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What is that?
Knockout City is a competitive team dodgeball game launching May 21 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, PC (Steam / Origin). It is developed by Velen Studios, the team that developed Mario Kart Live: Home circuit. Tone, it taps into the same well of gaming craziness like Fortnite or the recent Destruction AllStars with an exaggerated and light tone.
Described by Velen as “Dodgebrawl,” the goal of eliminating players by throwing balls at them remains, but there is a lot more sizzle in the steak. On the one hand, players can increase their throws, which creates faster and more powerful shots. In addition to normal throws, you can also use fantasy throws to confuse your opponents. Naturally, players can catch incoming balls to knock over tables on forwards, which often leads to intense back and forth. Players can take two hits before descending, although you will respawn a few seconds later; it’s not “one shot, you’re out” like the ordinary old dodge ball.
The balls are available in six different types in addition to the standard version, although only three were available during my session. My favorite is the Cage Ball, which temporarily traps players in a spherical cage, allowing you to use them as a weapon or just lob them into the nearest pit. The gravity-defying Moon Ball allows holders to jump higher and send anyone at the reception dashing into the air. Bomb Balls triggers a hot potato-style countdown upon pickup, and its explosive range can damage enemies and allies.
When unarmed, players can grapple with opponents, causing them to drop balls. You can also do it just to dissuade / upset them. Players can even roll into balls. This has an element of risk / reward: Opponents are instantly knocked out when hit by human bullets, but you also risk enemies grabbing your teammates. Moving involves a basic platform, and players have a glider to traverse larger gaps or attack from above.
Knockout City is not a hero game. There are no specialized classes or individual loads. Each player controls the exact same thing. Knockout City promotes skill-based play and, most importantly, teamwork. For example, you’ll want to pass balls to teammates who may have a more advantageous position. Players can communicate using voice chat, and there are also in-game commands such as “Pass it to me!” That said, there is no real ping system like Apex Legends. If you prefer to play with friends you know, your friends can form persistent clan teams of up to 32 members to play together in private matches and take on rival teams.
Knockout City offers full cross play as well as cross progression. However, you will still need to purchase the game again if you want to on a different platform. This is an online-only multiplayer title, which means there is no offline or single-player component. The closest thing is your hideout, the central area where you can practice using moves and balls against a target dummy.
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