Cool Ball

If you're hitting the road and need an enthralling cart, get Takara's latest puzzler, Cool Ball. In this one-player game, the Big Bang sent your beloved girl-ball, Suzette, flying through time. Now you're off through 99 levels to find her.

Having a Ball...

In truth, the cute plot has little bearing on the game play. Each level is actually a one-screen side-view puzzle, where obstacles and traps keep your Cool Ball from getting to the Exit. Flippers bop your Cool Ball around the screen to grab Keys, Drops of Water, and other collectables that open doors, disarm traps, and solve the puzzle. Grab every item on the screen, and an Exit will appear. Then all you have to do is get there!

...Wish You Were Here

Responsive controls and a mind-boggling array of well-drawn puzzles give Cool Ball staying power. The background graphics and sound, on the other hand, contribute little to its appeal. After a few minutes, the repetitious soundtrack gets annoying.

So turn down the sound and put your tray in an upright and locked position, because this game will keep you busy for a good long time.