APPARE! GATE BALL
あっぱれ!ゲートボール

MAKER: HUDSON SOFT / AZUMA
RELEASE DATE: 22 DECEMBER 1988
STYLE: SPORT
FORMAT: HUCARD
RATING:

 

Overview
OK. So croquet may not be a popular idea for a video game, but the Japanese being as Japanese as they are, they went and did it anyway. So what does Appare! Gate Ball have to offer? First up is the choice between action and simulation mode. The main difference that I can make out between the two is that in action mode you have to both aim the shot and set the power, in simulation only the shot aiming is required. Your game is played out in two teams, rather than two individuals, and the members of your team are chosen from a variety of weird and crazy looking characters with varying attributes. Shots are aimed in a simple overhead viewpoint, which then switches to a standard view for the execution of the shot itself. All this is accompanied by a jolly little tune that plays away in the background.

Comment
While it's competently executed, if very basic looking, the main problem with this game is that it's just dead boring. It's the kind of game that's cute and jolly and you really want to like it, but even before your first game is complete, you'll be yawning and moving in for the off switch. And on top of that, the computer controlled players are guaranteed to be frustratingly better than you are, so you end up just not caring and as such it's difficult to recommend.
sunteam_paul

 

 

Screens

 

Gameplay Video

   
 

Music Sample