Speedball 2 Game by Bitmap Brothers Reviewed by Spinfamous spinfamous@hotmail.com Size: n/a Save: password Released: 1992 Works with: all gameboys **************************************************************************** Opening Snide Remarks: Speedball 2 was originally released by Bitmap Brothers UK in 1990 on the Amiga. The few lucky people out there who were/are Amiga users were lucky enough to have a game system that was light years ahead of anything else that was out at the time. Games like Wings, TV Sports Basketball, Kick Off 2 series and Speedball 2 is one of the top 3 games ever on the Amiga, and I would even call this one of the best games of all time. Graphics, control, replay value, concept, and details like a vendor yelling "Ice Cream!" made this one of the best ever. When I found out last month that it was released for the gameboy, I went right out and bought myself a Gameboy Color, however, it took me a month to find it new (at Netmarket.com for $13 including shipping + $10 first time user discount). Anyhow, here's my review of the Gameboy translation... **************************************************************************** Gameplay Descripion: I had played this game for hundreds of hours on the Amiga (before the monitor blew up). The cosmetic translation of this game onto the Gameboy platform was surprisingly accurate. Other than a somewhat disappointing slowdown in speed, the gameplay and physics are virtually identical. The concept of Speedball 2 is a team sport set in a futuristic distopia. The sport is sort of a cross between full contact Team Handball and American Gladiators "Powerball" event. Players wear full body armor and throw around a metal orb. Points are awarded for: goals, hitting special hotspots, and even for beating opponents into submission. The gameplay on the Amiga version was great because of its fluid animation and speed. However, in the Gameboy version, while the animation remains almost in tact, the speed is slowed to about 75%. Liked: Accurate translation Hated: Slowdown... **************************************************************************** Graphics Description: Looks pretty good. Of course, you lose some of the details when you port a game onto the Gameboy, but it looks and feels just like the original. Liked: Just about everything. Hated: On Gameboy Color, the opposing team is a pinkish hue, which makes it hard to see at times. **************************************************************************** Sound/Music Description: This was one of the best features about the Amiga version, and of Amiga games in general (they used to fit all that great sound on an 800k floppy!). Sound on the Gameboy version, and Gameboy games in general is tinny, harsh and annoying. Liked: At least they attempted to port the sounds from the original. Hated: You are pretty much doomed to failure when you try and make sound effects on the Gameboy... **************************************************************************** Play Control/Game Design: If you've never played before, the game and its rules take a little while to get used to, but after you get the hang of it, its as addictive as any other sports game. But the slowdown is disappointing. Liked: Gameplay and control are in tact. Hated: Slowdown almost makes this game boring. **************************************************************************** Improve: Speed it up! Add colors. RIYL: Speedball 2 on the Sega Genesis or the Amiga. **************************************************************************** Final Words: Try this game on the Amiga or the Genesis first. You'll fall in love with it. Afterwards, look for it on the Gameboy. Once you've played Speedball 2, you'll be hooked. The Gameboy version of this game is too slow to be considered a great game like the original, but its close enough that I would recommend it to anyone. You just have to play to understand. **************************************************************************** Score Gameplay: 4 Graphics: 4 Sound/Music: 2 Play Control/Game Design: 4 Personal Opinion: 4 Total: 18 Final Score: 72% **************************************************************************** Currently Known Codes: (Any secrets?)