[PAX East 14] VIDEOBALL Preview: Poking Balls

[PAX East 14] VIDEOBALL Preview: Poking Balls

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In chasing realism, sports games have become increasingly difficult and complicated. Action Button Entertainment is hoping to change all that with its 2D sports game VIDEOBALL. Part soccer, part basketball and just a bit of Asteroids, VIDEOBALL is a fast and frenetic game while being minimal and simple enough for anyone to pick up and play.

Split into two teams, players fly a triangle around and use a limited set of moves to try and push a ball into the opponent’s goal. Controls are simple: left stick for movement, right stick to aim and any face-button to launch a projectile. Players are able to push the ball using a projectile that grows in size and speed depending on how long the player holds down the button. Players are also able to set up a square to block an opponent’s shot by holding down the button even longer. If a player is struck directly with a projectile or runs into a ball, the player is temporarily removed from the action, allowing the other team to go on a power play.

At first glance, the game looks like a chaotic mess, but after a few rounds it is easy to see how strategies can emerge using the limited tools available. VIDEOBALL’s fast paced nature looks to be a nice addition to the competitive local multiplayer scene.