Speedball

Speedball - the 1988 futuristic sports action game for Commodore 64 from
Image Works.

Brutal metallic handball played in enclosed arenas where scoring and violence
share equal importance.

Core loop
- pass, tackle, and shoot to score against the opposing team
- collect power-ups and coins during play
- win league matches to rise through divisions

Systems and items
- power-ups - boost speed, strength, or scoring
- coin pickups - used for post-match upgrades
- multipliers - activate by hitting bonus walls
- stamina system - heavy tackles wear players down

Level design and feel
Fast, top-down single-screen court with constant motion. Matches are short,
intense, and reward aggressive tactics over finesse.

Why it is notable
- precursor to the more famous “Speedball 2: Brutal Deluxe”
- developed by The Bitmap Brothers, showcasing their metallic art style
- early example of sports combat hybrid on C64

Tips
- focus on central goal lanes for easier rebounds
- use tackles to knock loose the ball before passing
- collect multipliers early to maximize score potential

At a glance
Year - 1988
Developer - The Bitmap Brothers
Design and programming - Mike Montgomery and Eric Matthews
Graphics - Mark Coleman
Music - David Whittaker
Publisher - Image Works
Genre - Futuristic sports
Players - 1 or 2 simultaneous
Controls - Joystick in port 2