Graphically, for a downloadable title, Magic Ball is actually pretty impressive. The graphics are bright and colourful like an arcade game should be, and it all runs in a crisp 720p, with no slowdown, screen tearing or any other issues.

 

The havok engine has been put to good use, and the physics, whilst not the most sophisticated you’ll ever see in a game, also work well and help add an extra layer to not only the graphics, but the gameplay too. Also, the power-ups are clear and easy to see, whilst some of them actually have some pretty sweet graphical effects.

 

 

Aurally, there’s some little jingles in the background that are pleasant enough, but like most arcade games, is instantly forgettable. There’s no speech, but the sound effects can be quite meaty.

 

 

Online and local multiplayer is available for two players, and it’s the quickest to clear their screen as expected. The mode generally works pretty well, with no appreciable lag or slowdown when online.

 

 

It’s never going to blow the world away, but this kind of thing is appreciated when the developers could so easily just have ignored multiplayer completely in a game such as this and just had leaderboards.

 

 

"Magic Ball" is a great little PSN title. It may not be the most content rich package you’ll ever see, but it’s colourful, bright, 3D physics based take on 'Arkanoid' that’s different and new enough to feel fresh. With more (hopefully cheap) content on the way and online multiplayer, some good trophies and leaderboards, this is one of the best efforts yet on the PSN.  

 

 

 

 

+ Physics

+ Colourful graphics

+ Multiplayer

 

 

 

- Only 2 level types

- Quite tough

- Not great value