Outlaw Volleyball is one of the best reasons to own an Xbox. It is also the best videogame representation of volleyball available today.
Graphically, the game is nice. The characters are well rendered. Then animation is smooth. The camera does an above average job of allowing you to see the action at all times. Also, the characters are an eyeful. They run the gamut from strippers and rednecks to convicts, to former 80s rock and sports stars; all with an interesting wardrobe. The cheesecake factor runs high on this one folks. Venues are also a plus, including a sewer, prison, south of the border, the artic, and Hell.
Sound is pretty good. The developers were able to hire some up-and -coming bands to provide the music and it matches the game perfectly. The commentator can get irritating after awhile, as a lot of his comments get repetitive. That being said, every once in a while he will spout a new one that leaves you rolling on the floor. The characters get off some great lines too. You might want to wait until the kids go to bed, as the language and cut scenes can get "suggestive".
Gameplay: This game just oozes gameplay out of every orifice. The controls take a few minutes to learn, and then become very intuitive. The default settings are set to have the computer assist the player in the early going. After a few matches you will want to turn off the CPU assist, and take total control of your team.
The game is beach volleyball 2 on 2. That may sound basic and bland, but the game has a variety of ways to play 2 on 2 volleyball. Besides your standard scoring rules, other modes include Hot Potato, Casino (NOT DOA CASINO), minefield etc. This game keeps it fresh and fun. The modes include multiplayer, online, quick match, drills and tour.
The main mode is Tour. This is the mode in which you will work your way thru 50 matches of volleyball. As you work your way through the tour, you will unlock new venues, characters and costumes. 50 Matches of Volleyball may sound boring; it isn't. The game does a great job of mixing up the rules to keep each game fresh. For instance one match may be the first to 7 points wins. The next event may be 3 games of hot potato, or beat the clock. The point is, with each of the various rule sets, your strategy and approach to the game will need to change. As with the Previous Outlaw game, (Outlaw Golf), the beatings have returned. This time, pick one of the opposing team members and call them out. If you beat them in the fight you drain their momentum meter and fill yours. Be warned the fighting engine bought back memories of the Blades of Steel (NES) fighting engine rather than Street Fighter.
The other significant mode is Drills. Unlike most drills, these are pretty fun. The drills are a chance to hone your video volleyball skills. There are a number of events that will help the player develop their aiming blocking and spiking skills etc. My favorite was the Spectator Invaders; spike the ball at an advancing line of spectators. By completing the drills, you gain ability points to distribute to the character.
Online and multiplayer are also a blast! The games works smoothly over Xbox live. The only draw back is that it can only support 4 people on 2 Xboxes. As a 4 player party game, this game rocks! Its gonna get out of hand if you pop this baby in and start playing with 3 of your buddies. One of the best 4 player games available.
The came is also very customizable. All the settings from, the announcer to cut scenes to rules to the soundtrack can be turned on, off, or altered in some way.
This game is still one my favorite Xbox games…I still refer to is as "Halo-killer". I like a little cheesecake and raunch in my games. I also enjoy a game that doesn't take itself too seriously. If you are the type of person who can appreciate and recognize the comic genius of such movies as Caddyshack, Porky's or Old School, you owe it to yourself to give this game a shot
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