Completely obliterating your opponents with a crazy, "Super Dodge Ball" power shot is so fulfilling.
THE GOOD
-Cool special attacks
-Great music and sound
-Solid controls
-Couple different styles of play add to replay value
-Fun multiplayer
THE BAD
-Catching balls is too easy
OVERVIEW
Super Dodge Ball takes the fun times of playing dodge ball in your PE class at school and brings it to the Nintendo. The dodge ball format might be different than you've seen before but it works well. There are eight countries represented here which are the USA, England, India, Iceland, China, Kenya, Japan, and the USSR. Each team has six unique players with different skill levels. The object of the main campaign is to play as the United States and defeat all the other countries to become the greatest dodge ball team in the world.
GAMEPLAY
There are three different modes to choose from at the start menu. These modes are called World Cup Play (for 1 player), Versus Play (for 1-2 players), and Bean Ball (for 1-2 players). World Cup Play is the main campaign mode where you start with Team USA and work your way around the world defeating other teams in the attempt to become the world's greatest dodge ball team. In Versus mode, you and a friend can square off against each other. You have the option to choose one of the eight world teams plus an all-star team. Bean Ball is a good old fashioned pick up game. It is a free-for-all type of game so watch out because balls are flying everywhere. There is pretty much a game type for everyone in Super Dodge Ball.
One thing you'll probably notice, from the beginning, is that once you're hit with a dodge ball you don't have to leave the field. Instead this style of dodge ball incorporates a health system. All players have a unique health bar and attributes so everything pretty much evens out. Anyways, you'll have to hit each player with many dodge balls to eliminate them and once their health goes to zero they'll get ejected from the match. Another thing that you'll notice is that catching the ball doesn't bring a teammate back into the game, instead no damage is received. Finally, another thing you probably haven't seen before is the unique setup of the playing field. The field is divided in half with three players on each side but the difference comes with the fact that your other three teammates are located outside the opponents square. This lets you pass the ball deep into the opponents zone to try and deal damage. This opens the game up for some intense strategy and quick thinking.
Alright, now let's get into the actual gameplay. The controls are very good and let you accomplish many offensive and defensive maneuvers. On the offensive side, your players can throw the dodge ball using the B button and pass using the A button. This type of shot can be directed at any of the three opponents. Next we have the power shot. The power shot can only be performed while your character is running. This is where the game gets interesting because every player on your team has a unique power shot. Here are a few types of power shots you'll come across in the game. The torpedo shot elongates the ball into a missile type shape and rockets through your opponents. The boomerang shot goes towards one end of the field and then cuts back towards the other team's players. The disappearing shot is difficult to defend because it disappears once thrown and reappears in rapid succession. Finally, the jumping power shot works just like a regular power shot except for the fact that you need to jump first and then throw the ball. This shot is altered slightly to confuse the other players. There are many more fun shots to use so it may be advantageous to swap out players to check them out.
Defensively, this game has equipped you with plenty of options. You can duck (A), Jump (A and B), and attempt a catch (B). Each of these techniques should be used to their fullest because you'll have all sorts of shots coming your way. One thing that I think is way too powerful is the catch defense. Grant it, it is all about timing but once you get that down you can pretty much stop any type of shot thrown. This can really draw out a boring match against a tough computer or human player. This is the only gripe I have about Super Dodge Ball.
GRAPHICS & SOUND
The visuals in this game a just fine. Every country has their own unique playing field based on their culture. For instance, when you're playing in Iceland you'll be out in the snow and you might see a snowman. Its cliché, I know, but it works.
The music for each level is tied to the country of origin and actually pulls off sounding like something from that region of the world. The sound effects are very enjoyable especially when one of your power shots just complete obliterates an opponent.
CONCLUSION
Super Dodge Ball isn't like the regular "back yard" style you're use to but this version is really worth playing. With a whole slue of offensive and defensive maneuvers, it'll ensure that each match is different. Plus, the three different styles of play really increase the replay value. I would recommend this game to anyone because you can either pick up and play for a couple minutes or sit down for an hour or two and not be bored with it. Super Dodge Ball is here to stay and if you don't pay attention you might end up with a dodge ball imprinted on your face.