Ice Cream, ice cream! Speedball 2: Evolution is coming to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch on the 25th…
UPDATE: Speedball 2 has been delayed by one day and will now be released on the 25th February. Our review will go live on Friday, so why not check back for our verdict before you buy?
Originally created by the Bitmap Brothers, who developed beautiful 16-bit games for the Amiga and Atari ST, such as Chaos Engine, Gods, Xenon II and Magic Pockets; Speedball is a futuristic and violent ball game based in the year 2105 and played in a metallic enclosed court. A mix of ice hockey and Gaelic football, you must get the ball into the goal by fair means or foul.
Speedball 2: Evolution has been developed by Vivid Games, under the guidance of The Bitmap Brothers and gaming veteran Jon Hare and is an update to the classic futuristic sports game, which first appeared in 1990. The game promises to retain all the hallmarks of the original, but updates it for the iOS generation.
With quick-play, league and cup tournaments, players can jump into a quick game or a more structured competition. The comprehensive career mode, including the new Speedball Champions League, offers the real meat of the game.
The success of this game really rests in the controls, if they fail then the experience will fail too. Vivid games have created two alternative control systems: a classic, soft joypad, which replicates the controls of the early computer versions, and a new, innovative tilt-to-move option, in which team-mates can be manipulated simply by moving the device, meaning the whole screen can be seen at all times on the iPhone.
Other enhancements include brand new visuals designed specifically to showcase the iOS devices, local multiplayer competitions across Bluetooth and Wi-fi, and gameplay tweaks designed to build on the originals combination of fast-based cartoon violence and tongue-in-cheek humour.
“This is the best version of Speedball 2 since the original and the best remake of any classic title available on the App Store” says Jon Hare, the games creative director and CEO of publisher, Tower Studios. “Speedball 2: Evolution is the most comprehensive game in the series, and a real programming masterpiece thanks to the amazing efforts of Vivid Games. To existing fans this is a classic remake, to the new generation this is a fantastic modern game in it’s own right. It marks the first arrival of a Bitmap Brothers classic to the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad – expect to see many more classic titles re-mastered and updated by us in the future.”
Jon’s last comment is perhaps most exciting me, that other Bitmap Brothers games will be coming in future… hopefully Xenon II and Chaos Engine. Best of all would be Jon’s very own classic, Sensible Soccer. One of the best soccer games ever… period!
Speedball 2: Evolution will be available in the App Store later this month, price tbc.
Speedball 2 Evolution features:
- 336 Individual players
- 22 achievements
- 20 Power-ups and pick-ups
- 16 Classic Speedball teams
- 12 New Intergalactic teams
- 10 Season career mode
- 10 Single player game modes
- 6 Arenas on four different planets
- Player transfer market and upgrades
- Extensive tutorial for rookies
- Bluetooth multiplayer mode
- Game Center support
- That classic retro feel
Check out the screens and trailer below.
Teaser
