This is one of those reviews that instantly reveals your age, because the name Speedball will mean one of two things: absolutely nothing, or a brutally violent, futuristic sport where scoring goals was just as important as knocking
teeth out as you squared up against your mate after school on his Mega Drive.
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That’s fair enough, as it’s been roughly 36 years since we last saw a proper entry in the series. Speedball was originally developed by The Bitmap Brothers, who delivered the 1988 original and its 1990 sequel. But it’s 2026, and the world has changed. Speedball’s once‑shocking blend of handball, ice hockey, and outright brawling may seem tame to modern audiences, but Rebellion, the studio behind Sniper Elite and Atomfall, aims to change that with a full reboot.
Bringing Back the Biff
Simply titled Speedball, this is the long‑anticipated revival of the cult future‑sport. And if any studio can take on the daunting task of remaking one of gaming’s most chaotic and visceral sports titles, it’s Rebellion.
Spoiler: the result is a high‑octane arcade brawler that draws from modern hits like Rocket League and Rematch, while still preserving the gritty, dystopian spectacle that honours the series’ roots.
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The game wastes no time, throwing you straight into its brutal arena sport set in the grim future of 2138. Mega‑corporations use bloodsport to distract the masses, pitting two teams against each other in enclosed arenas.
There are ten teams to choose from, all dripping with cyberpunk attitude. Each roster looks like they’d be doing hard time if they weren’t scoring goals. One standout inclusion brings the Law to the arena, making clever use of the 2000AD licence Rebellion holds. Here’s hoping we eventually get a squad of blue Genetic Infantrymen.
Bringing Back the Gameplay Loop
At its core, the gameplay loop remains faithful to the originals and is deceptively simple: score more points than your opponent using whatever legal (and very illegal) means necessary. Crushing tackles, explosive arena hazards, and lightning‑fast passes combine to create frantic, bruising matches.
Visually, Speedball opts for a clean, almost cartoon‑like style that keeps the action readable while giving each arena real personality. Player models, effects, and animations are sharp and responsive. The arenas themselves feature unique hazards such as flamethrowers, traps, and environmental dangers that can swing a match in seconds.
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The slow‑motion “Slam Cam” replays are a highlight, letting you savour the most brutal moments in all their visceral detail.
Body Check
Matches are explosive and unpredictable, with a relentless pace that keeps you on edge from whistle to whistle. The controls feel solid, and mastering the interplay between passing, shooting, and bone‑crunching body checks is deeply satisfying.
Local couch play is included too, meaning misty‑eyed old‑timers like me can once again challenge a mate, this time without the fear of being told our tea’s ready. Online modes are present as well, and while matches run smoothly, the offering is a little barebones. There’s no global league, seasonal rewards, or meaningful long‑term progression yet. Hopefully Rebellion can build this out to help nurture the online scene.
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The single‑player League Mode feels like a decent starting point but ultimately a little undercooked. Managing a squad across a season lacks the strategic depth seen in other sports titles. You’ll deal with rotations and drafting, but it starts to feel repetitive halfway through.
Refreshing Reboot
After more than three decades on the bench, Speedball returns as a bold and exhilarating reboot. It captures the frantic essence of its heritage while adding slick visuals and blistering gameplay, making it ideal for short, explosive sessions with friends.
For fans of arena sports, and those nostalgic for the originals, Speedball delivers plenty of thrills, even if it doesn’t quite rise to the top of the league just yet.
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