More than three decades after it first slammed its way onto Amiga and PC screens, Speedball has returned. Today, Rebellion has officially launched its modern revival of the cult 1988 franchise created by The Bitmap Brothers, bringing one of the most brutal and stylised sports games of the late eighties and early nineties back into the spotlight with its iconic Bitmap Brothers-graphics.
An Amiga legend
For many players who grew up with an Amiga or DOS PC, Speedball was not just another sports game. It was cold metal, pounding soundtracks, and a vision of future sport that felt aggressive, industrial, and unapologetically hostile. That sharp-edged identity made it a defining title of its era, standing apart from anything else on home computers at the time.
The new Speedball is available now on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 for $29.99, while PC players can finally access the full release on Steam following an Early Access period that began in October 2024. A launch trailer showcasing the updated take on the franchise’s signature violence and speed is now live on YouTube.
Set in the dystopian year 2138, Speedball once again presents a future sport designed to distract the masses. Two teams collide in enclosed arenas where speed, coordination, and calculated brutality are the only paths to victory. Matches are deliberately fast and unforgiving, demanding precise passing, sharp positioning, and ruthless finishing under constant pressure.
New style, old manners
Rebellion’s revival stays close to the core of the original concept while expanding it with modern structure and presentation. A League Mode pits ten teams against each other over a full season, while a range of arena types introduces environmental hazards and tactical opportunities. Slow-motion Slam Cam replays highlight the most punishing tackles, leaning into the spectacle that always defined the series.
Alongside the arcade action, team management plays a meaningful role. Players assemble squads based on individual traits and talents, shaping a roster that fits their preferred style of play, much like the original. Solo players can play against AI opponents before taking the fight online or facing a friend locally.
To mark the launch, Rebellion has also released a line of Speedball-inspired merchandise via its online store.
