Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Balls of Fury on Nintendo DS

by Gemma Looksby Gemma Looksby photo Sep 2007
Cover image of Balls of Fury on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 09 Sep 2007
Genre: Sports / Comedy
Developer: Black Lantern
Publisher: Black Lantern

Introduction

Picture this: a world where the stakes in ping pong are so high, they make high-stake poker games look like a jelly bean contest. Welcome to *Balls of Fury* for the Nintendo DS, a game that takes inspiration from the 2007 film of the same name, which is best described as a modern classic in the realm of sports comedies-if such a classification even exists. So grab your paddles, and let's dive into this pixelated paradise served with a side of ping pong madness!

Gameplay

The game kicks off in a pretty straightforward way: you're thrown into a series of underground ping pong tournaments, where winning isn't just about pride, it's about survival. Now, unless you've been living under a rock or you're a disgruntled tennis player, you know that ping pong isn't just about lightly tapping a ball across the table-oh no, this is where you unleash your inner athlete (at least as much as a thumb can unleash). Each match is not just about outscoring your opponent, it's a battle of strategy and reflexes! It includes a fittingly ridiculous plot where our hero, Randy Daytona, makes a comeback for the ages (because who wouldn't want to make a dramatic tournament comeback?). With each opponent being more bizarre than the last, think of it as if you're trying to beat a circus troupe who used to be Olympic athletes. Gameplay mechanics utilize the DS's touch controls, which is like getting a gold medal in finger gymnastics. You swipe your stylus to unleash various shots, from spins to smashes that would put even the most seasoned players to shame. However, expect the computer AI to occasionally pull a few tricks of its own, making it a bit of a cat-and-mouse game-minus the actual cats. Matches can be peppered with moments of self-induced confusion, as the motions might not always translate as you expected. Get ready for some Zootopia-level slapstick and chaotic fun as mishaps ensue, but hey, that's the charm of it, right?

Graphics

Visually, *Balls of Fury* on the DS is a pixelated delight! You're treated to sprites that jump off the screen-though you might have to squint a bit to see them because, let's face it, we're talking about the DS. The character designs exude that cheeky charm you'd expect from a film that features a ping pong tournament where life or death hangs in the balance (seriously, how did we get here?). The backgrounds could have had a little more life with dynamic environments, but at least the tables look like colorful slaps of paint on a canvas. Just think of it as an abstract art piece-*The Persistence of Memory* but with ping pong paddles and a dash of crazy!

Conclusion

In the end, *Balls of Fury* for Nintendo DS is a charming little romp through a world where paddles wield more power than you might think. Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it the comedic gold you're dying to play at midnight when everything else seems boring? Absolutely! Embrace the absurdity, enjoy the wacky characters, and remember-it's just a game: a game about ping pong. After all, if you can handle an underground tournament where the winner isn't simply declared a champion but lives to tell the tale, you can handle anything life throws at you...or, in this case, any balls of fury! If you're looking for a good laugh and a chance to smack things around with your stylus, take the plunge. Just don't forget to practice your best 'paddle face' in the mirror before you start!

See Prices for Balls of Fury on DS on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Balls of Fury on DS on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...