Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The core of Sakigake!! Otokojuku: The Dodge Ball lies in its fast-paced, arcade-style matches that echo the charm of classic dodge ball titles like Super Dodge Ball. Matches are played on a simple court where two teams face off, launching balls at one another in an effort to eliminate opposing players. What sets this game apart is the inclusion of over-the-top special moves drawn directly from Akira Miyashita’s manga, giving each character a unique flair that can turn the tide in a tight match.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Controls are straightforward, reflecting the Simple Character 2000 Series philosophy: one button to throw, one to catch or dodge, and combinations to unleash team-based special attacks. The input timing feels precise, allowing skilled players to pull off spectacular chain throws, power shots, and defensive reads. Even newcomers can enjoy the basics, while veterans will appreciate the depth found in learning each character’s signature technique.

Beyond the exhibition-style VS mode, the single-player Story Mode is where the gameplay really shines. You’ll recruit more than 15 characters from the Otokojuku roster, each with distinct stats and abilities. Winning matches unlocks new teammates, giving you the freedom to mix and match favorites like Momotaro Tsurugi or Genji Togashi. The progression system motivates you to refine strategies and master the engine carried over from All-Star Slammin’ D-Ball.

Graphics

Visually, Sakigake!! Otokojuku: The Dodge Ball sticks to vibrant, colorful sprites that pay homage to the manga’s larger-than-life characters. On the court, animations are fluid and exaggerated—players leap high into the air, spin for curveballs, and light up the screen with dramatic special move effects. Despite the game’s budget-friendly origins, the action never feels choppy, and sprites remain crisp even during the most chaotic exchanges.

The backgrounds—ranging from Otokojuku’s austere training halls to outdoor festival grounds—are rendered with simple but effective detail. They don’t steal the show, but they add personality to each match environment. Occasional animated flourishes, like banners waving in the wind or sparks flying off a power throw, heighten the excitement without overwhelming the eye.

Character portraits between matches capture the spirit of Miyashita’s art style, complete with bold linework and expressive features. While there’s no voice acting, brief text boxes accompanied by character portraits help convey the intensity of rivalries and the stakes of each bout. Overall, the presentation feels fittingly energetic for a dodge ball game that prides itself on flashy moves and heroic one-liners.

Story

The Story Mode adapts key moments from Sakigake!! Otokojuku, framing dodge ball matches as grueling tests of physical and mental fortitude. You begin as a novice recruit sent to prove your worth and must face successive teams from rival schools, each match accompanied by short narrative interludes. Though simple, these segments capture the manga’s spirit of camaraderie, rivalry, and over-the-top determination.

Dialogues are delivered via text, often punctuated by character portraits and expressive on-screen effects—think sweat drops for nervousness or explosive backgrounds for dramatic declarations. While the pacing is brisk, fans will appreciate seeing signature moves like the “Okujuku Tornado” or “Steel Fist Throw” introduced in story-driven sequences, lending context to why each dodge ball showdown matters.

Though there’s no branching narrative or deep cutscene direction, the structure of Win → Recruit → Train → Win again gives a satisfying loop that mirrors the “growth through combat” ethos of the source material. Unlocking new characters and gradually expanding your roster provides a tangible sense of progression, keeping you engaged as you climb Otokojuku’s hierarchy.

Overall Experience

Sakigake!! Otokojuku: The Dodge Ball delivers a compact, adrenaline-fueled experience for fans of the manga and dodge ball games alike. The Simple 2000 Series engine ensures accessible controls, while the roster of over 15 characters and their signature moves inject fresh variety into each match. Single-player and VS modes combine for both a structured progression path and endless local multiplayer fun.

Despite its budget origins, the game never feels cheap. The presentation is punchy, the animations are vibrant, and the soundtrack—though looping—reinforces the high-energy mood of tournament battles. While you won’t find online play or advanced customization, the core dodge ball action is solid and often hilarious when power shots send opponents flying across the court.

For collectors of retro dodge ball titles, fans of Sakigake!! Otokojuku, or anyone seeking a quick burst of arcade sports action, this Simple Character 2000 Series entry is a hidden gem. It pays respectful homage to classics like Super Dodge Ball while carving out its own identity through manga-inspired theatrics. Prepare to dodge, catch, and unleash spectacular special moves—you’ll be hooked from the opening serve.

Retro Replay Score

null/10