DX Ball was released 6+ years ago back in 1996. Still it is one of the standards by which games are rated. On the cutting edge for its time, many still find it better than its flashier sequel DX Ball 2. No matter how you look at it, this is a game worthy of some of your time if you enjoy the Arkanoid genre.

Graphics: 6
The Graphics of DX Ball were great for the time period it was released. The paddle is fluid in its animation, and the numbers are beautiful looking. As time has progressed, the graphics have come to look a bit dated, especially when compared to DX Ball 2. However, that shouldn't kep you from trying out the game. The graphics are still better than MANY of the so-called "new" arkanoid clones coming out today. The grahpics are crisp and clean and won't leave you wishing you were playing an online Java remake of the game. The only real problem I had with the graphics was the utter lack of backgrounds. Though the black background helps keep the ball very visible, it is nonetheless a bit too devoid of color for my tastes.

Sound: 7
The Sound from the original DX Ball is nearly identical to the sequel. I'm willing to bet that the .wav files are the exact same files. The bounces and wall hit sounds are fantastic, and lead to making you believe that the ball really is ricocheting off of a wall. The only real lack here is for music. There is the ability to turn on Midi music, but I woulldn't recommend it. Playing your favorite CD or .mp3 in the background is a good choice though.

Options: 5
There are very few apparent options from the mainscreen of the game. Thankfully the different power-ups are listed, but nothing appears to be changeable. In today's world, where we expect to be able to control everything about a game down to the sensitivity of a mouse, this is a glaring hole. There is possibly another option of note as there was formerly a board editor available to help you make your own boards, but I do not know if it is still available. If you are able to find it, it is a great thing as it allows you to expand on the game nearly indefinately, creating levels that will challenge you.

Concept: 8
Breaking bricks is not everyone's fortee. However, it is a really good video game concept. There are likely more breakout/arakanoid clones than any other type of game ever made. This game adds to the concept with many interesting powerups, most brought over from the Amiga classic of Mega Ball. Things such as fire bricks, hold and release, fireball, and shooting paddle are all present. A lot of ground has been broken in this genre since this game's release, but the fundamental concept and the quality in presenting the concept are very high in DX Ball.

Fun: 10
As Video Games become more and more involved, there is ever greater a need to play simple fun games. Some concepts never get old, and when correctly done, the Arkanoid genre is one of the most exciting types of arcade game you can play on your computer. It is very fast paced, and requires a great amount of attention, but does not require you to devote several weeks to playing in order to enjoy your time. This game is a blast to play and will keep you entertained for many hours.

Overall: 7
DX Ball has become a classic for many good reasons. If you haven't played this game, it comes highly recommended. It is greatly appreciated that the game is kept online despite its age and made available to the public as a freeware game. If you haven't tried it out yet, give it a run, it will be worth your time.