Classic Games

Wizball

Colour restoration odyssey

Sensible Software's surreal shooter paired innovative gameplay with Martin Galway's dreamy SID soundtrack.

C64SpectrumAmiga shooterc64-essentialsensible-software 1987–1987

Overview

Wizball defied easy categorisation. Part shooter, part collection game, part surrealist art project—you piloted a bouncing wizard’s head through abstract worlds, collecting paint drops to restore colour to a monochrome realm. Developed by Sensible Software and published by Ocean, it combined innovative controls with Martin Galway’s most atmospheric soundtrack.

Fast facts

  • Developer: Sensible Software (Jon Hare, Chris Yates).
  • Publisher: Ocean Software.
  • Release: 1987 (C64), later ported to Amiga, Atari ST, PC, Spectrum.
  • Composer: Martin Galway (C64).
  • Genre-defying: part shooter, part collect-em-up, part puzzle.
  • Two-player option: Wiz controls the ball, Cat controls the power-up collecting assistant.

The premise

Zark the wizard has drained colour from Wizworld. You, as Wiz, must:

  1. Bounce through each world shooting enemies
  2. Collect green pearls to purchase abilities
  3. Release Catellite (your helper) to collect coloured paint drops
  4. Fill colour cauldrons to restore each hue
  5. Restore all colours to defeat Zark

Innovative controls

Wizball used a unique physics system:

  • Bouncing: Wiz starts as an uncontrollable bouncing ball.
  • Progressive abilities: buy thrust, anti-grav, and beam to gain control.
  • Catellite: a smaller ball that follows Wiz, essential for paint collection.
  • Mastery curve: early levels are chaotic; skilled play is graceful.

The soundtrack

Martin Galway’s music perfectly matched the surreal visuals:

  • Dreamy melodies: floating, ambient themes unlike typical action-game soundtracks.
  • Colour-coded themes: each world had distinct musical character.
  • Technical sophistication: rich chord voicings and filter work.
  • Legacy: frequently cited as one of the SID chip’s finest moments.

Two-player cooperation

The two-player mode split responsibilities:

  • Player 1: controls Wizball, shoots enemies, navigates.
  • Player 2: controls Catellite, collects paint drops.

This asymmetric cooperation was unusual for the era and made Wizball a social experience.

Legacy

Wizball demonstrated that games could be experimental and successful. The Sensible Software team (later famous for Sensible Soccer and Cannon Fodder) established their reputation for innovation here. The game regularly appears in “best of” lists, and Galway’s soundtrack remains celebrated.

See also