Polyball #gameplay follows the tale of a low-fidelity #ball, which is now available on Steam for Linux and Mac. Hence a #journey through time and space, life and death, from the familiar world to the depths of the afterlife.
“We have finally updated the Mac build from an ancient version, and added a new Linux build. We haven’t tested the Linux build over too many OS’s yet. But its working on Ubuntu so we thought it would be good to get it out there. There is a megathread for Linux issues here. A big thanks to volnes for helping with the initial debug process”
Combining the simple mechanics of classics. Like Super Monkey Ball and Marble Madness with the visual styling of low-poly artwork. Polyball is a blend of fast time trials and puzzle platforming. Over the course of the game you travel through different environments. From the inside of a volcano to the depths of space, through an abstract world of light and geometry. All the while striving for the best possible time and score. There are a total of 60 levels, divided up into 6 sectors of 10 levels each.
“When we first envisioned Polyball we wanted to create a game that took those simple gameplay mechanics. Then opened them up to modern game design principles in order to appeal to a more mature audience. The level design is initially simple and increasingly punishing. Requiring a high degree of mastery in later levels. We’re inspired by the games we know and love. Taking different aspects from different ones: the skill curve of games like Dark Souls and Super Meat Boy. Hence the speed and tactility of franchises like Tony Hawk and SSX; and the atmosphere of titles like Limbo and AER.”
Studio Monolith take these facets and combine them with one of the simplest and most rewarding mechanics. Calling this style of gameplay, physics platforming.
Since there is a distinct feel to playing an arcade-style game. Hence of an in-the-moment skillset rather than planning out a commitment. Polyball is game anyone should be able can pick up and play for a few levels. Or complete in marathon mode complete with built-in speedrun timing. So Studio Monolith created the game to be simple, unadulterated fun. With the difficulty curve that we have come to expect, saturated in the last few years of releases.
Polyball is available now on Early Access for Linux, Mac and Windows PC.