El Ballo in the news on thegamesweblive.com

Greg Culver wrote up a nice newsflash of El Ballo on his site. Check it out.

1 comment August 28th, 2006

El Ballo listed in the Top 10 games to play in MacFormat

In MacFormat’s March 2006 issue, they had a section of the magazine titled “40 New Things to Try With Your Mac.” In their “Have Some Fun” game section, El Ballo was listed as #6 of their top ten. (View the picture on the right for the full write-up.)

MacFormat staff… it makes us feel incredible that you highlighted our game in your magazine.

Mucho gracias!

Your Pal,
El Ballo

1 comment April 21st, 2006

Getting carded while purchasing a retail game

This is yet again another story of how video game products are getting different treatment than the book and film industry since it’s the newest medium of home entertainment. The other day I got carded for purchasing MGS3: Subsistence and not for the rated R movie that I was also purchasing. The cashier (from Bestbuy) specifically stated that I was carded because of MGS3’s mature rating and that they’re very serious towards not selling mature-rated games to minors. Now, I’m balding (sadly implying my age) and handing them a Bestbuy credit card (17+ years is necessary in order to have it), so why I was carded is completely beyond my comprehension.

Regardless, I refrained from arguing to the cashier about Bestbuy’s policies in order to show respect (in addition to understanding that arguing with most retail employees is like talking to a pencil.) However, the experience did piss me off. Now, I do understand a younger audience (16 and younger) requiring parental consent or a guardian being present in order to purchase or view an extremely violent or intensely pornographic title. Many youngsters lack the real-world experience and mature perspective to properly understand content that they particpate in or simply view. (On a side note: You see, in order for a minor to watch a rated R film in America, they need a guardian to be present. I partially feel that that requirment is a blessing for theaters to impose. I’d hate to have 13 year olds ruining a movie that I watch.) However, when it comes down to it, I strongly feel that the goverment does not need to impose laws restricting selling specific forms of media. It should be a policy of the retailer. If somebody wants something, they’re going to find a way to get it. (e.g. Pay an adult to buy the product for them, create and show false ID, or steal and run.)

I said it before and I’ll say it again…I guess I have to wait another 5-10 years before video games are treated the same way as movies. Man oh man, the age-old puritan direction of America weilds it’s ugly head yet again.
Ah, well… at least I still look young for a 28 year old
- Casey

March 20th, 2006

El Ballo mentioned in Macworld blog

El Ballo is in the news once again. This time the game was mentioned in the web blog of Peter Cohen, Macworld reviewer/writer. Here’s the section that mentions the game:

Ambrosia Software is one of the elder statesmen of the bunch, starting life at a time when Internet connectivity was still a novelty and dial-up connectivity was standard. The company has diversified in recent years with utilities like Snapz Pro and WireTap Pro, but games are still a mainstay of its product line—the irreverent (and some say perverted) side-scroller El Ballo and GooBall are examples of recent Mac games.

Goodness, some people think El Ballo is perverted. It’s quite sad. For El Ballo to be perverted, I’d say that the game would need to have references to Beetlejuice and Gummybears. Juicy and gummy goodness is never good for the soul. On another note, I’m suprised that Peter Cohen actually mentioned El Ballo as Macworld never acknowledged its existence upon its release even though we sent them press releases. If you ask me, that’s a bit juicy and gummy.

March 17th, 2006

John Gatti, Sr. — El Ballo musician in the local paper

John Gatti, was noted in the local Hawthorne, New Jersey paper for his contributions to composing and performing the music for El Ballo. Click the image to read full article.

March 16th, 2006

The El Ballo audio soundtrack is finally released!!

Friends of distant lands, I have some exciting news to share… The audio soundtrack of the game that I star in has just been released! If you’re looking for a fun and diverse mix of jazzy and funky melodies, grab those dancing shoes and jump on over to this site. Get ready for some groovin’.

Have fun jammin’,
- El Ballo

1 comment February 15th, 2006

A review from Macteens.com shows us that El Ballo delivers the goods

Strike a vogue, Kevin Lindeman of Macteens.com, we love you. Click here for full review.

November 25th, 2005

MacNation.org rewards The Adventures of El Ballo its highest “True Superstar” rating

MacNation.org gave El Ballo an incredible write-up. Thanks for the support! Click here for full review.

October 26th, 2005

InsideMacGames reviews El Ballo

Sadly, we did receive our first lowly review. However, the publisher of the site loved the game and purchased it. I guess you win some and lose some, eh?

October 13th, 2005

Radio-based review by none other than the remarkable Omaha Sternberg of iGameRadio

iGame Radio delivered a dynamic review of The Adventures of El Ballo on her weekly broadcast. Click here to listen to audio stream of broadcast.

October 10th, 2005