Speedball 2: Tournament
Preview
The return of a classic...
by William Thompson
previewed on PC
Multiplayer
The biggest inclusion in Speedball (2007) is multiplayer capabilities. Playing inline against other Speedballers will add a whole new dimension to the game. This is one feature that I personally am looking forward to seeing more of. In the original you only got to take your team to the top of Division 1 and that was it. You could have been able to thrash every team, but getting to the top of the division was the only possibly way. Now, with multiplayer, you can prove once and for all that you are the Speedball champion of the world, or just another has-been.
A variety of online game types are being developed. A 1-on-1 game will allow gamers to compete individually against others, whilst a 3-on-3 game will allow gamers to work together (sort of like a clan in MMORPGs) against another set of gamers. This could potentially lead to huge tournaments with clans competing for the ultimate Speedball trophy.
A subscription section, known as the Gold Area will also be available. With this subscription, gamers will be able to access worldwide rankings, be a part of special leagues and compete in special events. Gold Area subscribers will also have access to a gamers’ matchmaking tool, enabling them to play with friends or other ranked players. As yet, there is no word on the costs of the Gold Area subscription. Hopefully we’ll find out shortly.
Overhauling the controls too
We have been told that there will be two different control types in the Speedball remake. The first will be similar to what original Speedball players are used to. It will involve aiming your pass in a particular direction and the player closest will then be in control. The second – known as auto-aiming – will be the default system. It will allow players to select two alternate passing opportunities, such as a short pass or a Hail-Mary pass to a team-mate near the goal. This will mean more precise targeting of team-mates, rather than the aim, throw and hope that a team-mate is in position routine of the original.
So when can we play?
Overall, it seems as though fans of the original Speedball will not be disappointed, whilst newcomers to the Speedball phenomenon will be able to get a taste of what they’ve been missing out on. From what we’ve heard so far, the game is slated for an August 2007 release. It remains to be seen whether it will be complete by then, but either way, we at Hooked Gamers are definitely looking forward to seeing more of this game as it nears its release date.
