Stikbold!: A Dodgeball Adventure

Stikbold!: A Dodgeball Adventure is a game developed in association with the World Dodgeball Association. It uses some elements from dodgeball called stikbold in this game, but none of the rules as it is largely a hectic arcade action title. The main story mode follows the adventures of Björn and Jerome, two famous dodgeball players. It consists of twelve challenges with animated cut-scenes in between. Last year they were second in the cup because Björn was distracted by Heidi Starbrow, a female stikbold player. The coach wants them to focus this year, but on the day of the finals the devil appears and kidnaps the girls. Björn and Jerome chase after him and have to defeat different types of characters in stikbold games.

The game is always played cooperatively, with the second character controlled either by a human player or by the computer. In arenas such the beach, an oil rig, a roundabout ... the characters can be moved around freely. Just like in dodgeball enemies and opponents need to be defeated by hitting them with balls and other objects such as rocks. When they are hit stars appear, representing damage, and those disappear again over time. To permanently defeat players they often need to be hit multiple times in succession. The same principle applies to Björn and Jerome. When someone is down the other character can revive him by standing close for a while, but when both are down the match is lost. Next to the general objective to complete a level, each environment has three additional challenges that can be completed to unlock additional characters for multiplayer games.

Throwing can be done in any direction and a shot can be charged to make it a powerball. An additional key or button can be used to add a curve to the shot after it is launched. This curved shot can be used to get around obstacles and it increases the chance for a critical stinger shot. The ball can also be passed at any moment to the team mate. When not holding a ball an opponent can be shoved when nearby to recover the ball. Another button is used to dodge shots and receive a speed boost. When it is done in the direction of an incoming shot with perfect timing, the ball can be caught with a chance for quick return fire.

In regular multiplayer games matches are supported for many players on the same screen. This can be done in free-for-all or team games complemented with AI-controlled players. The game has a bright visual style, a humorous tone and a 70s theme and soundtrack. In the main story mode there are two difficulty levels with a third one unlocked after completing the game. Arenas are often very hectic with many obstacles and additional elements to take into account. Downed human players have the opportunity to attack from the sideline to influence the circumstances for the remaining players.