Beach Volleyball - PlayStation

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Beach Volleyball (PlayStation)
Also for: PC
Viewed: 3D Third-person, floating camera Genre:
Sport: Volleyball
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Carapace Soft. Co.: Infogrames
Publishers: Infogrames (GB)
Released: Nov 2000 (GB)
Ratings: 3+
Accessories: Analogue JoyPad, Memory Card, Multi Tap
Features: Vibration Compatible

Summary

Sports. There are dozens of them, and most, if not all, have made an appearance of some sort on a console. While eager gamers still await the definitive white water rafting or cheese rolling sim, and the chances of seeing a Highland Games title are as slim as ever, Infogrames are here to provide us with the answer to the question 'whatever next?'

Beach Volleyball is the latest entrant in what could be termed the minority sports genre: one of those pastimes that is infinitely more fun to play for real, but is seemingly always passed over for a game of football, due to the lack of really tall friends. Lofty colleagues are not a requirement in Infogrames' game, but a basic understanding of the rules is essential, otherwise confusion is certain. The playing area is comparable to a badminton court, the ball is a little lighter than a size four football and the same size.

Volleyball, whether on the beach or in the gym, is all about the set-up. Your players must hit the ball over the raised net within three touches and hope that the final shot is beyond the reach of the opposing team. If it is, then you win the point. It really is that simple. Well, that's how it sounds, but there would be zero point in releasing the game if it was so easy. Beach Volleyball will not let you rest on your laurels. The players' movements are ultra-sensitive when using the analogue controls and take a little getting used to at first. Otherwise, the control system is pretty straightforward and the shot placement icon is a great idea. It gives more accurate control and allows fast combinations between your players.

Beach Volleyball really starts to kick sand in the faces of other sports titles when played with friends in cooperative or versus mode, and for the vertically challenged amongst us, there's a player editor mode where you can add a few inches to your height. The championship mode will allow you to develop the abilities of your edited players, tournament after tournament, and hopefully make the perfect beach volleyball player.