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When we consume a lot of pop culture, we start to recognize some narrative structures from afar, and when a new product uses these tools, whether in an attempt to innovate or just to pay homage, it always carries with it the responsibility of being as good as the original work. Dodgeball Academy, developed by the Spanish studio Pocket Trap, is a game that seeks both: to be a sports RPG with mechanics reminiscent of Gameboy's Pokémon and the Mario franchise's sports games, while, narratively, it pays homage to the best shonen anime of the years 90/2000.
History
In the game we are introduced to young Otto, a typical shonen protagonist: a talented, persevering and dreamy boy. He has just been accepted into one of the top dodgeball schools, Dodgeball Academia, and his main goal — obviously — is to become the best dodgeball player in the school and in the world.
Through the eyes of the protagonist, we are introduced to this universe that is very similar to that of My Hero Academia (which I didn't watch) and Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. That is, here, dodgeball matches are as important as deck duels in the universe of Yu-Gi-Oh. We know the Great War of Dodgeball and the legend of the hero who ended the conflict with a throw so powerful that the ball keeps spinning until the present day in a stone. The power of this throw even generates energy for the gym and empowers the students.
Just like every good shonen, Dodgeball Academy he knows how absurd and impractical his premise is and he doesn't miss an opportunity to extrapolate all that even further. After all, we cannot expect limits in a world where EVERYTHING is resolved on the basis of burning.
Espanha sil sil
If the game is structurally based on anime and turn-based RPGs, especially the classic Gameboy Pokémon, Dodgeball Academy he was in danger of losing his own personality. But it is in the choice of dodgeball and the insertion of typically Spanish characteristics that the Pocket Trap team shines.
The translation of the game — yes, it was conceived in English — is a part of the experience and is well worth taking advantage of. By taking advantage of the young and school environment, the dialogues can be quite effective and not forced, even in moments of “joy”. That is, slang and internet memes such as “tiozão” and “contatinho” are present in the game's dialog boxes.
And the game's Spanish character is also included in its game design, with emphasis on the menu, which is made up of items that restore life, energy and evolve character attributes. Many of them are typically Spanish delicacies, like “coxinha”, “pao de queijo” and “brigadeiro”.
Gameplay
Dodgeball Academy makes good use of the lack of official rules for dodgeball and creates, to your liking, how the rules of the sport work in this universe; however, because it is an RPG too, there is an HP system that is reset when the character is attacked by the balls and the powers of these throws - which invoke from fireballs to lightning.
In its “battles”, the RPG system also adapts to the dodgeball universe. That is, you must also dodge and catch the pitches. This is an element that doesn't exist in traditional RPGs, which can make gameplay more enjoyable for players who don't like the turn system, for example.
For this, a very responsive control is essential and the Pocket Trap team manages to make this gameplay nice and agile. The matches, unlike other sports games, are short and manage to align between the elements of skill in control with strategies, coming from RPGs.
Another factor to consider is the difference between characters in gameplay. In the game there is not such a wide variety of playable characters, however, the ones we can control are quite different from each other. As the game progresses, we get to know each other's style better, their qualities, moves and weaknesses. Each one we control (and almost everyone we face) has unique mechanics, which makes everything more fun and varied.
In such a unique, fun and casual style of play, it lacked a co-op mode to make this experience even better.
Art direction
Very competent in virtually every aspect, Dodgeball Academy also stands out in its art direction. The characters are all cartoon-style in a 2D SD (Super Deformed or big-headed characters) with lots of animations. The scenarios, as far as he's concerned, are 3D models, with a slightly more realistic tone for the world outside of matches — a great contrast between reality and fantasy. On the court, cartoon animation predominates with incredible powers and vibrant colors.
Audio
The soundtrack also draws attention and has some very fun songs, always helping to elevate every moment of the game. But, as mentioned, the game is competent in all aspects, which leaves the soundtrack below the whole. However, the sound mixing, especially during matches, gives the feeling of always being inside a court, even outside it, like when we are in the schoolyard or in a classroom, and so on. This creates a good immersion.
After all, is it worth playing Dodgeball Academia?
It is bold to say so soon, but Dodgeball Academy seems to be a game that will be remembered as one of the best games in the — rich — Spanish indie scene. Whether playing and having fun or giving your all in games that have the fate of the world in their hands, Otto and his friends are sure to impact you and make you ask for a sequel as soon as possible.
With a lot of personality and charisma, the game delivers a sporting journey filled with fun characters and nonsense humor, all with a national flavor, which gives a legitimate “Spanish taste” to the experience. If you can, play!
So, did you enjoy the game? Interested in more Spanish titles? Check out our list of the 10 best Spanish indie games.
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