When the sequel to the original Speedball, entitled Speedball 2 Brutal Deluxe, was released in 1990, it was instantly regarded as a classic. Based loosely on the 70's cult film Rollerball, Speedball 2 puts you in charge of the newest team to join the ultra violent sport. This team is Brutal Deluxe. Choosing either league, knockout, cup or management competition, its your job to turn them into the best team around. Alternatively there is also a two player option available for games against a friend.
Viewed from a top down perspective, the action takes place in a steel arena with two teams of nine players each. A match is divided into two halfs of ninety seconds each, with the teams swapping ends at half time. The arena itself has a goal at both ends and two score multipliers, one on either side. The play area is also littered with various bonus items to collect which appear at random positions around the arena and have differing effects when picked up. Money can also be picked up to be spent later in the transfer market, or on upgrading your own original lineup. This is essential if any real progress is to be made.
The graphics in Speedball 2 have a very metallic theme and suit the game perfectly. Animations are also spot on and the whole thing moves very smoothly and has the typical Bitmap Brothers polish that is associated with so many of their games. Sound effects are excellent and have a real bone crunching quality to them that really compliments the violent actions on screen. The wailing sirens of the medical robots (a result of an individual players energy being completley depleted) as they carry an injured character out of the match, the groans of the players as they are tackled to the floor, the slamming of the steel ball into a goal and the shouts of "ice cream - ice cream" from the vendor at half time all create a brilliant atmosphere in an already perfect game.
This game is without doubt an all time classic and is worthy of a place in everyones games collection.
Speedball 2: Game Boy Advance
The latest incarnation of this classic game is a truly excellent conversion. There are minor alterations to the old Amiga version, but these in no way affect the overall perfection that made the original such a classic.
The differences are slightly more colourful characters which helps to distinguish them better than the original, although this was never really a problem, and unfortunately slightly inferior sound. The sound is still top notch and very well implemented, but some of the steel slamming against steel effects seem to be missing from the GBA version which is a shame.
The conversion also suffers slightly from Dpad control as Speedball 2 was always better contolled with a joystick. Another negative point, which is more of a GBA fault is the darkness of the screen, making it difficult at times to know exactly where your character is in the arena.
Overall this is superb conversion of a classic game and should be owned by everyone who liked the original, and at 19.99 (UK) its a bargain.