Stikbold : A Dodgeball Adventure is a rather interesting arcade title that focuses on the Dodgeball, a sport that requires players to throw balls at each other. What makes Stikbold standout is how this rather basic sport has been turned into a unique but extremely fun title.
This preview event was also unique as instead of the usual ‘watch trailer play demo’ approach, this time I was actually playing the developers, Game Swing, literally at their own game. Developers who have taken Stikbold from a student idea and taking three years to turn it into a fill game being published by Curve Digital.
So what exactly is Stikbold. Well it is a game set in a 70s inspired world where any disagreements are settled by playing a match of dodgeball. Just imagine having an issue in real life and the only way to settle it was to drop everything and play a game of five a side to determine who wins the argument!
The story campaign will see you play as the team of Bjorn and Jerome as they progress through the world taking on various other teams and characters at Stikbold. With boss matches and a very charming sense of humour, I found the story mode, which is comprised of twelve levels, to be fun and enjoyable both as a solo experience but even more fun in co-op as a friend can control the other character and become your partner.
As someone who plays a variety of sports titles including FIFA, I was happily taken back by just how easy it was to pick up and play, even if you are unfamiliar with how Dodgeball works as a game. Essentially the match has a single ball which teams battle to control. The aim is to knock out the players of the opposing team or teams by throwing the ball at them with successful hits lowering their health and knocking them out. The winning team will be the team left standing. Matches can feature 2 vs 2 vs 2 scenarios.
Passing the ball is fluid between players and can rival games such as FIFA, with good communication being the difference between winning and losing. Loose balls can be dived for in true John Woo dramatic fashion, stealing the ball from the grasp of the other team in truly satisfying moments. The arenas add a real extra dynamic with the various hazards that can be real game changers in a match. From avoiding speeding buses to giant land sharks, there is a real fun quirkiness to Stikbold that is so appealing.
Visually Stikbold has a familiar but not inspired ‘Block’ look of Minecraft. The cartoony feel and animation would make this a great title for a younger demographic but the gameplay is right on the money for fans of sporting titles. The characters are all varied and fun to play as. Sadly there is no option to create your own characters with all teams being pre determined but they are all stand out teams in their own right.
Stikbold really is great fun but it lacks the more mainstream polish and appeal that has made Rocket League such a popular success recently. But Stikbold: A Dodgeball Adventure should not be ignored and will take many by surprise and bring smiles and joy to players once released on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on Friday April 1st.
