Gamefings logoimg

Review of Knockout City on PS5

by Max Rathon Max Rathon photo May 2021
Cover image of Knockout City on PS5
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: PS5 PS5 logo
Released: 21 May 2021
Genre: Action, Sports
Developer: Velan Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts (2021-2022), Velan Studios (2022)

Introduction

Ever thought dodgeball would make a fabulous basis for a video game? Neither did we, but here we are! Knockout City fluffs your misconception by mixing the charm of the playground game with an online competitive twist that's more addictive than that one level in Candy Crush you just can't seem to clear. Imagine running around a vibrant, colorful arena with friends, trying to bombard your opponents with an assortment of balls ranging from a regular ol' dodgeball to a time bomb disguised as one (because what's better than an explosion?).

Gameplay

Knockout City lets you unleash your inner dodgeball enthusiast with colorful balls of all sorts, with game mechanics that can make or break your high school PE reputation. Team-based matches put you against rival squads in a brawl that can include various modes like Team KO, which is just like team deathmatch but with less blood and more rubber. Each match is a tantalizing blend of strategy, skill, and the occasional unexpected all-out pandemonium when someone decides to use their teammate as a projectile. That's right, you can literally throw your friends at enemies. Forget superheroes, this is the real buddy throw! The game features five maps embodying the pastel-colored vibrancy of a futuristic metropolis, ripe for ambushes and showdowns. Because what's a dodgeball game without environmental hazards that can knock you out faster than your middle school crush rejected you? Map strategies are paramount, as understanding the layouts can be the difference between glory and a quick ticket back to respawn-ville. Players earn Holobux (which are surprisingly not edible) to customize their characters further and show off their hard-earned style, making every victory a fashionable one.

Graphics

Visually, Knockout City is like a candy-coated dream sprinkled with the glitter of an arcade - vibrant and appealing without being sickeningly sweet. The art style is a delightful blend of cartoonish whimsy and modern graphics that bring the characters and arenas to life, turning dodgeball into a spectacle that's just as entertaining to watch as it is to play. On the PS5, the game runs smoothly, delivering silky frame rates that make sure not a moment of action skips past - because getting knocked out should be the only thing that happens in this game, not your frame rate.

Conclusion

All in all, Knockout City is an exhilarating experience that succeeds at transforming a simple game of dodgeball into an addictively fun online arena. Whether you're in for competitive matches with friends or gloriously chaotic brawls against random strangers, this game brings the joy of dodging, diving, and throwing your friends into the fray. Even though the game transitioned to free-to-play and sadly shut down its servers, it remains a bright spot in the multiplayer gaming world that reminds us all of simpler playground days. Just remember, as it turns out, dodgeball is way more intense when played with virtual abled bodies instead of your classmates! Stay sharp, stay positive, and throw those balls like your future depends on it (well, maybe just your winning streak does).

See Latest Prices for Knockout City on PS5 on Amazon

See Prices for Knockout City on PS5 on Ebay

Related
Latest
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...
image for news article 'Switch 2 Shatters Records While Sony Asks ‘Remember Us?’'
Gemma Looksby - 13 Jun 2025
The Nintendo Switch 2 is breaking records while Sony desperately waves a flag saying, 'Hey, remember us?' Let's dive into the batt...
image for news article 'Unleash Your Inner Jedi: The Challenge of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event'
Hemal Harris - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the challenges of Fortnite's Star Wars Galactic Battle Event! Discover the skills you need to overcome the chaos and eme...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for June 2025: The Games Are Coming, But So Are the Gigabytes'
Chucky - 13 Jun 2025
Dive into the quirky lineup of PlayStation Plus games for June 2025, featuring everything from chaotic shooters to creepy animatro...
image for news article 'GTA 6: A Magnificent Meltdown of Mayhem, Mischief, and Mild Mannered Mechanics!'
Gemma Looksby - 12 Jun 2025
GTA 6 is set to blow our minds with new gameplay features, including home design, 700 shops to loot, and an expansive map-prepare ...
image for news article 'Unleashing the Future: The Next PlayStation Handheld Will Demand Your Skills!'
Hemal Harris - 12 Jun 2025
Sony is rumored to release a new handheld console that combines impressive features with gameplay challenges aimed at hardcore gam...
image for news article 'The ROG Ally: Unpacking Characters and Story Arcs in Gaming Hardware'
Tanya Krane - 12 Jun 2025
Dive into the character analysis of the ROG Ally handheld console, exploring its compelling features, rivalries, and future potent...