Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe (Sega Genesis/Mega Drive) - Let's Play 1001 Games - Episode 33
7The book calls this the best multiplayer game ever... really?
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I'm Gaming Jay: Youtube gamer, let's player, retrogaming fan, and determined optimist... Join me in this series while I try out EVERY game in the book 1001 VIDEO GAMES YOU MUST PLAY BEFORE YOU DIE, before I die. The game review for each game will focus on the question of whether you MUST play this game before you die. But to be honest, the game reviews are just for fun, this series is more about the YouTube gamer journey. Let's try out those classic retro games we grew up with, have fond memories of, or heard of but never got a chance to try! And with that said, the game review for today is...
Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe
Released 1990
Developer(s) The Bitmap Brothers
Platform(s) Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, Atari ST, Amiga, etc.
Genre(s) Sports, Action
Jay's Thoughts
Welcome to the future of sports! Basically it's football... or actually it's kind of like soccer... or actually it's really just hockey, except with a ball and no sticks. Yeah, it's pretty much hockey. But it's called Speedball 2! Yup, in the context of the game there was a sport called Speedball but it was replaced by Speedball 2. Kind of an interesting idea. I wonder what basketball 2 or tennis 2 would be like...
Anyway, Speedball 2 is a decent sports. As I say above, it's essentially just hockey. There are like some pinball style things on walls that you can throw the ball at to somehow get bonus points, and I think you get points for beating up your opponents, in addition to scoring. So that adds a little interesting twist to the game.
One aspect of the game I didn't get to explore much are the player upgrades. Before a match you have the option to customize your players with gear and abilities it seems, and this is an interesting gameplay element as moves beyond traditional sports games that allow you to pick players of pre-existing abilities. Decking your players out in a specific gear is a nice way to try to customize your team for your strategy of choice on the field.
In terms of the gameplay itself, it's a relatively fast paced game. I found this game to be difficult to control, and very hard to score in, but that's not saying much, as I'm not known for being great at sports games. The computer kicked my butt in this game, and not by a little, by a lot!
Ultimately, Speedball 2 wasn't my type of game but I believe fans of hockey and soccer games may find something here. The game does try to put a fresh spin on the traditional sports game, and does give you options that you could use to strategically enhance your team towards certain play styles. That scoring doesn't fully depend on getting goals allows you to play a little more strategically on the field, and I think if you take the time to learn this game and especially if you do so with a friend, this could make for a fun competitive game to play.
➙ Must You Play It?
Speedball 2 is the future of sports! Which means hockey with a ball, pinball bumpers, and points for beating people up. I don't think this game will necessarily appeal to non-sports fans, but it is an interesting take on the sports video game and may appeal to sports fans and/or friends looking for a new game to face off in. If that sounds like you, you may want to give this one a shot.