Where to Play Bounce Out Online

Bounce Out: An Introduction

In case you are new to Bounce Out, this title is fairly straight forward to understand. You are presented with a field of multicolored balls, with each row and column slightly off-center from that immediately adjacent to it. Simply swap neighboring marbles to create lines of three or more. The identically-designed set is then bounced out of the field (hence the name of the game), and the game continues. Don't take this task lightly and casually, however, as there is a deadly stick of dynamite at the bottom of the screen. If the wick is completely burned away, the field explodes and you lose. Now, you wouldn't want that to happen, would you?

For each stage, you must remove a set number of balls (you'll see how many you have left by checking the panel on the right of the game display). Sometimes, creating chain reactions can remove many marbles in a single move. The easiest way to do this is to focus on the bottom portion of the screen, because after you bounce out one set, all the balls above must come to fill in the gap and in the process, several new trios can be formed. Beware, though, as the black balls cannot be swapped and they become more plentiful later in the game.

Different Versions Available

In addition the original Bounce Out, there are a few other slight variations available on the internet. These include Super Bounce Out (pretty much a straight sequel) and Bounce Out Blitz. Although they may offer slightly more options and such, the gameplay is fundamentally the same as the classic title, so don't worry about exactly which version you try and/or buy. You'll likely enjoy any one of them.

Where to Play Bounce Out Online

Many casual gaming websites allow you to play Bounce Out online for free. Here is but a small sample to get you started (and while you're at these sites, it wouldn't hurt to check out some of their other free offerings. After all, they're free.).

• Shockwave: This online destination provides the free web version, free trial download, and full $19.99 purchase. When you select the free "play online" option, a new window will open, activating the Java engine. What's a little disappointing, however, is that the game is not full screen and there is no sound. It appears that you must get the fuller versions in order to enjoy those notable features.

• Yahoo! Games: Like Shockwave, Yahoo! provides Bounce Out in all three variants -- web-based, free trial, and purchase -- and the web version opens in a new Java-based window. The website is ad-supported, so what this means is that there is an animated advertisement to the right of the playing field and while it may be useful, this ad oftentimes is just distracting.

• GameHouse: As the official developer of Bounce Out, it only makes sense that GameHouse has this popular title on their website. Interestingly, the free web version is nowhere to be found. Perhaps this is because GameHouse wants to showcase this wonderful offering at its absolute best, complete will all the fun sound effects and music from Super Maxi Sound. As such, you can enjoy a free trial download and the $19.95 purchase edition.

• Big Fish Games: Instead of opening an all-new window, Bounce Out Blitz loads right in your main browser when you play at Big Fish Games. Again, the ads are somewhat plentiful, flanking the game board above and to the left. Below the game grid, you will find a long list of other available games.

• Astraware: You won't technically be playing online, but if you want to take all the joy of Bounce Out with you on the road, then you may want to look into getting the mobile version of the game from Astraware. They offer a version for Palm OS as well as Pocket PC-based handhelds.