An unusual game worth checking out.
Overview: The Ball is a FPS adventure game with action and puzzle elements. The game takes place in a hidden Aztec ruin and the basic game play revolves around controlling a large ball to crush enemies and solve puzzles.
Game Play: You control the ball with a gun-like device that can attract the ball to you like a magnet and also propel it forward like a projectile. You use this mechanic to solve puzzles and crush your foes. The puzzles start out simple enough, shoot the ball across the lava to activate a switch, but slowly become more complex as new game play elements involving the ball are added. The puzzles are all very intuitive and there's nothing cryptic or arbitrary so you won't end up banging your head against the wall. The action elements mostly involve mercilessly crushing your foes with the ball. There are several boss fights in the game and most of them have small puzzle element to them. The combat overall is pretty good, the ball acts as both your defense and your offense which makes for interesting game play.
Story: There really isn't much of a story to this game, which is either a plus or a minus depending on your viewpoint. The game starts out with a small cut-scene of you what appears to be an archeological dig and you falling into a crevasse that ends up being the Aztec ruins you explore. Beyond that, the only story is a short dialogue at the beginning of each chapter and hidden treasures that reveal small bits of info about the ruins. Some people may not like this, but I felt it added to the atmosphere and intrigue. No obnoxious cut scenes to wait through or bad dialogue to wade through, just exploration and game play.
Graphics: Nothing amazing technically, but the it does have a strong and consistent art style throughout. The Aztec style is well utilized and makes the game a pleasure to explore.
Sound: Solid. Nothing really to note.
Finishing thoughts: The game isn't too difficult and it took me 5 hours to complete. It's currently priced at $19.99, which is a bit much. I bought it on sale for $9.99 and it was definitely worth it. There is a demo of the game which you can download and it gives you a really good idea of what the game is all about. If you're interested in unusual indie games, exploration, or FPS/physics based puzzle games I'd definitely check it out.