Power Spikes II

Last updated
Power Spikes II
Power Spikes II arcade flyer.jpg
Developer(s) Video System
Publisher(s) Taito [a]
Producer(s) Koji Furukawa
Designer(s) Takumi Matsui
Composer(s) Soshi Hosoi
SeriesSuper Volleyball
Platform(s) Arcade, Neo Geo CD
Release
  • WW: 19 October 1994
Genre(s) Sports
Mode(s)
Arcade system Neo Geo MVS

Power Spikes II [b] is a volleyball arcade video game developed by Video System and originally published by Taito on October 19, 1994. A follow-up to Hyper V-Ball on Super Nintendo Entertainment System, it was first launched for Neo Geo MVS (arcade) and later ported to Neo Geo CD. [1] [2] It is the final installment in the Super Volleyball series. [3] It is also the only volleyball game released on the Neo Geo.

Contents

In the game, players have the choice to compete across any of the game modes available with either AI-controlled opponents or against other human players. Headed by Aero Fighters Assault producer Koji Furukawa, Power Spikes II was created by most of the same team that would later work on several projects at Video System such as later entries in the Aero Fighters franchise. Though it was initially launched for the Neo Geo MVS and Neo Geo CD, the title has since been re-released through download services for various consoles. It received mixed reception from critics and reviewers alike since its initial launch.

Gameplay

Gameplays screenshot. NEOGEO Power Spikes II.png
Gameplays screenshot.

Power Spikes II is a five-on-five volleyball game similar to previous volleyball titles from Video System, where players take control of any team in a series of matches on indoor courts. [3] [4] [5] Most of the rules from the sport are present in the title, though they can be modified in the options menu along with other settings that alters the matches. [3] [4] The player controls a team of five players, two at the net and three in back. [4] The player serves the ball into play by pressing the same action button twice. [4] During gameplay, players are able to apply skills such as serve, pass, set, attack and block the incoming ball for offensive and defensive purposes respectively in order to score points. [4] Some of the gameplay options found within the game include tournaments mode where either male or female teams must be faced in order to become the emerging champion. [3] [4] Returning from Hyper V-Ball is Hyper Mode as "Hyper League", which is a league for robots and takes place in futuristic courts. [3] [4]

Development and release

Power Spikes II was created by most of the same team that would later work on several projects at Video System such as later entries in the Aero Fighters franchise, with Koji Furukawa serving as producer. [6] Takumi Matsui served as chief designer, while the soundtrack was composed by Soshi Hosoi. [6] Several other people also collaborated in its development. [6] The game was first released by Taito for the Neo Geo MVS and was later ported to the Neo Geo CD by Video System. [1] [2] Prior to launch, the project went under the name Super Volley '94. [7] The title has received multiple re-releases in recent years on various digital distribution platforms such as the Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live by the eventual copyright holder for the game, Hamster Corporation. [8] [9] [10]

Reception

Power Spikes II received mixed reception from critics and reviewers alike since launch. The Nintendo Switch version holds a 50% on the video game review aggregator GameRankings . [11]

AllGame 's Kyle Knight felt mixed in regards to multiple aspects of Power Spikes II, commending the visual presentation of "Hyper League" mode but panned the visual department of regular mode for being poor and criticized the audio design. However, Knight noted that the gameplay in regular mode was more enjoyable than that of "Hyper League" mode but ultimately regarded the game as disappointing. [12] Hobby Consolas ' Sonia Herranz reviewed the Neo Geo CD version, commending the ability to play doubles and number of leagues but felit mixed in regards to the audiovisual presentation, criticizing the low amount of teams per leagues, slow pacing and limited movement, stating that the title "neither impresses with its appearance, nor captivates with its playability." [13] MAN!AC's Martin Gaksch regarded the addition of "Hyper League" as interesting but felt it was not as refined as Super Baseball 2020 . Gaksch criticized the viewing perspective for being suboptimal and restrictive, as well as the graphics for being unimaginative and sound, stating that "what began with great play eight years ago with great volleyball ends quite embarrassingly with Video System's second Power Spikes." [14]

Nintendo Life 's Dave Frear reviewed the Nintendo Switch re-release, stating that "Power Spikes II is a little too simple to offer long term appeal." Frear commended the visual presentation but regarded it as simple when compared to other released on Neo Geo and criticized its simplified take on volleyball. [15] Superjuegos' Javier Iturrioz also reviewed the Neo Geo CD version, criticizing graphics for the small size of sprites, lack of variety and forced screen scrolling. Iturrioz also felt that the game did not take advantage of the CD format in terms of audio design. He commended the inclusion of special moves when playing "Hyper League" mode but criticized the lack of additional actions during gameplay. [16] German magazine Video Games stated in their review that "With this volleyball simulation programmed by Videosystems, Taito is now producing its first Neo-Geo product. The Japanese, however, knew why they waited so long, because Powerspikes 2 is anything but substantial in terms of fun." [17]

Notes

  1. ↑ Co-published and co-distributed with SNK
  2. ↑ Japanese: パワースパイクスII, Hepburn: Pawā Supaikusu II

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neo Geo (system)</span> Cartridge-based arcade system board and home video game console

The Neo Geo, stylized as NEO•GEO and also written as NEOGEO, is a ROM cartridge-based video gaming system released on April 26, 1990, by Japanese game company SNK Corporation. Designed as both an arcade system board and home video game console, the Neo Geo was marketed as the first 24-bit system; its CPU is actually a 16/32-bit 68000 with an 8-bit Z80 coprocessor, while its GPU chipset has a 24-bit graphics data bus. It was a very powerful system when released, more powerful than any video game console at the time, and many arcade systems such as rival Capcom's CPS, which did not surpass it until the CP System II in 1993. Neo Geo hardware production lasted seven years; it was succeeded by Hyper Neo Geo 64.

<i>Blazing Star</i> 1998 shooter video game

Blazing Star is a shoot 'em up video game developed by Yumekobo and published by SNK in 1998 for the Neo Geo arcade and home systems. It is a follow-up to Pulstar (1995) and features side-scrolling action similar to its predecessor and different ships with varying characteristics. It was made less challenging than its predecessor, and the graphic quality was improved upon.

<i>World Heroes Perfect</i> 1995 video game

World Heroes Perfect is a 1995 fighting arcade game developed and published by ADK with the assistance of SNK. It was originally released for the Neo Geo MVS arcade cabinet on May 25, 1995. It is the fourth and final title of the World Heroes series.

<i>Aero Fighters 2</i> 1994 video game

Aero Fighters 2 is a vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game released in 1994 by Video System. It is developed by SNK and released in Japan, North America and Europe. It is the second part of the Aero Fighters series followed by the third part Aero Fighters 3 and a spin-off Aero Fighters Assault. It was initially released as a cabinet token base game.

<i>Aero Fighters 3</i> 1995 video game

Aero Fighters 3, known as Sonic Wings 3 in Japan and Europe, is a vertical-scrolling shoot 'em up arcade game released in 1995 by Video System. The Neo Geo AES version was not released in North America, but the Neo Geo MVS and Neo Geo CD versions were released in North America. The game was later released for Nintendo Switch in 2018 by the eventual copyright holder for the game, Hamster Corporation.

<i>Last Resort</i> (video game) 1992 video game

Last Resort is a horizontally scrolling shooter by SNK released as an arcade video game in 1992. It was also released for the Neo-Geo and Neo Geo CD systems, SNK Arcade Classics Vol. 1 for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii, as well as ACA Neo-Geo for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

<i>Burning Fight</i> 1991 video game

Burning Fight is a beat 'em up arcade game released by SNK in 1991 for the Neo Geo MVS system. Introduced to capture a share in the then-popular beat 'em ups market, it was meant to compete with Technōs' Double Dragon, the leader of the genre at the time. Three years after its release in the arcades and on the Neo Geo AES, it was released on Neo Geo CD as the only other home version.

<i>Blues Journey</i> 1990 video game

Blue's Journey is a side-scrolling platform game released by Alpha Denshi in 1990 on SNK's Neo Geo MVS arcade system and their AES home system. It was ported to the Neo Geo CD in 1994. It was rereleased on the Wii's Virtual Console in Europe on November 9, 2007, followed by North America on November 12, 2007.

<i>Ghost Pilots</i> 1991 video game

Ghost Pilots is a vertically scrolling shooter arcade video game released in 1991 by SNK. It has elements similar to Capcom's 194X series, but the player controls a seaplane.

<i>League Bowling</i> 1990 video game

League Bowling is an arcade game released in 1990 by SNK for the Neo Geo console and arcade systems. The players controls characters with red and blue hair and can select balls from 8 to 15 pounds. It is the only bowling game released on the Neo Geo.

<i>Zed Blade</i> 1994 video game

Zed Blade is a horizontally scrolling shooter arcade video game developed by NMK and originally published by SNK on September 13, 1994. It is the only game created by NMK for the Neo Geo arcade platform. In a science fiction setting, players choose one of three characters to attempt to overthrow an army of enemies led by the on-board supercomputer at the automated Yggdrasil space station and seize full control of it once again.

<i>Top Players Golf</i> 1990 video game

Top Player's Golf is a golf arcade video game developed and originally published by SNK on May 23, 1990. It was one of the launch titles for both the Neo Geo MVS (arcade) and Neo Geo AES (home) platforms in the United States, the second golf game created by SNK after 1988's Lee Trevino's Fighting Golf, as well as one of the two golf games released for the Neo Geo, with the other one being Nazca Corporation's 1996 Neo Turf Masters.

<i>Andro Dunos</i> 1992 video game

Andro Dunos is a scrolling shooter arcade video game developed by Visco Corporation and originally published by SNK on June 15, 1992. It is the first title to be created by Visco for both the Neo Geo MVS (arcade) and Neo Geo AES (home) platforms. Andro Dunos, along with 1996's Breakers are the only two Visco developed games to be officially licensed for distribution on the Neo Geo AES platform. All other Visco games were only released on the Neo Geo MVS arcade platform.

<i>Gururin</i> 1994 video game

Gururin is a puzzle arcade video game developed by Face, with the assistance of Minato Giken, and originally published by SNK on May 25, 1994. It was the first game to be created by Face for the Neo Geo platform and it was not released on the Neo Geo AES (home).

<i>Over Top</i> 1996 video game

Over Top is a racing arcade video game developed by ADK and originally published by SNK on April 26, 1996. It is the spiritual successor to Thrash Rally, which was released earlier in 1991 on Neo Geo platforms.

<i>Super Sidekicks</i> (video game) 1992 video game

Super Sidekicks is a 1992 soccer arcade video game developed and published by SNK. It is the first installment in the eponymous series and the second soccer game released for Neo Geo MVS, succeeding Soccer Brawl (1991). Featuring an arcade-style approach to soccer compared to other games released at the time, the title allows players to choose any of the available game modes with AI-controlled opponents or other human players with the team of their choosing. Its gameplay uses a simplified two-button configuration.

<i>Super Sidekicks 2: The World Championship</i> 1994 video game

Super Sidekicks 2: The World Championship is a 1994 soccer arcade video game developed and published by SNK. It is the second installment in the Super Sidekicks series and the third soccer game released for Neo Geo MVS, preceding the original Super Sidekicks (1992). Featuring an arcade-style approach to soccer as its predecessor, the game allows players to choose any of the available game modes with AI-controlled opponents or other human players with the team of their choosing. Its gameplay uses a simplified three-button configuration.

<i>Super Sidekicks 3: The Next Glory</i> 1995 video game

Super Sidekicks 3: The Next Glory is a 1995 soccer arcade video game developed and published by SNK. It is the third installment in the Super Sidekicks series, succeeding Super Sidekicks 2: The World Championship (1994). Featuring an arcade-style approach to soccer like its predecessors, the game allows players to choose any of the available game modes to compete with AI-controlled rivals or other human players with their preferred team. Though first launched for the MVS hardware, the title was ported for Neo Geo AES and Neo Geo CD, in addition of being re-released through compilations and download services for various consoles. It proved popular among players and garnered positive reception from critics, however most reviewers noted that it felt more an update than a true successor to Super Sidekicks 2. It was followed by The Ultimate 11: SNK Football Championship in 1996.

<i>Magical Drop III</i> 1997 video game

Magical Drop III is a 1997 puzzle video game developed and published by Data East for the Neo Geo arcade and home platforms. It was later ported to Sega Saturn, PlayStation, Neo Geo Pocket Color, Game Boy Color, Windows, and Zeebo. It is the third entry in the Magical Drop series. In the game, the player takes control of one of several characters, battling against computer-controlled opponents. Gameplay is similar to previous entries albeit with further additions; the objective is to clear the screen of constantly advancing colored 'drops' via a character placed at the bottom of the playfield, which can grab drops and make them disappear by putting drops as a column of three or more of the same color. The player can also participate in a board-style adventure mode, while two players can play against each other in a competitive versus mode.

References

  1. 1 2 "Dossier: Neo Geo Y SNK — Deportivos". GamesTech (in Spanish). No. 11. Ares Informática. July 2003. p. 61.
  2. 1 2 "Title Catalogue - NEOGEO MUSEUM". SNK Playmore. 2010. Archived from the original on 2018-08-28. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Power Spikes II (Game)". Giant Bomb . CBS Interactive. 2020. Retrieved 2020-05-02.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Power Spikes II user's manual (Neo Geo CD, JP)
  5. ↑ Zuru (15 November 1994). "紹介 - パワースパイクスII". Gamest (in Japanese). No. 130. Shinseisha. p. 195.
  6. 1 2 3 Video System (October 19, 1994). Power Spikes II (Neo Geo MVS). Taito. Level/area: Staff.
  7. ↑ スーパーボレー'94 arcade flyer (Taito, JP)
  8. ↑ Brian (December 14, 2017). "Next wave of NeoGeo games confirmed for Switch". nintendoeverything.com. Nintendo Everything. Archived from the original on February 21, 2019. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  9. ↑ Brian (January 2, 2018). "Four classic games from Hamster confirmed for Switch this month". nintendoeverything.com. Nintendo Everything. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  10. ↑ Moyse, Chris (January 19, 2018). "Terrible future volleyball returns as Power Spikes II gets re-released - Dead or Alive girls not included". Destructoid . Enthusiast Gaming. Archived from the original on April 21, 2018. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  11. 1 2 "ACA NeoGeo: Power Spikes II". GameRankings . CBS Interactive. 2019. Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  12. 1 2 Knight, Kyle (1998). "Power Spikes II (Neo Geo Advanced Entertainment System) - Review". AllGame . All Media Network. Archived from the original on 2014-11-15. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  13. 1 2 Herranz, Sonia (April 1995). "Hobby Sports - Neo Geo CD: Power Spikes II – Volleyball descafeinado". Hobby Consolas (in Spanish). No. 46. Hobby Press. p. 128.
  14. 1 2 Gaksch, Martin (February 1995). "Spiele-Tests - NG: Power Spikes 2". MAN!AC (in German). No. 16. Cybermedia. p. 59. Archived from the original on 2019-01-04. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  15. 1 2 Frear, Dave (January 24, 2018). "Power Spikes II Review (Switch eShop / Neo Geo) — Underpowered volleyball action". Nintendo Life . Nlife Media. Archived from the original on October 30, 2019. Retrieved 2020-05-01.
  16. 1 2 Iturrioz, Javier (June 1995). "Neo Geo CD - Review: Power Spikes II – Voleibol Mecanico". Superjuegos (in Spanish). No. 38. Grupo Zeta. pp. 105–107.
  17. 1 2 "Neo Geo-News: Powerspikes 2". Video Games (in German). No. 39. Future-Verlag. February 1995. p. 43.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.