Technos released some amazing games during its run as a developer, including giving us the legendary Double Dragon series, and of course the Kunio-kun series. The Kunio series spun out many games in a variety of genres, including multiple sports titles and the most beloved of these was the Super Dodge Ball series. Super Dodge Ball appeared in arcades and on the NES / Famicom, before getting entries on other platforms like handhelds and the Super Famicom.
The Super Dodge Ball series was always well liked for its unique blend of sports and action, delivered in a way that was easy to learn but had enough depth that it took time to master. The games were also great for those who just wanted to have a pick up and play experience, showing there was something for everyone. Each entry brought new ideas and concepts to the series, but the most notable was Neo Geo Super Dodge Ball.
Neo Geo Super Dodge Ball is not exactly a sports game, but a full on fighting game that is played out as a dodge ball game. This was the last game from Technos and was a fantastic way to go out on. The mechanics have been vastly expanded, and fighting game inputs and meters are now included to do things not possible before. You will even start the game by selecting a character and then receiving two additional back up characters, rather than the traditional teams the series has used. This gives the game a more focused feeling and helps keep the fighting game mechanics front and center.
Each character, or team captain if you will, has a distinct personality and gameplay style to them, and as you progress in the game, you can even recruit opponents to replace your backup characters and make a sort of dream team for yourself. One of the best competitive experiences, Neo Geo Super Dodge Ball was a brilliant evolution for the series, and took things in a direction that was perfect for the era, but at the same time, came too late to be widely enjoyed by fans as Technos went under. I would even go so far as to say that Neo Geo Super Dodge Ball is one of the best games Technos ever made and one of the best Neo Geo games ever made.
The game was released for the Neo Geo AES but not the MVS, and the game remained locked to the AES for years, but fortunately, the game was included in the recent Super Technos World: River City & Technos Arcade Classics collection, and can be enjoyed by all again. This version of Super Dodge Ball shines in vs combat online in the collection and is some of the most fun you will have competing against others and with modern touches that enhance the experience without taking anything away. Even if you were not fond of Super Dodge Ball before, this is a game that will change your mind, as its amazing visual style, excellent music and fast paced gameplay make it a must play experience. Neo Geo Super Dodge Ball really was a an excellent way for Technos to bow out on a high note.
