As a gamer who’s been around the block a few times, I can’t help but feel a tad skeptical when it comes to anime and volleyball together in a game. I remember Play Asia’s little dance with the GamerGate crew over Dead or Alive Xtreme 3, so when I heard about Fairy Tail: Beach Volleyball Havoc, my heart sank faster than a beach ball in quicksand. But then, I saw some gameplay footage and it was like a breath of fresh air – not the usual fanservice, but good old-fashioned dodgeball action!
Apologies, but when I come across an announcement about anime and volleyball in the same video game, it sets off warning signals for me. It’s not my fault; I’ve been around long enough to recall Play Asia associating with the GamerGate movement to boost sales of Dead or Alive Xtreme 3. While I appreciated Fairy Tail: Dungeons, I wasn’t keen when I learned that Kodansha’s next independent game based on Hiro Mashima’s manga series was about beach volleyball. Given Fairy Tail’s reputation for flirting with inappropriate content, I was content to wait for the next offering. However, upon viewing some gameplay footage, I was taken aback to discover a game reminiscent of the Kunio-kun Super Dodgeball series. Those games are fantastic, so I promptly changed my mind and became interested again.
Volleyball violence
“Fairy Tail Beach Volleyball Chaos
Of course, Fairy Tail is a series about magic-using wizards, which is where the hook is tossed out to snag anime and manga fans. There are no rules against using powers here, so all your favorite Fairy Tail characters (and then some) have no hesitations about using their unique abilities to turn the tides in their favor. And in addition to each character’s powers you can choose supplemental abilities after each point is scored, adding an element to the game you’d normally see in the average roguelike. It’s an interesting twist, and adds to what should be Volleyball Havoc’s secret spice.
Magical madness
As a match unfolds, the events displayed become increasingly bizarre and unpredictable. The ball may transform, soar across the entire screen’s expanse, and at times vanish from sight. Characters wielding various powers can introduce all sorts of peculiar elements into the gameplay, such as flying swords, ice, strange faces, and obstacles that often obscure the actual sport being played. Depending on the characters involved and the powers deployed during the match, the experience can become quite surreal, making it an exhilarating spectacle, especially for a game reminiscent of Super Dodgeball.
Regrettably, the gameplay experience lacks excitement when it comes to controlling the ball effectively. The characters move sluggishly, and their abilities only activate after charging up. The ball also tends to move slowly, and the game offers numerous assistance features like helping you reach the ball from a distance. Even with the powers in play, the ball’s location is always clearly indicated on the field, making it simple to catch it using the ‘pass’ button. It’s challenging to feel that your actions significantly affect the ball’s trajectory, direction, and final destination. The two-button controls and generous error margin appear to have been implemented for ease of use, but they seem to dilute the overall action.
All powers, no sauce
In each round, I switched characters and tried out various abilities, yet the core gameplay remained unchanged, leaving me feeling like I was merely pressing buttons without any real control over the ball’s trajectory or strategy to outmaneuver my opponent. The experience lacked tension, skill, and the engaging dynamics that define a fun Super Dodgeball-style game. Instead, it felt more like a dull, automated version of the game, which is disappointing given its visually striking appearance. Regrettably, despite the game’s potential, the end product fell far short due to the AI taking over most of the play.
Although volleyball and dodgeball may seem entirely distinct, the influence is quite apparent. If you’re seeking a sporting game with an absurd twist, some competitive edge, and a dash of madness, Mario Tennis or the Kunip-kun Dodgeball series would be a more satisfying choice in every aspect. For fans of Fairy Tail craving a fun game featuring these characters, Fairy Tail: Dungeons or the RPG developed by GUST (with a new installment on the horizon) are better at capturing their unique ideas. Regrettably, Fairy Tail: Beach Volleyball Havoc falls short in both volleyball and chaos, offering only occasional visual humor and whimsy.
On September 16, 2024, you’ll be able to play Fairy Tail: Beach Volleyball Havoc on your computer! The publisher has given us a code for reviewing it.
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2024-09-13 17:27