Game Boy :: Genesis :: NES :: Sega CD :: SNES :: TurboGrafx-16 :: Complete System Listings

Super Dodge Ball Advance (Game Boy Advance)

Super Dodge Ball Advance review

Game: Super Dodge Ball Advance
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Genre: Sports (Other)
Developer: Atlus
AKA: Bakunetsu Dodge Ball Fighters (JP)

Staff review by Zack M

Date unavailable

On the NES, there was a game called Super Dodge Ball. It was a decent game, with decent graphics, decent (yet absolutely horrible) sound, and overall decensy. But nonetheless, the game returns years later as a Game Boy Advance launch title, in Super Dodge Ball Advance.

In SDBA, you control a team of youngsters vying for the Dodge Ball World Championship. It takes place on Earth in the not-so-distant future, where dodge ball has become the most popular sport in the world. A nifty idea, but the result is that there isn't any plot whatsoever, just ball-chuckin', nose-breakin', cryin'-kid fun, and although it probably doesn't have the same level of fun as a real game of dodge ball, it simulates it nicely.

During a match, the two 5-player teams square off on a two-side court (the 1st player is always on the left) and prepare to duke it out with a big leather ball. What makes it a little more interesting, though, is that there are three players of the opponent's team on your side (so really, it's 8-on-8), and can hit you and hurt you, but you cannot hurt them. This adds a little bit of strategy to the game, and is a very nice touch. While you can throw the ball with the B button and pass with the A button, both buttons must be pressed simultaneously to jump, which feels a little awkward.

Special moves are performed by ''dashing'', which is just simply running across the court by tapping the d-pad twice. After that, you can throw it for a ground super move, or jump and throw it (right at the peak of your jump - this requires excellent timing) and do an air attack; I find the air one to be easier, and more effective. Every character has his/her own unique super moves, and mastering them all is the key to success.

The R button causes an offensive player to jump into the opponent's side to set up an attack, and is only useful for trick plays. During a multiplayer match, it is incredibly hard to jump and keep your finger in a natural position on the R button, in order to not hint that you're going to perform the move. Against the computer, however, it is fine.

And that brings me to this point: the single-player replay value stinks! After your first two or three championships, you will find that the game just isn't any fun anymore. Even at the highest difficulty setting it is still way too easy, and the only challenge is beating the team you're trying to unlock by winning at number one; and even then, you're allowed to bump it down to the easiest level and beat them easily, regardless of how tough they are. Very, very poor replay value is this title's biggest downfall. However, nothing beats a good game of dodge ball against your friends. That is, if you both have a GBA and a copy of SDBA on hand.

You can customize your positions and the court surface - try 'em all...some are really whacky! - before a match, which adds another level of strategy. Having a good gameplan is essential, and you generally want to protect your key players, 'cause otherwise, you're doomed.

The graphics are good for a first-generation GBA title, but nowhere near as good as Castlevania or even Chu-Chu Rocket! Nothing stands out as excellent, and everything maintains a cartoony feel, despite the fast violent action.

The sound is rather cheesy also. Sound effects are basically the super moves, and the ball hitting a player. The music is good, but you can't hear much unless you have headphones on. Again, nothing is excellent.

Overall, Super Dodge Ball Advance is definitely not a must-have, but should be considered for a rental. Definitely not the best GBA launch title, as some thought it would be, and with many more quality GBA games out right now, it could easily be overlooked.

More Reviews by Zack M
	Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek (PC) As a mystery story, White Wolf is somewhat dry. Nancy has been hired to investigate a series of dangerous incidents, including a few explosions, at Icicle Creek...
	Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (PC) Re-watching Star Wars: Episode III lately, I marveled at the complex politics that the ill-fated prequel-ogy introduced to every nerd’s favorite very, ve...
	Battalion Wars (GameCube) To be honest, my Game Boy Advance SP, once a knight in shining (quite literally, at last!) plastic, has seen little to no activity in recent months. In a sense,...

Feedback

If you enjoyed this Super Dodge Ball Advance review, you're encouraged to leave feedback and talk about it with members of the site's community. You don't even need an HonestGamers account to get involved in the discussion. Please remember to keep your comments respectful and on-topic or they may be deleted by a moderator. Thank you for your understanding!

comments powered by Disqus

© 1998-2013 HonestGamers
None of the material contained within this site may be reproduced in any conceivable fashion without permission from the author(s) of said material. This site is not sponsored or endorsed by Nintendo, Sega, Sony, Microsoft, or any other such party. Super Dodge Ball Advance is a registered trademark of its copyright holder. This site makes no claim to Super Dodge Ball Advance, its characters, screenshots, artwork, music, or any intellectual property contained within. Opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily represent the opinion of site staff or sponsors.