Speedball is a great game, if you have a little free time on your hands and are looking for a short, but enjoyable game. It is the first in the trilogy made by the Bitmap Brothers in 1988 and bears an eerie resemblance to the movie Rollerball made in 1975.
Speedball is based on futuristic sport that seems to combine the better aspects of handball, hockey, and soccer. The game is played in a steel arena where there seems to be a lack of rules regarding physical contact.
Speedball is a great game, if you have a little free time on your hands and are looking for a short, but enjoyable game. It is the first in the trilogy made by the Bitmap Brothers in 1988 and bears an eerie resemblance to the movie Rollerball made in 1975.
Speedball is based on futuristic sport that seems to combine the better aspects of handball, hockey, and soccer. The game is played in a steel arena where there seems to be a lack of rules regarding physical contact. The court also may include several obstacles that block passes or shot attempts. To the right and left of the court there are holes which will transport the ball to the other side, similar to Pacman.
The
objective of the game is to score more points than your opponent by throwing a steel ball through a goal which is guarded by a goalie. There are five players for each team (two defenders, two forwards, and one goalie) any of which can be controlled. One innovative aspect of the game is being able to simultaneously control the goalie and defender. The players have limited functions as the original consoles lacked the necessary amount of buttons. The players can shoot or make direction pass to their teammates using the pass button and joystick at the same time. Players choose, how hard to shoot by holding down the button longer. Players can either pass or shoot directly or bounce the ball off the walls first. While on defense the player can slide tackle or steal passes by getting in the balls path.
There are two different modes to be played. The seasonal mode which last anywhere from 10 – 100 games or the versus mode which allows you to play against another player human player. The versus mode is especially fun and is usually the only mode I personally play. After you pick what mode you want to play, you get to select your team. Each of the three teams has their own advantages and disadvantages. After each game you play, you’ll have the opportunity to buy power ups for the next game. These power ups can range from better stamina to bribing the referees and are bought with coins picked up over the previous games.
Overall, Speedball is a worthwhile game that has great graphics for games of its generation. Try it, you’ll like it.
