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Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe

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9.7 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 17 critic reviews
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Based on 8 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Empire Interactive

Developer: Bitmap Brothers

Genre(s): Extreme Sports

Players: 2

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: October 17, 2007

Summary

[Xbox Live Arcade] In the year 2326, rival gangs form an ultra-violent streetsports league called Speedball to settle their deadly disputes. Get your steel ball into the opponent's goal. That's it, there are no other rules, and anything goes. The sport becomes quite popular, but it is also extremely dangerous. Ten years later, Speedball becomes the national sport with sponsors, professional teams, and insanely brutal action. Now, the Bitmap Brothers and Empire Interactive bring you the legendary futuristic sports game Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe completely remastered for Xbox LIVE Arcade. Play the fast-paced and utterly brutal game with its classic 2-D graphics, or go full on with the new super-enhanced high definition 3-D visuals. Smash your way to the top of the league in the solo game or go head to head locally or on Xbox LIVE. The game features 32 teams, 4 leagues, cup and knockout competitions, team enhancements, management and training options, and Ranked Preset or Ranked Career games. [Microsoft]

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Console Monster

If you liked the original, Speedball 2 will not fail to fulfil your expectations.

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Official Xbox Magazine UK

If you're looking for a multiplayer blast, they don't come much more violent, or more entertaining than this. [Sept 2007, p.109]

Eurogamer

In most ways that matter, this is a fine conversion of an enduring classic, and is exactly the sort of game that makes Xbox Live Arcade one of the most exciting gaming platforms around.

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Team Xbox

Playing the original ROM of Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is great, but we were hoping that the Xbox Live Arcade graphically enhanced gameplay would be a bit better.

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Gaming Nexus

Speedball 2 doesn't offer a lot of frills and extras, but it does prove to still be a solid action/sports game that is just as violent today as it was 17 years ago.

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Planet Xbox 360

Speedball 2 is not going to win any beauty contests, and the controls make it feel as though you are playing with a field of squeaky tin men, but it is not without its charms. The wealth of game modes, ability to run and grow an online team, and frantic gameplay ensure you will play this title for longer than a quick stroll down memory lane.

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Official Xbox Magazine

Still, even the subtle control lag that crops up online can't diminish the ham-fisted charm of each vicious contest, so retro fans shouldn't think twice about dropping 10 bucks on Speedball 2. [Oct 2007, p.81]

Games Radar (in-house)

A fun little game that will probably do a better job in stirring nostalgia in those who were playing it 16 years ago rather than drawing in any new players.

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GameSpot

The Xbox Live Arcade version of Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe, then, does a solid job of re-creating 1991's game, but falls short almost every time it attempts to improve upon or enhance it.

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X360 Magazine UK

A good game, but both newcomers and Amiga stalwarts will no doubt be put off by the insane pace, which is a pity as there's plenty to enjoy here if you persevere. [Issue 27, p.118]

GamerNode

This game may or may not have been popular and revolutionary when it came out, but by today's standards it's just plain boring.

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IGN

It's a faithful translation of a classic game that many gamers have fond memories of playing. The gameplay hasn't aged well, though, leaving most of the game's appeal to fans of the original.

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MS Xbox World

If you take away all the bad things in this version, and you are still left with the same game as the original.

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Gamers' Temple

Unless you grew up playing Speedball 2 and have a strong desire to relive your childhood you should probably pass on this one.

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Xbox World 360 Magazine UK

Sixteen years on and it's not so fast, or smooth, or fun. The controls are stiffer than cold porridge and the new HD graphics are no improvement. [Sept 2007, p.96]

GamingExcellence

The poor animations, and more than anything, the lax controls, make this a game that few will play more than once.

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Video Game Talk

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe used to be fun, but time has not been kind. Despite a variety of new gameplay options, this Xbox Live Arcade entry is not worth a second glance, due to poor controls, graphics, and sound.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.7 (out of 10) based on 8 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Brian S. gave it a10:
Must buy for anyone who enjoyed it on the amiga, seriously its still got it, forget the new mode thats rubbish but the original mode is faithful.

Ian M. gave it a10:
Just as I remember it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Excellent stuff.

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Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe

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