Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe

Speedball is a video game series based on a violent futuristic cyberpunk sport that combines elements of handball and ice hockey.

Released in 1991, Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is the sequel to Speedball, a seminal title in the realm of futuristic sports video games. Developed by The Bitmap Brothers, the game was designed by Eric Matthews, programmed by Robert Trevellyan, and featured graphics by Dan Malone. The soundtrack was composed by Nation 12, contributing to the game's distinctive atmosphere.

The gameplay of Speedball 2 is set in a dystopian future where players control a team in a violent sport that combines elements of handball and ice hockey. Each match is a fast-paced, 180-second battle where teams score points by throwing a metal ball into the opponent's goal, hitting various targets in the arena, or incapacitating opposing players. The game introduced innovative features such as score multipliers and power-ups that appear randomly, adding strategic depth and unpredictability to each match. Players could also manage their team's development between matches, upgrading player attributes and making strategic decisions that affected future performances.

Speedball 2 was initially released for the Amiga and Atari ST, with subsequent ports to systems including the Sega Mega Drive, Master System, Commodore 64, MS-DOS, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance. Each version had its nuances; for instance, the Amiga version was lauded for its superior graphics and sound quality, while the Atari ST version, though similar, had less detailed visuals. The Sega Mega Drive port maintained the core gameplay but experienced slight differences in speed and control responsiveness.

User reviews highlight the game's enduring appeal. This is one of the best examples of a sequel that is actually better than the first game. Many users consider Speedball 2 the best Bitmap Brothers game, together with The Chaos Engine and the best sports game on the Amiga, only second to Sensible Soccer.

Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe is a testament to innovative game design, seamlessly blending fast-paced action with strategic management elements. Its influence is evident in many modern sports and action games, cementing its legacy as a classic in video game history.