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Review of Ballblazer Champions on PlayStation

by Chucky Chucky photo Apr 1997
Cover image of Ballblazer Champions on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 02 Apr 1997
Genre: Action/Sports
Developer: Factor 5
Publisher: LucasArts

Introduction

If you've ever dreamed of piloting an alien ship while playing soccer on a floating asteroid, then *Ballblazer Champions* might just be the gateway to your dreams. Strap on your crash helmet and hold on tight, because we're diving headfirst into this odd mix of action and sports that sounds like a Saturday night fever dream.

Gameplay

First off, let's set the scene: an intergalactic battle of lazily interpreted aliens who have decided that the solution to their millennia-long feud is... you guessed it, a ball game. Yep, that's right! Forget diplomacy, just grab your rotofoil and shoot some glowing plasmorbs into a goal. In *Ballblazer Champions*, you select from eight characters, each as ridiculous as the last, to pilot your shiny spaceship in a quest for galactic domination-or, at the very least, to show your friends who's boss. The controls are something you'd need a degree in astrophysics to master. You'll spend a lot of time trying to decide whether you're more interested in scoring goals or crashing into walls-both of which are equally plausible outcomes with the game's mechanics. Did I mention the arenas are ridiculously large? Perfect for hiding from your opponents but terrible for engaging in thrilling encounters. It's like playing tag in a shopping mall: tons of space, zero excitement. The game operates on a simple premise: score five goals before your opponent does. But don't think this is just about skill; it's also about using ridiculous weaponry to thwart your enemies. Blasting a rival into the next sector for daring to try and score makes you feel like the star of your own action movie-just without the special effects. Winning matches against other alien races will award you bragging rights, and in the world of *Ballblazer*, that's basically the equivalent of a Nobel Peace Prize. Or a really shiny participation trophy. Either way, not all heroes wear capes, and not all champions win in a noble fashion.

Graphics

Graphically, *Ballblazer Champions* is what happens when you take a late '90s PlayStation game and mix it with a splash of neon paint. Sure, the lighting effects might make you think you've stumbled into a rave party on Mars, but let's not kid ourselves: the overall visuals feel more like a tech demo from a distant galaxy than a polished title. The character designs? Oh boy, they look like something out of a bargain-bin sci-fi flick-classically campy, naturally, which some may find nostalgic while others may simply cringe. But hey, if you squint just a bit, you might be transported back to an age where these graphics were cutting-edge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, *Ballblazer Champions* is a bizarre concoction of alien sportsmanship meets chaotic chicanery that leaves players feeling either exhilarated or bewildered at what just transpired. It's got nostalgia, it's got action, and it might just provide a solid laugh or two, especially if you're playing with friends. But be warned: unless you and your buddies are into throwing plasmorbs and reckless speed management, this title may just end up collecting dust on your gaming shelf as you ponder why your life choices led you here in the first place. Ultimately, it's a 6 out of 10. Worth a try if you're feeling adventurous and have nothing else to do, but definitely don't quit your day job to pursue an intergalactic sporting career just yet!

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