After the aquatic adventures of the cute Hipopo in Liquid Kids and its classic platforming mechanics, the One Credit Challenge takes a sharp turn with a totally unconventional concept! Nitro Ball (Data East, 1992) leaves water bubbles and fruit behind to plunge us into a futuristic frenzy blending run and gun action with a pinball-inspired universe!

Presented from a top-down perspective, the game throws players into a space game show where they control an armed soldier capable of shooting in eight directions across five themed stages designed like real pinball tables. Each level is packed with bumpers, ramps, targets, and holes, and when enemies are defeated, they roll across the playfield, bouncing off these elements and triggering spectacular chain reactions.

The focus is clearly on scoring, with bonus points awarded for completing specific objectives in bonus rooms. Your final reward depends on your total score — with the very best players literally becoming President of the United States!

Produced by Data East in their tradition of bold experimentation, Nitro Ball stands out thanks to its unique concept. It can be completed in under twenty minutes if you’re experienced, but its replay value lies entirely in the hunt for high scores. Long exclusive to arcades, the game eventually received a console port on Nintendo Switch in 2018. A perfect challenge to discover one of the most original and frenetic experiences in the Data East catalog!

🏆 Challenge rules

Your objective is to achieve the highest possible score on a single credit.
The challenge runs from January 16 to January 31 at 11:59 p.m. You may attempt it as many times as you like.

📢 How to participate?

• Launch the game (ROM: nitrobal)
• Play and try to beat the best score
• Take a screenshot or photo of your final score
• Share your score on the #challenges Discord channel, including your username and score.

⚖️ Rules to follow

To ensure fair play:

The score must be achieved on a single credit, with no save states, rewind, cheats, or auto-fire (unless built into the game).

Gentlemen’s agreement: the use of glitches that artificially inflate the score is also prohibited.

🎁 Rewards and fair play

The challenge is first and foremost about discovering games, sharing tips, and of course having fun — all within a healthy competitive spirit!

The winner will receive a game key (GOG, Steam, etc.) to choose from a list of around 100 titles.
If you have won a challenge in the past three months, the reward will go to the next player.

Your ranking will be added to the One Credit Challenge leaderboard.
The champion of the first season will receive either a free RGB Dual 2 or a one-year Recalbox Patreon subscription.

Good luck to everyone, and may the best score win!