All-Star Slammin' D-Ball

Okay … let me start by quoting a statement made by my parents many years ago in regards to a lot of great deals or getting something for nothing … “You get what you pay for”. This has rang true more times than not, and for the $9.99 price tag on All Star Slammin D – Ball, this game makes no exception to the rule. That being said …

 If you have played “Super Dodge Ball” on the 8-bit Nintendo or on Game Boy Advance, you already know the controls and how the game is played since overall it’s the same concept. The control pad moves the characters, one button throws or catches, and one button jumps. D - Ball puts you in charge of selecting one of 8 teenage teams to use in competing for the title of Dodge Ball champion. Your crew hits the field, slings the ball back and forth, and attempts to knock out everyone else in play in the same elementary school “It’s raining outside so we have to play in the gym” game. The team who has members still standing wins. It’s a simple concept, and easy for anyone to pick up and get into. In championship mode, you start the game at the bottom of the ladder with an easier challenge, then work your way up to the big leagues and more difficult opponents. You can also play a one player single match, or challenge a buddy to see who’s the king of the dodge ball arena. The two player game is definitely where this game is the most enjoyable. 

The teams vary in overall looks, and the graphics do a good job of showing the “game face” for each team member, and as a nice touch they will grit their teeth when they run and jump and will wince when they get hit. Special attacks such as electricity or super speed are different for the captains on each team, and increase the chance of a knockout since these make the ball harder for the defense to catch. Other than that one aspect, selecting one team or another doesn't do anything as far as size, speed, or give any advantage over other teams, it just gives you a different look and some varying special moves. 

There are a couple of changes to gameplay that seem to detract from the overall experience of past titles.  D – Ball has implemented a “one hit and you’re out” rule, so whether you hit someone with a regular throw or a special attack … you get the same result. This takes some of the fun out of it since part of the enjoyment of past dodge ball titles has been getting to laugh at your friend when you slam the you – know – what out of them with a “star shot” or “lightning throw” , and knock out one of their players in one hit. Secondly, special attacks are not a one button hit. Instead, you have to perform various controller and button combos to get them to work. While standing still this isn’t necessarily a bad thing,  but trying to get them off in the one second that you’re in the air doesn't work too well.

Overall you will be able to buy this game, sit down, and finish it all the way through in about 10 - 15 minutes. With only one team to unlock, who doesn't have anything more to it than just a look, and what seems like an overall lack of options other than one player and championship … playing on your own will hold little interest or replay value other than something to do to kill a little time here and there. The two player mode presents a fun option for a pair of friends or family wanting to compete for bragging rights on the field of dodge ball supremacy, and is definitely the high point of the experience.

Although it may sound like this won’t be a good game to add to your PSX library, the $9.99 price tag makes it one to pick up if you are looking for a decent two player game or something to do occasionally to kill those few minutes before going to Grandma’s. Fans of Super Dodge Ball will more than likely enjoy this game overall, and people looking for a new game title for a small amount of money will be OK with the purchase for the first week or so. If you’re looking for a more solid or lasting sports title, you may want to tag this one out and use your $10.00 towards  another game in the PS1 library.

Gameplay: 5.0

There doesn't seem to be any real reward to beating the game, since there is only one team to unlock who dosen’t do anything better or worse than any other team to select. Definitely not a lasting experience nor one that will keep you coming back if you are playing by yourself since it can be beaten in a 10 minute setting.

Graphics: 8.5

Colorful characters and arenas look pretty good for a PS1 title, and nice touches like facial expressions and the look of pain when they get hit are humorous. Special attacks look good, and the game overall looks nice.

Sound: 7

Sounds of the ball smacking team players or being caught, the padding of running feet, and canned electronic drum and guitar sounds make up the bulk of what is heard. Nothing bad or cheap, but nothing which really stands out either.

Difficulty: 5.5

The three difficulty settings of easy, normal, and hard don’t do much to really give any more or less of a challenge. Veterans of the genre will be able to fly through the game, while first time players won’t have much difficulty flying through it either.

Concept: 6.5

The same game that’s been done before with some changes, but not for the better. The one hit rule makes a mistimed button press frustrating, and special attacks can be an impossibility to get off while jumping in the air. Also selecting a team for no other reason than a different look doesn't work for or against you.

Overall: 5.7

Not a lasting experience for someone looking for a one player sports title. If you own Super Dodge Ball for Game Boy Advance, you won’t really have a need to pick this one up. It’s not the worst two player game out there, but it’s definitely not the best either, even for the price. Most people won’t sweat the $9.99 tag either way.