Let’s be honest here, anytime Electronic Arts puts out something, it is safe to say that it will likely fall into a safe sequel territory or another sports game with a new yearly update. However, as It Takes Two demonstrated, EA is not afraid of experiments as well. Knowing that, the open beta for Knockout City was a pleasant surprise, to say the least.
Velan Studios’ offering of an online multiplayer game focusing on competitive dodgeball has plenty going for it. Despite the seemingly straightforward premise, the development team has managed to put some significant depth into it. To give you more of an understanding, here are 4 reasons why you should not dodge Knockout City this coming May 21.
Gameplay With Depth
In the high-stakes arenas of the dodgebrawl experience, you need everything to line up perfectly in order to score a victory. Thankfully, the controls and strategic play in Knockout City are exactly how you would want them. Be it a team fight or a solo battle, this game is more than just about making moves and knocking your opponents out.
Sure, there is auto-aiming involved, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. If you managed to catch a ball thrown at you, you can return it with higher speed. It can go back and forth until it becomes impossible to catch a return. Rallies like this have been a highlight in the open beta, and it should be the same in the full release. Ball feints can also throw off your opponents, opening up a window of attack.
If you rather not take the chance, you can also dodge away from the ball, or dodge towards it to reflect it off. However, you can also keep your opponents off the offensive by tackling them, making them drop the ball. Add in lobs and curved shots, together with different balls, and you get the idea.
Although Knockout City has simple controls, mastering them gives you more to enjoy about this game. There is certainly room for a very competitive scene.
Knockout City Values Cooperative Play
Playing in teams is not a new idea, but how Knockout City does it is the fun part here. As you go up against opposing teams, it is likely that you may find yourself out of balls to bring the hurt. At this point, you can either defend as a team and try to get some balls, or you become the weapon itself.
That is right, any team member can curl up and become a ball as well. By charging their throw with you in possession, your team is able to count on a big area-of-effect explosion when you land. Nothing like turning the tables on the enemy when they think you are out of options.
Passing and creating angles in the different arenas in Knockout City provides another outlet for creativity and fun. There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing everyone get to their positions and get the balls moving, locking in the opposition and toying with them before a barrage of hurt. Cooperative play should always be so satisfying.
Free-to-Play and Cross-Play at Launch
A co-op game like Knockout City lives and dies by its community, and Velan Studios definitely knows this. It makes perfect sense to have as many players as possible, which is why Knockout City provides a seamless cross-play experience on six different platforms.
You are looking at players on the PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, the game will be free-to-play, and that usually drives up the numbers. With a healthy community established, it allows for Knockout City to grow and add in even more features down the line.
Did I mention that the game will implement cross-progression as well? Now you can knock people out wherever you are, making progress with your favorite characters.
Variety in Knockout City
For a multiplayer game, different modes are to be expected. As such, Velan Studios has made sure to include various ways in which players can experience what Knockout City can offer.
If you are looking for a straight-up team deathmatch affair, then Team KO will be right up your alley. Be the first team to knock out the opposition, and you bring home the victory. There is also the Balls-Up Brawl mode, where the abovementioned player-as-the-ball mechanic comes into play. Explosive action awaits as you make full use of each other to win.
Then there is Diamond Dash, which reminds me of Kill Confirmed in the Call of Duty games. By knocking players out, they will drop diamonds. The only way to win is to collect enough of such diamonds while denying your enemy.
By playing and progressing in Knockout City, you will be levelling up and gaining access to new skins, clothes, gear, hairstyles, and more. With 17 different cosmetic slots, you will have plenty of ways to show off. Once you have a team going, you can even create a Crew for up to 32 players across all platforms. Not only do you get to rep each other, but you also get a custom vehicle to boot.
Knockout City will launch with five different maps, together with new seasons every nine weeks. Expect to play with new maps, modes, balls, and events as time goes by.
As a whole, Knockout City has much to offer to even the most casual of players. Gameplay is exceptional, despite what appears to be simplicity at its core. With the amount of content and the visual style of the game, it will definitely be something everyone should experience before making a judgment.
With only a month or so to go, we will see you out in Knockout City this coming May 21.
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