Sticky Ball HD Review

Childish innuendo aside, pretty much everything about this game is summed up quite nicely in its title: Sticky Ball. It's an appropriate reflection of the game's straightforward nature. This is a good, puzzling little game and that's about it.

There is one detail the name Sticky Ball leaves out about its title character and that's the how he sticks to things. The ball uses an extendable arm to stick to metal surfaces. In order to complete each of the 20 stages the ball must collect the target and getting to it involves all sorts of grappling, swinging and item manipulation. Physics play a large part as careful weight and momentum management are essential. One stage has players dropping the ball high enough to break through a bridge while another sends the target hurdling into oblivion if the player pulls on a lever for too long.

It's a shame then that moments like those are some of the only highlights of the game. Many of the relatively small number of levels can be conquered in seconds. Sticky Ball himself is a cute character what with his antennae ears but the drab brown factory backgrounds he hangs out in quickly become repetitive. Having the gameplay be the focus is fine but the game can be breezed through in no time so it's not like the amount of content can fully make up for these shortcomings. Not even the funky music can.

Sticky Ball is a fine way for bored players to kill a day. Despite its issues, it has got enough worthwhile puzzles for a single play through. However, unless it has some downloadable content on the way, most probably won't be compelled to visit it again.