In today’s world of smartphones and mobile apps, there are thousands of puzzle and brain training games available for download. One such game that has grown popular recently is Ball Sort, a simple yet addictive physics-based puzzle game. But an important question remains – is Ball Sort a free app, or is there a cost to download and play it?
Overview of Ball Sort
Ball Sort is a mobile puzzle game developed by Swiss game studio AppSoGreat for iOS and Android devices. The gameplay involves sorting colored balls into matching colored tubes by drawing lines or ramps with your finger. The balls obey the laws of physics, so players must experiment with ramp angles and placements to get the balls to roll into the right tubes.
As players progress through the levels, new mechanics are introduced such as obstacles, portals, pushes and locks to make the puzzles more challenging. The ramps and balls behave realistically, adding an extra layer of difficulty. The graphics are bright and colorful, giving the game an upbeat, lighthearted feel.
Ball Sort offers hundreds of physics puzzles across many levels. The stages start out simple enough, with just a few balls to direct into tubes. But the puzzles become increasingly more difficult, requiring creative solutions and precise ramp positioning to sort the balls. If the balls fall off the stage or time runs out, players lose a life. If all lives are lost, earlier levels can be replayed to regain lives.
Is Ball Sort Free to Download?
Yes, Ball Sort is a completely free app to download on both iOS and Android. There are no upfront costs to play the game. Ball Sort monetizes through optional in-app purchases and advertisements. The full game can be enjoyed without spending money, but there are certain items available for purchase.
On the App Store for iOS, Ball Sort is listed as free with in-app purchases. Likewise, on Google Play for Android it is listed as free with ads and in-app purchases optional. The developers make revenue if players choose to view ads or purchase in-game currency and power-ups. But neither are required to download and enjoy the basic gameplay.
In-App Purchases
Here are the various in-app purchase options within Ball Sort:
- Sorter’s Club Subscription – $4.99 weekly, $9.99 monthly, $29.99 yearly. Gives unlimited lives and access to exclusive levels.
- Coins Packs – Various packs to purchase in-game coins, which are used for power-ups and bonuses. Price ranges from $1.99 to $19.99.
- No Ads – $4.99 one-time purchase to remove ads.
These in-app purchases are completely optional. Players can access all the standard levels and gameplay without paying anything. The purchases provide extra lives and coins when needed, plus bonus levels for more advanced players.
Does Ball Sort Have Ads?
Yes, Ball Sort does contain advertisements that appear between levels or when players lose a life. Ads in the game are managed through mediation platforms like AdMob by Google. There are banner ads at the bottom of the screen, along with full-screen video ads that play for a certain duration before continuing.
The frequency of ads depends on player progression. At the start, ads appear sparingly after every few levels. But later on ads show up more often, sometimes every 1-2 levels. Video ads also become more prominent in higher levels to incentivize removing ads. Gamers always have the option to pay $4.99 for a one-time No Ads purchase.
Why Ads Are Used
Here are some reasons why Ball Sort utilizes advertising:
- Lets the developers offer the game for free, increasing accessibility.
- Viewing ads supports the developers financially without upfront costs.
- Allows players to progress further by giving more lives after watching ad videos.
- Ads keep the game challenging by limiting lives without paying.
While ads may seem intrusive, they strike a balance so players can enjoy Ball Sort at no cost. Developers need revenue to support the game, and ads provide that income source.
Gameplay Experience Without Paying
At its core, Ball Sort provides the full gameplay loop without any required purchases. You can download the app, play levels, and complete hundreds of physics puzzles without paying anything. Here is an overview of the gameplay experience without in-app purchases:
- Levels & Modes – All the standard levels are accessible, increasing in difficulty. Modes like Challenge and Zen are available to test skills.
- Gameplay – Drawing ramps and guiding balls to their color tubes remains fully intact, no limitations.
- Lives – Players start with 5 lives to progress through levels before losing. Run out and earlier levels replenish lives.
- Power-Ups – Basic power-ups like Rainbow Balls and Bombs are unlocked through levels/achievements.
- Advertisements – Ads appear occasionally between levels, more frequently at higher levels.
The core Ball Sort experience is free. Players will eventually hit ads and lose lives, but can keep progressing or restarting as needed. Paying removes ads and unlocks extras – but is not mandatory just to solve colorful physics puzzles!
Is Ball Sort Worth Playing for Free?
Absolutely! Ball Sort is a high quality, addictive mobile game even without paying anything. Here are some top reasons it’s worth downloading and playing for free:
Fun, Engaging Gameplay
The physics-based puzzles are fun and satisfying to solve. Drawing ramps and routes is intuitive and engaging, creating “a-ha!” moments when balls go where you want. Even without power-ups, the game mechanics alone provide hours of entertainment.
Bright, Colorful Visuals
From bouncing balls to vivid tubes, Ball Sort delights the eyes. The graphics are crisp and inviting, bringing the physics puzzles to life visually. It’s a joy to watch your ramp solutions play out on-screen.
Mental Challenge
Guiding the balls to their goals tests mental spatial abilities and critical thinking. The difficulty curve ramps up nicely, providing an ongoing brain challenge. Being free, Ball Sort is a great option for mind-stimulating fun.
No Cost to Play
It’s free! There’s no barrier to download and start playing right away. Ball Sort offers genuine entertainment value and skill-testing gameplay completely for free.
Good Way to Pass Time
With quick, bite-sized levels, Ball Sort is a great way to fill spare moments. Killing time waiting in line or during short breaks? A few rounds of Ball Sort can provide enjoyment and engagement at no cost.
Conclusion
Ball Sort delivers a full, rewarding puzzle gaming experience without requiring any purchases. While optional in-app purchases exist for extras, the core game is free to download and play. The physics-based gameplay offers hundreds of levels that become increasingly challenging and satisfying to solve. Bright visuals, portability and quick play times enhance Ball Sort’s appeal as a free time-killer game as well.
So if you enjoy spatial puzzles and physical simulations, Ball Sort is certainly worth downloading for free on your iOS or Android device. Just be prepared for the occasional video ad between levels. But overall, you can unlock plenty of content and testing fun without ever spending a dime. Give Ball Sort a try today to bounce colorful balls in style – at no cost!