Sportsball is as much a party game as it is a sports one.  It’s described by the developers as “soccer, jousting, and flying birds”, and that’s a spot on synopsis.  Read on as I expound on the game’s specifics, and explain why I think it’s a must for multiplayer fans.

With four teams, sixteen unique birds, ten stadiums, and many modes, content isn’t in short supply … when playing with friends anyway.  I’ll elaborate on that in a bit. Customization allows you to tailor the experience to your liking also, with over ten different options.  With both competitive and co-op modes, there’s little lacking.

Sportsball grabbed me instantly, with its detailed history of the game, and insanely catchy title track!  In fact everyone in the group of friends I played with had the tune stuck in their head.  Hearing all of us sing along “Birds will flyyy …” was goofy fun!  The high quality soundtrack gets you pumped for action.  Another audio ace is using the GamePad microphone to provide your own commentary.  While up to four play on-screen, a fifth can comment on the proceedings and their words will play through the television.  The only stumble is a lack of GamePad audio for Off-TV play – boo!

Sportsball - title

I found the gameplay to be very chaotic, but also a lot of fun.  Things can get so crazy at times that it’s hard to follow what’s going on.  The chaos actually helps me respect what Sportsball is pulling off visually.  While the graphics don’t wow, it’s amazing how much activity can take place with no slowdown.  With four players blitzing across the screen, feathers flying everywhere, dozens of balls bouncing all over the place, and optional screen shaking effects, this game moves along at a highly impressive clip!  I only wish there was more variety in the stadium backgrounds, although the layouts do change.

Each bird has varying stats, and controls quite differently.  Gigantoraptor for instance is large and powerful, but struggles mightily to get much air due to sheer girth.  Meanwhile Cock-of-the-Rock is insanely fast … maybe too fast!  Each takes practice, but the controls are quite responsive.  A number of options are included, and a variety of controllers supported.  You can even use motion control with the Wiimote and Nunchuck if desired.

For as much commendation I’ve given Sportsball, its Achilles heel is the solo player modes or lack thereof.  Only a single mode supports a lone player, and it isn’t satisfying.  It’s basically a glorified practice or tutorial.  I hear the complexities of taking the game online, but  you can’t even challenge computer opponents!  It feels like an afterthought, and Too DX has shot themselves in the foot with how little care was directed towards it.  It’s really the only bad element in an otherwise impressive game.

While Sportball offers nothing for a solo player, I must conclude with a reminder of how robust and entertaining multiplayer is!  This is a great example of multiplayer mayhem.  If you enjoy games that have you laughing with friends, shouting at the TV, and saying “just one more game”, Sportsball is a must!

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