D graphic design.
DX-Ball expanded technically on the common Breakout-style game formula with smooth 16-bit graphics, highly stylized level designs, a wide array of power-ups, high quality sound effects and unique gameplay elements never seen before in a Breakout clone of its time. One interesting aspect of the game is that it renders on an exceptional 60 fps gameplay with any video cards, giving a vivid look and sophisticated smoothness. The game runs on either Direct X or Direct X 2 for the optimal quality. This feature was later carried on later games.
Mac port[edit]
In 2002, the game was ported to macOS (formerly known as Mac OS X) by Michael S. Austin, the author of CTSP Games and a friend of Michael Welch. While recycling the original gameplay and graphics, the Mac version introduces several new features, including four new in-game music, 2-player hotseat multiplayer, different title screen display, and an optional board pack expansion (DX-Ball Deluxe) of 150 additional boards (for a total of 200 boards). This version is a shareware, as the board expansion pack is only available in the registered version.The Mac version requires macOS version 6.0 or higher. However, it is not compatible on newer Intel-based Macs such as the MacBook or the iMac.
Sequels[edit]
DX-Ball has been succeeded by two direct follow-ups: DX-Ball 2 (1998) and Rival Ball (2001). While these were developed by Longbow Digital Arts, Michael Welch also released a remake in 2004 under BlitWise Productions, known as Super DX-Ball. In addition, Longbow Digital Arts also released a spin-off in the same year, known as Rival Ball Tournament. Unlike DX-Ball, these games are not freeware.
Reception[edit]
In an article on shareware named 'Home grown' PC Zone #64 June 1998 called DX-Ball a 'superb clone'.[3]PC Zone #97 Christmas 2000, disappointed with a Hasbro Breakout remake, recommended instead DX-Ball 2 in their review.[4]
References[edit]
- ^megaball on snappymaria.com (2012)
- ^megaball on bitbucket.org
- ^PC_Zone_64_June_1998 in PC Zone
- ^PC_Zone_97_Xmas_2000 in PC Zone
External links[edit]
- Original homepage (archived 1999)
- Homepage of DX-Ball - The game and level editor can be legally downloaded here.
- DX-Ball Online - web version.
- DX-Ball at MobyGames
- No Adware or Spyware
- Safe & Easy Downloads
- No pirated software, 100% legal games
- Games by Genre
Brick Breaking has remained the most popular game type! DX Ball continues this trend!
Reviewed by: David Galvin
Categories/Tags: brick breakerdx ball seriesfreeware
- What's Free - Play game for 100 minutes.
- File Size - .821 MB
- Play It On - Win XP
- Game Created By - Blitwise
DFG Exclusive Review Summary
- Simple, addictive, fun and easy to learn.
- Tons of cool power-ups to get and power-downs to avoid.
- It's completely free.
- It's not the most original game out there.
- Luck oftentimes plays a huge factor in your success.
- It can get difficult to hit specific blocks when you need to.
› Read Full Dx Ball Review
Game Description
Classic Brick Breaker Like Arkanoid
You have seen this game style before. DX Ball continues where Pong, Arkanoid and other games before it left off. A ball is bouncing around and breaking bricks. You bounce it back up to break more and if you let the ball pass your paddle, then you lose a life. Advance to the next level by breaking all the bricks.
Of course it seems too simple to be addicting. But that is the beauty of DX Ball. The simplicity means you don't have to spend hours climbing a learning curve before it is fun. You can download the game and have fun playing immediately.. for FREE.
Lots of Power Ups to Grab
Why spend the rest of the afternoon learning a new game when you can get started with DX Ball right away. Enjoy power ups and other creative spins to this classic genre.
Some of the cool options in DX Ball are: Lasers, Grab Paddle, Fireball, Explosion, Extra Life, Grow Bricks, Next Level, Slow Ball, Through Ball and a few others you can find out by playing and downloading this game! Are you still reading? Download DX Ball and start having fun right away!
Dx Ball Review
- Review by David Galvin
Dave Galvin is a freelance writer and avid gamer. Somehow, he managed to find a way to combine the two passions.
It's Time to Break Out!
Are you familiar with the old block-breaking game of Breakout? It was a challenging little classic that had you break apart rows upon rows of shiny little blocks using a ball that you had to ensure never hit the ground. This is not that game. It's very similar though.
Dx Ball Free Download For Mac
DX-Ball is an independently-made game that was developed in the ‘90s that operates under a lot of similar design principles as Breakout. At first blush, it might look really derivative, and you would not be entirely wrong in thinking so. However, that does not mean it can't be just as fun its progenitor. Even so, DX-Ball still has a few tricks up its sleeve that help it stand out in the crowd. Besides, you could do a whole lot worse for a game that's completely free to play.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Put Down
Like all the various clones of Breakout that came before and after it, DX-Ball plays like a combination of pinball and Pong. You control a paddle with your mouse and use it to keep a little white ball aloft in the air. Failure to do so results in you losing a life.
In the meantime, you have to use the ball to destroy an array of blocks above you. Some blocks go down with a single hit. Others need to be whacked several times. Some are invisible and will only appear once the ball collides with them once. Some blocks are indestructible, some blow up at the slightest touch, and so on.
It may not sound exciting at first, by DX-Ball manages to mix things up with its variety of power-ups. Some blocks will release a power-up when they are destroyed; if you catch it with your paddle, you can benefit from any number of boons. You can increase the size of your paddle, add more balls to bounce around, get the ability to catch and strategically re-launch the ball at your whim, or equip your paddle with a pair of blasters to shoot and destroy blocks in an instant. Powers stack as well, so if you're able to nab each one that comes your way, keeping that ball up in the air can be a piece of cake.
However, not all power-ups are so benign. Just to mess around with you, DX-Ball incorporates a variety of power-downs that can make things harder if you make the mistake of grabbing them. They can have all sorts of negative effects; one can shrink your paddle, one will cause the blocks to sink lower every time the ball bounces, one will increase the movement speed of the ball, and one will even outright kill you!
The power-ups and power-downs of DX-Ball make it far more dynamic and unpredictable than your usual Breakout clone. You have no idea just what's going to pop up on every screen. Sometimes a level will be over in a flash because you got a good combination of abilities. Other times, it could take a good while before anything decent comes your way.
Either way, you could easily call this game the Super Mario Bros. of Breakout clones. DX-Ball would be fun for a few minutes on its own, but the assorted abilities you can receive at any time seal the deal and increase the replay value. Open source torrent client windows. It can be a very difficult game to put down. You might tell yourself: 'Just one more game and I'll be done for the day,' but you'll be back for another round in short order.
It's Not Always So Bouncy
Unfortunately, as much as luck can be your best friend, it's just as likely going to be your worst enemy. Progress in DX-Ball often comes down to how lucky you are. Sometimes the power-ups will rain on you like it's the first day of spring. Other times, the well will dry up and you'll be left with a plain old paddle and ball.
Make no mistake; DX-Ball is not necessarily hard without the power-ups. It's just that since you have so little direct control over where the ball bounces, nailing the last few blocks in a level can be an incredibly tedious experience. The only way to change the ball's bounce, speed or direction without the use of a power-up is with proper timing and control of the paddle. Even that is pretty unreliable, and that's assuming you can even pull the trick off in the first place.
To be fair, the game will happily throw you a bone and bring you to the next level if a single block is left untouched for too long. However, that won't do you any favors if there are still several remaining. It does not help that the game's physics are so primitive and simplistic that the ball can bounce in a cyclical pattern more easily than it really has any right to.
Broken, But Fun
DX-Ball has a number of issues that can make it more frustrating than fun at times. However, like how the ball always falls back to the ground, it's a shockingly easy game to come crawling back to. Maybe it's because no matter how sour things went last time, you just know you might be able to push on a little further next time. Maybe you'll get a better ability in that level you died in or maybe you'll waste fewer lives in the previous ones.
Whatever the case may be, DX-Ball is an amusing diversion that you can play for free on most any kind of computer these days. That should count for something.
Player Reviews
Game Video
Watch a short clip of the brick breaking action that takes place in DX Ball.Screenshots
Click Screenshot to Enlarge
About Download Free Games
Recommended by PC World Magazine (August 2004), The Miami Herald Online (Sept. 25, 2004), and Downhome Magazine (2005 – Favorite Games Site), Download Free Games has provided its users quality downloadable games since 2002.
Game players from around the world play tens of thousands of DFG's free games every day. DFG is constantly expanding, striving to bring its audience the most entertaining game downloads found on the Internet.
Download Free Games is a small business owned and operated by iWin Inc.
Dx Ball 2 For Mac
Dx Ball 2 Mac
Dx Ball
×Thank you for your review!
Your review will be published within 24 to 48 hours.
DX-Ball development[edit]
Michael P. Welch designed DX-Ball in 1996 as PC remake of MegaBall which was only available for the Amiga platform. According to a message of the programmer in the game's leaderboard screen, it was originally dedicated for Michael's wife, so that she can play something in the PC that was similar to her favorite Amiga game MegaBall. In the message, Michael himself even states that his wife enjoys MegaBall more than his own game, Scorched Tanks, which was probably his main motivation to design DX-Ball.[citation needed]Seumas McNally (1979–2000), whose programmed its sequel, has also contributed the game's 3D graphic design.
DX-Ball expanded technically on the common Breakout-style game formula with smooth 16-bit graphics, highly stylized level designs, a wide array of power-ups, high quality sound effects and unique gameplay elements never seen before in a Breakout clone of its time. One interesting aspect of the game is that it renders on an exceptional 60 fps gameplay with any video cards, giving a vivid look and sophisticated smoothness. The game runs on either Direct X or Direct X 2 for the optimal quality. This feature was later carried on later games.
Mac port[edit]
In 2002, the game was ported to macOS (formerly known as Mac OS X) by Michael S. Austin, the author of CTSP Games and a friend of Michael Welch. While recycling the original gameplay and graphics, the Mac version introduces several new features, including four new in-game music, 2-player hotseat multiplayer, different title screen display, and an optional board pack expansion (DX-Ball Deluxe) of 150 additional boards (for a total of 200 boards). This version is a shareware, as the board expansion pack is only available in the registered version.The Mac version requires macOS version 6.0 or higher. However, it is not compatible on newer Intel-based Macs such as the MacBook or the iMac.
Sequels[edit]
DX-Ball has been succeeded by two direct follow-ups: DX-Ball 2 (1998) and Rival Ball (2001). While these were developed by Longbow Digital Arts, Michael Welch also released a remake in 2004 under BlitWise Productions, known as Super DX-Ball. In addition, Longbow Digital Arts also released a spin-off in the same year, known as Rival Ball Tournament. Unlike DX-Ball, these games are not freeware.
Reception[edit]
In an article on shareware named 'Home grown' PC Zone #64 June 1998 called DX-Ball a 'superb clone'.[3]PC Zone #97 Christmas 2000, disappointed with a Hasbro Breakout remake, recommended instead DX-Ball 2 in their review.[4]
References[edit]
- ^megaball on snappymaria.com (2012)
- ^megaball on bitbucket.org
- ^PC_Zone_64_June_1998 in PC Zone
- ^PC_Zone_97_Xmas_2000 in PC Zone
External links[edit]
- Original homepage (archived 1999)
- Homepage of DX-Ball - The game and level editor can be legally downloaded here.
- DX-Ball Online - web version.
- DX-Ball at MobyGames
- No Adware or Spyware
- Safe & Easy Downloads
- No pirated software, 100% legal games
- Games by Genre
Brick Breaking has remained the most popular game type! DX Ball continues this trend!
Reviewed by: David Galvin
Categories/Tags: brick breakerdx ball seriesfreeware
- What's Free - Play game for 100 minutes.
- File Size - .821 MB
- Play It On - Win XP
- Game Created By - Blitwise
DFG Exclusive Review Summary
- Simple, addictive, fun and easy to learn.
- Tons of cool power-ups to get and power-downs to avoid.
- It's completely free.
- It's not the most original game out there.
- Luck oftentimes plays a huge factor in your success.
- It can get difficult to hit specific blocks when you need to.
› Read Full Dx Ball Review
Game Description
Classic Brick Breaker Like Arkanoid
You have seen this game style before. DX Ball continues where Pong, Arkanoid and other games before it left off. A ball is bouncing around and breaking bricks. You bounce it back up to break more and if you let the ball pass your paddle, then you lose a life. Advance to the next level by breaking all the bricks.
Of course it seems too simple to be addicting. But that is the beauty of DX Ball. The simplicity means you don't have to spend hours climbing a learning curve before it is fun. You can download the game and have fun playing immediately.. for FREE.
Lots of Power Ups to Grab
Why spend the rest of the afternoon learning a new game when you can get started with DX Ball right away. Enjoy power ups and other creative spins to this classic genre.
Some of the cool options in DX Ball are: Lasers, Grab Paddle, Fireball, Explosion, Extra Life, Grow Bricks, Next Level, Slow Ball, Through Ball and a few others you can find out by playing and downloading this game! Are you still reading? Download DX Ball and start having fun right away!
Dx Ball Review
- Review by David Galvin
Dave Galvin is a freelance writer and avid gamer. Somehow, he managed to find a way to combine the two passions.
It's Time to Break Out!
Are you familiar with the old block-breaking game of Breakout? It was a challenging little classic that had you break apart rows upon rows of shiny little blocks using a ball that you had to ensure never hit the ground. This is not that game. It's very similar though.
Dx Ball Free Download For Mac
DX-Ball is an independently-made game that was developed in the ‘90s that operates under a lot of similar design principles as Breakout. At first blush, it might look really derivative, and you would not be entirely wrong in thinking so. However, that does not mean it can't be just as fun its progenitor. Even so, DX-Ball still has a few tricks up its sleeve that help it stand out in the crowd. Besides, you could do a whole lot worse for a game that's completely free to play.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Put Down
Like all the various clones of Breakout that came before and after it, DX-Ball plays like a combination of pinball and Pong. You control a paddle with your mouse and use it to keep a little white ball aloft in the air. Failure to do so results in you losing a life.
In the meantime, you have to use the ball to destroy an array of blocks above you. Some blocks go down with a single hit. Others need to be whacked several times. Some are invisible and will only appear once the ball collides with them once. Some blocks are indestructible, some blow up at the slightest touch, and so on.
It may not sound exciting at first, by DX-Ball manages to mix things up with its variety of power-ups. Some blocks will release a power-up when they are destroyed; if you catch it with your paddle, you can benefit from any number of boons. You can increase the size of your paddle, add more balls to bounce around, get the ability to catch and strategically re-launch the ball at your whim, or equip your paddle with a pair of blasters to shoot and destroy blocks in an instant. Powers stack as well, so if you're able to nab each one that comes your way, keeping that ball up in the air can be a piece of cake.
However, not all power-ups are so benign. Just to mess around with you, DX-Ball incorporates a variety of power-downs that can make things harder if you make the mistake of grabbing them. They can have all sorts of negative effects; one can shrink your paddle, one will cause the blocks to sink lower every time the ball bounces, one will increase the movement speed of the ball, and one will even outright kill you!
The power-ups and power-downs of DX-Ball make it far more dynamic and unpredictable than your usual Breakout clone. You have no idea just what's going to pop up on every screen. Sometimes a level will be over in a flash because you got a good combination of abilities. Other times, it could take a good while before anything decent comes your way.
Either way, you could easily call this game the Super Mario Bros. of Breakout clones. DX-Ball would be fun for a few minutes on its own, but the assorted abilities you can receive at any time seal the deal and increase the replay value. Open source torrent client windows. It can be a very difficult game to put down. You might tell yourself: 'Just one more game and I'll be done for the day,' but you'll be back for another round in short order.
It's Not Always So Bouncy
Unfortunately, as much as luck can be your best friend, it's just as likely going to be your worst enemy. Progress in DX-Ball often comes down to how lucky you are. Sometimes the power-ups will rain on you like it's the first day of spring. Other times, the well will dry up and you'll be left with a plain old paddle and ball.
Make no mistake; DX-Ball is not necessarily hard without the power-ups. It's just that since you have so little direct control over where the ball bounces, nailing the last few blocks in a level can be an incredibly tedious experience. The only way to change the ball's bounce, speed or direction without the use of a power-up is with proper timing and control of the paddle. Even that is pretty unreliable, and that's assuming you can even pull the trick off in the first place.
To be fair, the game will happily throw you a bone and bring you to the next level if a single block is left untouched for too long. However, that won't do you any favors if there are still several remaining. It does not help that the game's physics are so primitive and simplistic that the ball can bounce in a cyclical pattern more easily than it really has any right to.
Broken, But Fun
DX-Ball has a number of issues that can make it more frustrating than fun at times. However, like how the ball always falls back to the ground, it's a shockingly easy game to come crawling back to. Maybe it's because no matter how sour things went last time, you just know you might be able to push on a little further next time. Maybe you'll get a better ability in that level you died in or maybe you'll waste fewer lives in the previous ones.
Whatever the case may be, DX-Ball is an amusing diversion that you can play for free on most any kind of computer these days. That should count for something.
Player Reviews
Game Video
Watch a short clip of the brick breaking action that takes place in DX Ball.Screenshots
Click Screenshot to Enlarge
About Download Free Games
Recommended by PC World Magazine (August 2004), The Miami Herald Online (Sept. 25, 2004), and Downhome Magazine (2005 – Favorite Games Site), Download Free Games has provided its users quality downloadable games since 2002.
Game players from around the world play tens of thousands of DFG's free games every day. DFG is constantly expanding, striving to bring its audience the most entertaining game downloads found on the Internet.
Download Free Games is a small business owned and operated by iWin Inc.
Dx Ball 2 For Mac
Dx Ball 2 Mac
Dx Ball
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Your review will be published within 24 to 48 hours.
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