Incredible Shrinking Sphere
{{Short description|1989 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Incredible Shrinking Sphere
|image = Incredible_Shrinking_Sphere_ST_Cover.jpg
|image_size =
|caption =
|developer = Foursfield
|publisher = Electric Dreams Software
|designer = Anna Ufnowska
|artist = Steve Green
|programmer = Colin Reed
|composer = David Lowe
|released = January 1989: ST
February 1989: Amiga
|genre = Action
|modes = Single-player
|platforms = Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum
}}
Incredible Shrinking Sphere is a 1989 video game developed by Foursfield and published by Electric Dreams Software for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum
Plot
On the planet Sangfalmadore, the player is recruited to the Sphere Training Corps. An earthquake has trapped the STC's Colonel Matt Ridley, leaving it up to the player to rescue him.
Gameplay
The game consists of eight levels, each divided into four maze sections. The player must direct the ball to the exit of the maze. Each maze has traps and assassin enemies. Assassins can be countered with collectable shields or ammo. Traps can be tackled by shrinking or enlarging the ball.
Development
Anna Ufnowska's inspiration for designing the game came from the intricate weaving of a pair of slippers.{{cite journal |date=February 1989 |title=ACE - Issue 17 |url=https://archive.org/stream/ace-magazine-17/ACE_Issue_17_1989_Feb#page/n51 |journal=ACE |author=Bob Wade |issue=17 |pages=52–53 |access-date=September 6, 2017}} The project began in late February 1988 and took seven months to put together.{{cite journal |date=April 1991 |title=Amstrad Action Issue 043 |url=https://archive.org/stream/amstrad-action-043#page/n39 |author=Frank O'Connor |journal=Amstrad Action |issue=43 |pages=40–41 |quote="There's lots to do in this game, if you have the interest." |access-date=September 6, 2017}}
Release
The game package included a contest slip offering a chance to win a Tomy Omnibot 2000 or a limited-edition Incredible Shrinking Sphere poster.{{cite web |title=Incredible Shrinking Sphere : CPC-Power |url=http://www.cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&onglet=notices&num=1182 |access-date=September 6, 2017}}
Reception
{{Video game reviews
| rev1 = ACE
| rev2 = The Games Machine
| rev2Score = 80% (Amiga)
63% (CPC)
80% (ST)
84% (C64)
80% (ZX){{cite journal |date=February 1990 |title=The Games Machine Issue 017 |url=https://archive.org/stream/thegamesmachine-magazine-17/TheGamesMachine_17#page/n54 |journal=The Games Machine |issue=17 |page=55 |access-date=September 6, 2017}}
| rev3 = ST Format
| rev4 = The One
| award1Pub = Crash
| award1 = SmashGame review, Crash magazine, Newsfield Publications, issue 62, March 1989
}}
ACE magazine called Incredible Shrinking Sphere an impressive debut for Foursfield because of the realistic ball movement.
The Spanish magazine Microhobby gave the game the following scores:(Spanish) [https://www.soloretro.com/spectrum/incredible-shrinking-sphere-zx-spectrum-de-electric-dreams-software-1989.php Incredible Shrinking Sphere - ZX Spectrum de Electric Dreams Software (1989)] - article on Soloretro Originality: 80% Graphics: 80% Motion: 80% Sound: 80% Difficulty: 100% Addiction: 100%
References
{{reflist}}