PlayBall! (prototype)

PlayBall! is a single-player ball and paddle game created by Williams in 1983. Developed by Logical Highs, Inc., players control a paddle at the bottom of the screen using a two-way joystick to deflect a ball upwards. The objective involves guiding the ball through various obstacles and scoring points as it passes beyond the top edge. Designed by Thomas N. Deaux, Wayne P. Breivogel, and Joe Kaminkow, PlayBall! features a vertical screen with a resolution of 231 x 292 pixels and utilizes a palette of sixteen colors. The game runs on a Motorola M6809 processor for gameplay and an M6808 processor alongside an HC55516 sound chip to produce audio, contributing to the distinct feel of early-’80s arcade experiences. The screen refreshes at 60 Hz, providing a responsive visual experience as players attempt to keep the ball in play. PlayBall! is presented in a vertical format and represents a unique entry within the “jump and touch” genre of arcade games.