Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Master System/Mark III
- Developers: The Bitmap Brothers
- Publishers: Image Works, SOFEL
Speedball: A Futuristic Sports Classic
Released in 1988, Speedball is a futuristic sports game that combines elements of football, handball, and pinball. It was developed by The Bitmap Brothers and published by Atari Games. Speedball was a critical and commercial success, and it has been ported to numerous platforms over the years.
Gameplay
Speedball is played on a steel-walled pitch, 160 feet long by 90 feet wide. There are two teams of six players, and the goal of the game is to score more goals than the other team. Players can move the ball by running, passing, or kicking it. They can also use their bodies to block opponents and steal the ball.
The pitch is surrounded by a wall, which can be used to bounce the ball off of. There are also several bounce domes on the pitch, which can deflect the ball in unpredictable ways. Players can use these domes to their advantage to score goals or set up their teammates.
Speedball is a fast-paced and action-packed game. The matches are short, but they are very intense. Players need to be quick on their feet and have good reflexes in order to succeed.
Teams
There are eight teams in Speedball:
- Brutal Deluxe
- Deathrow Razorbacks
- Firehawks
- Mega Demons
- Overkill
- Psycho Pigs
- Vipers
- Wildcats
Each team has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Players can choose to play as any of the teams, but they will need to learn the different playstyles in order to be successful.
Power-ups
There are several power-ups that can be collected during Speedball matches. These power-ups can give players a temporary advantage over their opponents. The power-ups include:
- Speed boost: Increases the player’s speed for a short period of time.
- Strength boost: Increases the player’s strength for a short period of time.
- Shield: Protects the player from being knocked down for a short period of time.
- Warp: Teleports the player to a different location on the pitch.
- Super shot: Gives the player a powerful shot that can score goals from anywhere on the pitch.
Reception
Speedball was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its fast-paced gameplay, innovative use of power-ups, and unique blend of sports and action. Speedball has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, including the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and PC.
Speedball has also been praised for its influence on other games. The game’s fast-paced gameplay and use of power-ups have been cited as inspirations for games such as Rocket League and Super Mario Strikers.
Legacy
Speedball is a classic sports game that is still enjoyed by many people today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, innovative use of power-ups, and unique blend of sports and action make it a timeless classic. If you are a fan of sports games or retro games, then you need to check out Speedball.
Tips for Playing Speedball
Here are a few tips for playing Speedball:
- Learn the different playstyles of each team.
- Use the wall and bounce domes to your advantage.
- Collect power-ups to gain an advantage over your opponents.
- Pass the ball to your teammates to create scoring opportunities.
- Be patient and don’t give up if you are losing.
With a little practice, you can become a Speedball champion!
Review Score
9/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
