The Bitmap Brothers were responsible for some of the industry’s more pivotal titles during the late 1980’s. After being established in 1987, The Bitmap Brothers released Xenon (a shooter) and then shortly afterwards the legendary Speedball.
Speedball is a futuristic sport where teams compete for points in a steel arena. A cross between Ice Hockey, American Football and Pinball, the object is to toss a silver ball into the opposite team’s goal. The Bitmap Brothers eventually released Speedball II because of the original’s success.
After many years, Speedball has returned due to a collaboration between The Bitmap Brothers and Vivd Games. This brilliant remake of the Amiga classic has vastly improved 2D graphics, high-fidelity sound effects, and the same gameplay that made the originals classics.
There are a multitude of game features to choose from: Career mode, as the name implies, allows the player to create a team and battle through a ladder system. Team customization is very important during career mode, so it’s important to upgrade your team’s stats as often as possible. Before each match, you can visit the Gym to work on specific players to increase their intellect, tackle, power, etc. If you grow tired of your current players, there is an option to scout/swap team members from opposing teams.
Additional features include Quick Match, Challenges (which require certain criteria to be met), and a Trophy Room (where achievements and game records are stored).
Speedball 2 – at its core – is full of pure, adrenaline-pumping action. The object is to score more points than the opposing team, but this is not as easy as it sounds. The opposing team is constantly tackling your team members to the floor and stealing the ball. When you’re not returning the brutality, you’re focusing on the score markers scattered throughout the arena. While your typical goal is worth 10 points, tossing the ball at the bumper in the center of the Arena will increase your score by 2 points. There is no limit to how many times this can be done.
Each team has 5 stars on their side of the arena. Each star that is hit by the ball will increase that team’s score by 2 additional points. Whoever holds the ball can also throw it at the opposing team’s stars, reducing any points gained from prior activation.
When you’re not scoring, you’re preventing the opposing team from stealing the ball. Whether you’re tackling the other team or passing the ball, there is little time to think about your next move. Luckily, a warp hole system is in place that will warp the ball to the adjacent side of the arena. The warp system isn’t fool proof (the ball can still be intercepted by the other team), but it can keep the ball in the hands of your team most of the time.
Electric Bumpers can be used to super charge the ball to make it a projectile. As long as you don’t lose the ball, it can be used to knock over multiple opponents in one throw. This will only happen, though, if more than one member of the opposing team is close enough.
Fans of the original Speedball games will appreciate the classic gameplay and modern-day facelift. The basic premise is still the same, the gameplay is addictive, and the charm that The Bitmap Brothers are known for still shines through.
Even in a market where 3D games reign supreme, Speeball 2 Evolution stands out as a competitor. Mac gamers everywhere owe it to themselves to experience this crowning jewel achievement.
Michael Pittaro
Platform: Mac
System Requirements: Mac OS 10.5 or later; 64-bit processor
Developer: The Bitmap Brothers
Publisher: Vivd Games
Rated: 9+ for Infrequent / Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: $4.99
| Review Score | |
|---|---|
| Graphics |  |
| The 2D graphics are beautiful. | |
| Sound | |
| Great music sets the mood. | |
| Gameplay | |
| Speedball 2 Evolution is addictive and fun. | |
| Overall | |
|---|---|
| Mac gamers owe it to themselves to experience Speedball 2 Evolution. | |
