Rebellion’s reboot of the iconic Speedball series is finally here, and the question on every fan's mind is: does it live up to the legacy? From its roots as a brutal futuristic sports game in the late '80s on platforms like the Amiga and Atari ST, Speedball has been through an eventful journey. Here, we'll dive deep into what makes the remake tick, where it falters, and why Rebellion chose Early Access for its release.
Speedball has always been more than just a game; it’s a chaotic blend of rugby, handball, and science fiction (sci-fi). Originally launched by the Bitmap Brothers in 1988 for platforms like the Amiga and Atari ST, Speedball set the stage for a dystopian future where violent sports provide an escape for the downtrodden masses. Players took control of cybernetically augmented team members in ruthless matches, aiming for victory by any means necessary. Points weren’t only awarded for goals; brutal takedowns and sheer aggression also helped you rack up the score.
The game’s standout mechanics, including power-ups, bounce domes, and skill-based progression, added a strategic depth that kept players hooked. The franchise hit its peak with Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, which took the original formula and elevated it to iconic status. The Bitmap Brothers have created a glorious series that remains a touchstone for multiplayer gameplay in the arena of futuristic sports.
When Rebellion announced that Speedball would debut as an Early Access title, it raised a few eyebrows. After all, Early Access is usually reserved for indie titles or projects with smaller budgets. However, Rebellion’s choice was deliberate. As they explained on Steam:
“We chose this route for Speedball because we understand that the series has an existing, passionate fanbase, and we wanted to make sure they are involved in the game’s development journey.”
For Rebellion, involving the community meant more than just fan service. By leveraging player feedback, they hope to tailor the game closer to the expectations of both nostalgic fans and new players. The Early Access period, set for around 12 months, will allow the team to introduce new features gradually, with additions like team management, player progression, and skill-based matchmaking planned over time.
Another unique aspect of Rebellion’s approach is the incremental pricing model during Early Access. The current price of Speedball will increase incrementally as new features are added, rewarding early adopters while reflecting the game’s growing value. Early adopters can buy Speedball now and watch it evolve into its full version over time.
The current Early Access build of Speedball features both single player and multiplayer modes. Offline matches allow you to test your skills against AI opponents, while online multiplayer pits you against other players worldwide. For local fun, there's also a co-operative LAN local option.
Key elements that fans of the original will recognize include:
While this build captures the essence of Speedball, it feels somewhat barebones. The variety of teams, arenas, and unique abilities in previous installments isn’t fully realized here, though Rebellion assures us these are coming down the line. Despite some off-topic review activity on the game's Steam page, the core community remains focused on helping improve Speedball.
According to the game's mature content description, Speedball includes intense violence and is intended for mature audiences due to its general mature content. Players are encouraged to check the system requirements before diving into the action, ensuring compatibility with platforms like Windows 10.
Speedball combines elements from various sports like handball and ice hockey, creating a unique and brutal sports game set in a sci-fi world. Each match features two teams of cybernetic players battling it out in a futuristic arena. Players may use their hands or even their feet, kicking the ball to move it towards the opposite team's goal. Mastery of dribble techniques and quick reflexes are essential to maintain possession of the ball.
The game starts with both teams vying to get the ball, and as the game progresses, the intensity ramps up. Points are scored not just by goals, which are worth one point each, but also through aggressive plays and power-ups scattered across the arena. The fast-paced, high-speed action leaves no room to sit back and watch; players must stay engaged at all times.
The player's hands are crucial for catching and throwing the ball, but players may also perform tackles to knock the ball loose from opponents. With the ball in the air, timing is everything to gain an advantage. If a player fails to catch or control it, they might drop the ball, giving the opposite team an opportunity to attempt to score.
The game resembles a more violent version of sports like rugby and even incorporates elements of soccer ball handling, albeit with less emphasis on traditional physical education norms. In fact, players may use their feet for kicking the ball, similar to how a player may use their feet in soccer to move the ball downfield.
Multiplayer and full career mode are planned, allowing for both quick matches and single player tournaments. The inclusion of co-operative LAN local play means you can team up with friends in the same room. As you manage your team members and develop strategies, how your Speedball team plays together will determine your success. Don't forget to keep an eye on your goalie to prevent the opposite team from scoring.
The Speedball series has had its share of missteps over the years. Following the success of Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, several attempts were made to revive the game, with mixed results:
The Bitmap Brothers have created a glorious series, but not all subsequent versions have lived up to the legacy. All rights reserved by the original creators, and the Speedball series is copyright and trademark of The Bitmap Brothers. Trademarks are property of their respective owners, and the Speedball series is copyright © and trademark of The Bitmap Brothers.
As one of the biggest players in the gaming industry, Sony’s involvement in previous Speedball releases, including Speedball 2100, was seen as an opportunity to take the franchise mainstream. However, Sony’s decision to release Speedball 2100 late in the PlayStation’s life cycle may have contributed to its underwhelming reception. Released as the PS2 was on the horizon, Speedball 2100 felt outdated upon arrival, with Sony’s resources arguably focused on preparing for the next generation.
While Speedball focuses on brutal sports action, other games like Automation Dating Farming and Crafting Hobby Job Life explore different aspects of gaming. Gamers looking for variety might also enjoy rhythm fighting games or slash platformer adventures. Alternatively, physics space simulations and immersive sandbox experiences offer different kinds of engagement. For those interested in narrative-driven games, genres like anime horror mystery or cyberpunk space survival can be intriguing. City-building enthusiasts might prefer board city management or settlement grand simulations, while sports fishing games provide a more relaxed sports game experience.
Community feedback will be central to shaping Speedball. Rebellion has set up a dedicated Discord server where players can share ideas on everything from game mechanics to bug reports. This collaborative approach ensures that fan voices are heard in real-time, potentially avoiding the pitfalls that plagued past Speedball revivals.
According to Steam, popular user-defined tags for Speedball include 'Action', 'Sports', and 'Multiplayer'. Some customer reviews praise the game for its nostalgic value, while others point out areas needing improvement. Despite the mixed feedback, the curators say that the game shows promise.
While the Speedball reboot hits many high notes, certain elements are noticeably absent:
The Speedball reboot is an ambitious project that successfully captures the brutal, fast-paced game play of its predecessors. By going the Early Access route, Rebellion has given itself the flexibility to refine and expand the game based on community input. While the current version lacks some of the variety and depth that fans crave, it shows promise, and there’s a sense of optimism in the Speedball community.
For now, the reboot serves as a promising return for an iconic franchise, even if it’s not yet the definitive Speedball experience fans might be hoping for. If you're a fan of the series or curious about this blend of handball, hockey, and sci-fi brutality, you might consider taking the plunge. After all, early adopters can buy Speedball now and watch it evolve over time.
