Game: Ralph And The Blue Ball
Genre: Puzzle, Educational
System: Nintendo Switch (also on Steam, Windows)
Developers | Publishers: Cozy Village Studio | Mens Sana Interactive
Age Rating: US E | EU 3+
Price: US $2.99 | UK £1.79 | EU € 2,99
Release Date: September 1st, 2023
Review code used, with many thanks to Mens Sana Interactive.
Ralph and the Blue Ball is a short, cute, hidden object game. It was developed by Saulo Rosart, founder of Cozy Village Studio, as a tribute to his beloved dog Ralph. Saulo’s dream was realised when the game was released on Steam.
Left Alone
Ralph’s owners have gone out for dinner. Unfortunately for Ralph, he doesn’t have the company of all his favourite toys as they are missing, so he is alone when his owners are out.
Luckily for Ralph, this is where you come in as you play through eight scenes depicted as various rooms in the house. There are thirteen toys to find, including Ralph’s precious blue ball.
Find The Blue Ball
You’ll search every room for the secret compartment that hides Ralph’s blue ball to make him a happy puppy to be reunited with his precious ball. However, before you can find his blue ball, you first must find a key, as the blue ball is hidden somewhere on the level in a locked box.
You’ll be taken through eight rooms in the house to find Ralph’s toys; you’ll visit the study, bedroom, bathroom, living room, kitchen, backyard, front garden, and the beach in your quest for his toys.
Additionally, each room is detailed and presented in charming pixel art, with a synth music soundtrack that’s quite good and suits the game style.
Assortment of Toys to Find
Apart from Ralph’s blue ball, there are twelve other toys to find. A cuddly toy, a bone, and a truck are just some of the toys you are looking for. I was disappointed when I realised that you look for the same twelve toys throughout all the levels. I would have liked more variety in what I was tasked with finding.
Once you complete the level, you can view the gallery and look at the images with Ralph proudly sitting in each room.
Short Story and Short Playtime
Additionally, there is a short story to accompany finding the hidden toys; the story is quite sweet. I enjoyed playing Ralph and the Blue Ball. However, I was surprised when I completed the game in less than twenty minutes.
Furthermore, the game is fun while it lasts; it didn’t offer me any challenges. It would be an excellent game for a young child to start their gaming journey with. They will enjoy finding Ralph’s toys and won’t care if it gives them a challenge.
Visuals and Controls
As I’ve mentioned, the game is presented in pixel art; it is bright and colourful.
You can either use the joy-cons or the touchscreen to play the game. Both work well, though I used the touchscreen since my left arm is in a plaster cast, and I can’t hold a controller. The touchscreen worked perfectly for me.
Conclusion
Overall, Ralph and the Blue Ball is delightful, short and sweet. If you are looking for a challenge, I’d look elsewhere, as you won’t find it here. For under a few pounds/dollars in the eShop, Ralph and the Blue Ball will give you a few moments of enjoyment.
Final Verdict: I Like it 