Developer/Publisher: Atlus
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Available On: Game Boy Advance
Number Of Players: 1-2 (multi-cart only)
Overview:
The premise of Super Dodge Ball Advance is simple, take a team of dodgeballers to worldwide fame. A six-player team, a rubber ball, and? super throws? So maybe the game isn?t so simple after all. As an update to the cult classic NES game of the same name, the question everyone will be asking is? does it live up to the legacy?
Gameplay 10/10
Well, as far as the gameplay is concerned, Super Dodge Ball Advance most certainly does live up to the greatness of the original. The gameplay seems simple, but is ridiculously addictive. It?s dodgeball just like you remember it, well, almost. Teams consist of six players, three on the inner court, three outside. Unlike the dodgeball you remember, all players have an energy guage, so it will take more than a single hit to knock out an opponent. The outer court players cannot be hit. And if you time your throws right, every character has their own ?super throw? for extra damage.
The control is simple, and comes naturally. Winning is another story. The game is fairly easy with all of the difficulty settings set to the minimum, but bump of the difficulty and you?re in for a good challenge.
Graphics 8/10
For a first-generation GBA title, Super Dodge Ball Advance can hold its own in terms of graphics. Smooth animation, detailed sprites, and defined graphics that will keep you from losing concentration in the action. But the graphics settle for very good, as there is no ?wow factor? that takes advantage of the GBA?s power.
Sound 8/10
The music is catchy, and some of the songs are remakes of the original game?s tunes. The sound effects definitely fit the game. Unfortunately, the music does get repetitive after a while. Other than that, the sound department is great.
Replay
Super Dodge Ball Advance isn?t a long game, but with the addictive nature of the game, and variable difficulty, you?re sure to come back for more. Grab a friend to play with, and the game will last even longer.
Extras
The customization in Super Dodge Ball Advance is great, plus multi-cartridge link for multiplayer. But where is the four player gameplay, or bean ball?
Appropriateness
Violence 9/10
Dodge ball has always been about striking your opponents. But the cartoon-like violence isn?t much to worry about. When a character?s life is depleted he will become an angel of sorts and ascend off the top of the screen.
Language 10/10
None.
Adult Content 9/10
At least one team manager wears slightly revealing clothes.
Occult/Supernatural 10/10
Hardly mentionable, every character has a super-throw that can be used, but it?s nothing occultic.
Overall 9/10
Tired of Game Boy Advance RPGs and platformers? There?s something hard to describe about dodge ball goodness, but it?s easy to say that you will enjoy Super Dodge Ball Advance. The game is squeaky clean, and now available to cost-conscious gamers.
