Videoball | |
---|---|
Developer(s) | Action Button Entertainment |
Publisher(s) | Iron Galaxy |
Director(s) | Tim Rogers |
Designer(s) | Tim Rogers |
Programmer(s) |
|
Artist(s) | Brent Porter |
Composer(s) | Ken Snyder |
Engine | Unity |
Platform(s) | Linux, OS X, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One |
Release |
PS4, XBO, Windows
|
Genre(s) | Sports |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Aggregate score | |
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Aggregator | Score |
Metacritic | 79/100 |
Review scores | |
Publication | Score |
Destructoid | 9/10 |
GameSpot | 8/10 |
Polygon | 9/10 |
Kill Screen | 77/100 |
Videoball is a minimalist sports video game by Action Button Entertainment. Up to six human and computer-controlled players form two teams. Each uses an analog stick and a single button to control triangles that shoot charged projectiles at a ball and other players. The objective is to knock the ball into the opposing team's goal. Apart from exhibition matches, the game has a scenario challenge-based Arcade mode, and supports online team and ranked multiplayer matchmaking. Videoball has a simple visual style with bright colors, basic shapes, and many customization options.
The game originated in a dare to make a "one-button StarCraft". Videoball designer and Action Button founder Tim Rogers prototyped the game and challenged himself to keep its game mechanics spartan and accessible, yet challenging for competitive players. Action Button and publisher Iron Galaxy released Videoball for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One platforms on July 12, 2016. Linux and OS X releases are planned.Videoball received favorable reviews. Critics praised the precision and craft of its game design as well as its welcoming aesthetics, but remarked that its visual simplicity belied the depth of its gameplay.
Videoball plays as a two-dimensional hybrid of air hockey and soccer on a single screen. Players form two teams of one to three players. Each player uses an analog stick to control a triangle-shaped avatar and presses a single button to shoot triangle-shaped projectiles. The object of the game is to knock one or more circular balls into the opposing team's goal. Players hold the button to charge a shot, which fires upon release. The projectile can propel the ball, block other projectiles, and incapacitate opponents. Since the shot is triangle-shaped, it can only drive the ball for some distance before the ball veers off-course.