Can someone tell me when Volleyball games became huge? Apparently showing gigantic breasts covered with a thread of clothing that happens to have a sort of game got big when Tecmo delivered Dead Or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball – however the only thing extreme about it was the pg-13 porn.
A little over a year ago, Sega had released Beach Spikers for the Gamecube and it was a pretty fun game. Earlier this year, Acclaim released their beach volleyball game and now Simon & Schuster Interactive has released Outlaw Volleyball which follows along their "Outlaw" theme with their golf game from before. Luckily, those of you wanting a great volleyball game can have a whole lot of fun with Outlaw Volleyball.
There are plenty of game modes in OV, including exhibition, random play (neat idea), and a 'tour' where there are a total of 50 events over 10 different courts. Other modes include "drills" which is a quasi practice mode, a tutorial mode (non-interactive) and the all important Xbox Live mode.
The graphics are of course attractive and the usual inherent qualities of all the volleyball games (read: half-naked women) are here. In addition, there is also eye candy for the women….well I should say that there are guys in the game, whether or not they actually qualify as eye candy is up for debate to the ladies.
Anyway, gameplay is varied and very good. Instead of the one button presses of other games, OV uses three different buttons – a weak return, an aggressive return and a bump/set button. There is also a 'super serve/spike' button which, if you have enough strength, can deliver a whopper of a shot.
There are plenty of options to customize the game as well. Aside from the traditional lame-O DOAXVB 'rally' style of scoring, you can also select traditional "side-out" scoring. Other modes include the "hot potato" where the ball will explode and the "casino" mode where each volley adds to the cash you can make. You can also play a 'timed' game where if you haven't won when time expires, whoever is leading wins.
Serving and hitting the ball gives you an additional power meter and of course the higher the meter, the better the force behind hitting the ball.
One of the other neat things in the game is the use of momentum, which was similar to Outlaw Golf. In this game, momentum is the factor used in figuring out how fast your turbo meter regenerates. You gain or lose momentum by your performance on the court, as well as your fighting prowess.
Yes, I said fighting prowess. Each game you play gives you a fight token and when your opponent has a high momentum meter and you don't, the best way to get momentum back is by laying the smackdown on them. You challenge either player and can punch, kick and use special moves. It's no street fighter, but it's a lot of fun.
The cast of characters are pretty darn funny – each has unique characteristics and unlike other volleyball games, each character is certain qualities and you'll find it a challenge to win with each one. No stupid gifts are required to bribe your partner either, which is always nice.
The commentary in game is hysterical as is traditional of the Outlaw series.The Daily Show's Steve Carell does the commentary making the game a laugh out loud joy.
You can tell Hypnotix was going for humor when you check out the fact sheet for this game:
• Supports Xbox Live!™-Multiplayer action up to 4 players online or on the same couch
• 16 half-naked characters with differing talents and playing styles
• 12 offbeat courts including jailhouse, jungle, sewer, and of course, a beach
• Over 50 skimpy outfits per character, including string bikinis
• Powerful volleyball engine! Set, jump, spike with the best of them
• Gain MOMENTUM for Turbo Moves by literally beating up your opponents
• Build your character's skills with unique mini-games and drills
• Swap for better players, but WATCH OUT-jilted players can get revenge
• Jam to the rockin' soundtrack or rip your own
Pretty darn cool, eh?
Finally I have to mention Xbox Live support. This game is a lot of fun online and well worth your time. Lag of course is non-existent in my experience and with up to 4 players (2 per Xbox Live), you can really have some fun.
Overall, I give Outlaw Volleyball a great recommendation. Maybe you could have had some more minigames or what not, but I was getting that "just one more game" feeling on the tour to see what challenges are next and that's always a good thing.
-Dan
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