Wizball
Summary
Wizball is a side-scrolling shooter inspired by Gradius, with a unique twist involving collection mechanics. The game consists of eight horizontally scrolling stages where players maneuver through environments and fire at enemies. The main objective, however, is to gather droplets of colored paint to colorize the level. Each stage begins in grayscale, using three shades of grey, and requires the collection of red, blue, and green paint to complete. The player controls a wizard who has transformed into a green ball, moving between levels via portals. Initially, only the first three levels are accessible, but completing stages unlocks the rest. Each level features bouncing spheres of different colors, and shooting them releases droplets that can be collected. To finish each stage, the correct color must be assembled by gathering enough of the right hues. In later levels, the paint spheres become hostile, firing bullets and increasing the difficulty. The wizard itself cannot collect paint droplets and starts with minimal movement control, bouncing vertically at a fixed speed, with the player only able to adjust the rotation speed, which determines horizontal movement after the next ground contact. Shooting certain enemies yields green pearls, which can be used to purchase upgrades like enhanced mobility, stronger firepower, and a companion named Catellite. Catellite, supposedly the wizard's cat, is also spherical in shape. It follows the wizard by default but can be controlled separately by pressing and holding the fire button while moving the joystick, which temporarily disables control of the wizard. Only Catellite can collect paint droplets, so players must use it to do so. In two-player mode, the second player controls Catellite. In addition to colored droplets, other special droplets may appear, each with unique effects: Light blue - triggers a "filth raid," spawning fast-moving enemies that attack the player with bullets. Grey - transforms Catellite into an "Indestructacat," making it immune to damage. White - grants an extra life. Purple - turns Catellite into a "mutant cat," causing it to ignore the player's commands. Black - initiates "freaky bits," darkening most of the background scenery.
