Product Reviews

This is a remake of the 1990 Amiga classic, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe. Speedball is a fast and violent futuristic sport in which two teams of nine players try to outscore each other. Scoring goals is the most common method, but the arena is dotted with other opportunities, too. Players can pass the ball freely and attack other players at any time, making for hectic gameplay.

The original's single-button control has been expanded, and you can now jump, slide and sprint, as well as pass the ball and batter opponents. This increased complexity can be satisfying once you get the hang of it,

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but it detracts from the original's streamlined design. You'll need a joypad to enjoy it to its full, too.

The graphics have had a major overhaul from the original 2D sprites, but we're not keen on the robotic animations. The all-important slide move that once sent a player shooting across the screen with murderous intent is now a weak forward movement. There's a choice of arenas, but the differences are purely cosmetic.

Outside the matches, presentation is poor and the menus aren't designed to be navigated by joypad. Management options enable you to train your team and buy star players during a league season. There are also options for tactics during the game, with different formations and styles of play to select. You can play online, too, although you have to sign up at the game's website before competing.

Futuristic sports are now a largely forgotten gaming genre, which is perhaps not surprising now that developers can re-create actual sports such as football with such success. This game has neither the pick-up-and-play element of its predecessor, nor the slick design and depth of the latest football titles. As such it will appeal only to die-hard fans.