Super Spike V'ball Review

While not well known, Super Spike V'Ball is one of the coolest sports games on the NES.

05/30/2001

Background/Story
Developed by Technos, the same developers of the Double Dragon series, Super Spike V'Ball is known for being one of the first games released on the NES to support four players. Super Spike V'Ball is a simple and fun beach volleyball game.

Game Statistics

  • Five game modes.
  • Two tournament modes.
  • Use the NES Satellite or the NES Four Score to play with four people.

Game Design
Super Spike V'Ball has a very simplistic game design. Its goal is to replicate beach volleyball. It goes so very well because of the super spike. The super spike is a move that can be preformed instead of a normal spike. Pressing the B button three or more time while in the air can preform a super spike. When an opponent gets hit with a super spike he will go flying! Very cool! Many options are available so that the player can adjust the game rules. The number of points required to finish a game can be changed (5, 10, 15 or 20 point games). The match can contain a certain number of sets (1, 3 or 5 set matches). The scoring system can be selected (rally-point or normal). The computer intelligence can be set to auto-set so that a computer partner will automatically set the ball to you. Also, the music may be turned on or off. There are three difficulty modes, practice, American circuit and World Cup. There are four possible playable teams. Each team has a different play style. There is not an abundant number of options in the game however, the game plays well and is entertaining.

Graphics
The visuals in this game are quite well done; the sprites are quite large for the NES. Each level is very similar. The overall beach volleyball court look remains the same throughout, while the backgrounds change based on the location you are playing. For example, the Daytona beach course contains an ocean in the background and the Las Vegas course contains casinos in the background. In some instances there is a small bit of framerate slowdown, however it does not affect the game play drastically.

Sound
The sound in this game is not stunning or amazing. The music is not over powering and but is not very enjoyable. The sound effects are very respectable considering the NES's hardware. There are many sounds to resemble hands hitting a volleyball and are done reasonably well. Whistle sounds are made by the referee. The sound effects are reasonably well done.

Control
The controls in this game are responsive, but the more complicated moves may take a while to master. The A button is the action button and the B button is the jump button. The D pad moves the character.

Satisfaction
Volleyball players will love this game. Gamers that are sports game fans will also like this game. Overall, Super Spike V'Ball is a very enjoyable game. Playing with four good players is the best experience of all.

Replay Value/Game Length
Super Spike V'Ball is not a long game. However, it is a very challenging game. Therefore it will take the average gamer along time to beat both the American circuit and the World Cup. The multiplayer mode is always fun.

Overall
Super Spike V'Ball is not designed to amaze people with dazzling technical experiences. It specializes in being fun to play. Super Spike V'Ball is one of the best sports games on the NES and the best Volleyball game ever.

Game Design 8.3
 Mechanics 8.0
 Innovation 10
 Originality 8.0
 Extras 6.0
 Depth 9.0
Graphics 8.3
 Character/Animation 8.0
 Environment 8.0
 Framerate 9.0
Sound 8.0
 Music 8.0
 Sound FX/Voice 8.0
Control 8.0
 During Play 8.0
 Menus 8.0
 Functionality 8.0
Satisfaction 9.0
 Challenge 10
 Fun-Factor 8.0
Multiplayer 9.0
Replay Value/Game Length 10
FINAL SCORE 8.4

Review by Player Guy Forever

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