Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Dodge Ball follows the beloved formula of its predecessors, placing you at the helm of a three-person squad competing in fast-paced dodge ball matches. You control either the lead character or the one in possession of the ball, using intuitive button combinations for basic throws, catches, and evasive maneuvers. The core objective remains straightforward: eliminate all members of the opposing team or reduce their health bars to zero before time runs out.

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What sets this entry apart is the ability to customize your roster as you progress. After defeating rival teams—each representing a different suburb of Tokyo—you can recruit their star player into your own lineup. This mechanic encourages strategic experimentation, as each character comes with unique attributes in speed, power, and agility. Building a well-rounded team becomes an engaging puzzle that adds depth beyond mere reflexes.

Special moves are tied to a new power bar system that charges when you hold both attack buttons. Once full, characters unleash devastating signature throws, complete with dynamic camera zooms and screen shakes. Timing these charged attacks can turn the tide of a closely fought match, rewarding players who master the risk-versus-reward dynamic of power-meter management.

Graphics

Powered by Neo Geo hardware, Super Dodge Ball boasts larger-than-life sprites and fluid animations that outshine earlier installments. Character models retain the series’ semi-super deformed charm but benefit from increased detail: expressive facial reactions, slick uniforms, and distinctive idle stances all bring personality to the court. Every dodge, catch, and throw looks crisp, thanks to added animation frames.

SNK’s hardware also enables dynamic camera effects—zooming in on high-impact throws, shaking the screen during powerful hits, and scaling out to capture the full team in action. These touches contribute to a dramatic on-court spectacle more akin to a one-on-one fighting game than a traditional sports title. Special moves trigger elaborate visual flourishes, from swirling energy trails to explosive impact frames that feel satisfying to land.

Audio enhancements complement the visuals with digitized samples for player taunts, grunt sounds, and court announcements. The interface is polished with colorful menus, animated portraits, and slick transitions that evoke the look and feel of SNK’s marquee fighting franchises. Whether playing solo or with friends, the presentation keeps you immersed in the high-octane dodge ball experience.

Story

Super Dodge Ball’s narrative is light but flavorful, drawing characters and locations from the Nekketsu Kunio Kun universe. Teams hail from various Tokyo suburbs, each bringing its own local flair and rivalries to the tournament. While there’s no branching storyline, each victory advances you through themed arenas in an amusement park setting, lending a sense of progression and place.

The game’s focus remains on the tournament itself, but little character bios and victory quotes hint at rivalries and personal motivation. This lends context to the matches—you’re not just playing generic teams, but local champions fighting for district pride. The recruitment mechanic further deepens the narrative, allowing you to “win over” opponents and build your dream team.

Though it doesn’t feature cutscenes or extensive dialogue, Super Dodge Ball’s story framework provides enough backdrop to keep you invested. The tournament ladder structure offers clear goals, and the game’s arcade origins ensure brisk pacing between matches. For fans of the Kunio-Kun lineage, the cameos and character connections provide an extra layer of charm.

Overall Experience

Super Dodge Ball delivers an addictive blend of arcade-style immediacy and light RPG-like customization. Matches are quick to learn yet hard to master, thanks to the nuanced power-bar mechanics and diverse character stats. Whether you’re dodging rapid volleys or lining up a charged super throw, every game feels intense and rewarding.

The graphic polish and sound design make each match a spectacle. Neo Geo visuals and digitized audio samples enhance the impact of every catch and collision, keeping adrenaline levels high. The ability to recruit defeated foes encourages replay, as you experiment with different team compositions to unlock hidden moves and tactics.

Multiplayer sessions are particularly engaging; rallying with friends against AI teams or going head-to-head adds immense replay value. Although the story is lightweight, the tournament structure and character variety ensure you stay invested. Overall, Super Dodge Ball stands as a marquee example of SNK and Technos collaborating to evolve a classic arcade sports formula for the next generation.

Retro Replay Score

null/10