Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe

THE BAD:
Its age shows, and it can get slightly repetative - same game, same rules, same arena.

SUMMARY:
In the days of old, the Amiga was in slight need of quality sports titles. Sure, it had some great platformers, but there was nothing in the sports department that set it apart from the NES. A while back, an Ok game called Speedball was released. It took the best parts from football, rugby and American football and combined them into one blood-flowing sport. Sadly, technical limitations marred its quality. Then Speedball 2 was released. Responsable for the shifting of thousands of units, Speedball 2 was absolutely fantastic. Now, over a decade later, it emerges on the Game Boy Advance.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe tells the tale of Brutal Deluxe. One of the worst Speeball teams in the world, in dire need of help. Luckily, help comes in the form of you. You have to manage, play, and cheat Brutal Deluxe to the top of the table.

One thing that you have to be careful of in most team sports games is how you tackle them. Make it too violent, and you'll get in a bit of trouble. Thankfully, Speedball doesn't warrent such interruptions. Indeed, it encourages violence. If a block tries to tackle you, throw the ball away and kick him. If you're feeling particually brutal, then wait until he gets back up and kick him again - extra points are awarded for every player that you smash up completely.

Its tough, but its more than a laugh, this is slapstick comedy in its purest, and most violent form. The AI's good, so often, as opposed to trying to beat the keeper with a skilfully placed shot, why not go for the better option, getting rid of the ball, go up and literally beat the keeper. Then grab the ball again and throw it past his crippled form. This can of course be done in a multiplayer, both single and multi pack.

Obviously, its a port of a 13 year old game, and it shows. The visuals are simple at best, and there is little variation in the matches - sure, you can upgrade your team and buy new players (there's even a manager mode, where you don't even play), but the whole thing just seemes a bit samey after a while.

But you shouldn't mind. Half as cheap as your average GBA game and twice as fun, this is definatly one to look out for.