I remember playing this game on my Amiga as if it were yesterday. In its

heyday, it was a console to rival the likes of the NES. It truly was all I

played, until the day fate decided to make my friend step on it. Excellent.

So, I was depressed for a very long time, until this showed up. Oh, the

memories.

>From the very first moment you see and hear Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe,

you’ll realise that this is a very faithful recreation. Retro sounding

themes, original background art and even that angry looking player holding

the ball are all included. Even for the younger generation of gamers who

wouldn’t remember the Amiga, the game’s gameplay alone is truly

commendable.

First of all, the game of speedball will need to be explained. Speedball is

a twisted cross between football and rugby, where many people will get hurt.

That’s pretty much all you need to know. The game grants you control of team

Brutal Deluxe, who, just like football, consist of a goalie and 10 other

players. You’ll be able to choose between four modes of play: Knockout,

where you will play until you lose; League, where you play every other team

to get to the top of the league; team manager; which involves buying and

selling players, managing your team etc. and finally Cup, which explains

itself.

When actually playing, you’ll be able to collect up to 20 power ups

scattered around the pitch, like speed boots, money etc. You will also be

awarded extra points for injuring the other team’s players - don’t feel

sorry; they’ll do the same to you. Goal scoring has also been made to feel

like a great event, with cheering fans, replays and your whole team

celebrating. Before long, you will find yourself punch your fists in the

air-such is this game’s hold on you.

You’ll also be able to access the ‘gym’, where your team of rather glum

looking players reside. Here, you can buy stat points for each player, with

money earned from matches. In team manager mode, you’ll also able to buy and

sell players, giving you the ultimate edge. Apparently, series 60 gamers

will also be able to play multiplayer games through a Bluetooth

connection.

Overall, Speedball 2 has a plethora of playability. Play a quick knockout

game, challenge ‘em all in the league or leave the arena behind and manage

your own team, a concept never thought of before. Although I disliked the

fact that you could only play as team brutal deluxe, and that there was no

online section, it feels like I have my prized Amiga back all over again.

Thanks, Glu!