Summary
Beastieballis the name of a new game that combines volleyball withPokemon-like creature collection mechanics. It launched as an early access title in mid-November 2024, following a successfulKickstartercampaign.
The crowdfunding initiative, which concluded in July 2023, sawBeastieballraise the equivalent of over $100,000 from nearly 2,200 backers. The game itself is the latest title from Canadian studio Wishes Unlimited, the developer behind thecritically acclaimed adventureChicory: A Colorful Taleand the equally praised platformerWandersong.
Beastieballwas released via Steamon Tuesday, November 12, priced at $24.99. It’s currently playable on both macOS and Windows. Despite its Early Access status, Wishes Unlimited saysBeastieballalready offers a plethora of content, with average playtimes ranging from 15 to 25 hours, and some players already spending over 100 hours on it. The main reason why the developer opted tomake use of early accessis to gather fan feedback while it continues adding to the game’s growing pool of content.
Beastieball Combines Tactical Sports RPG Elements With Creature Collection
As for what exactly is on offer here,Beastieballis as much asports RPGas it is a creature collection game in the vein ofPokemon. Its gameplay loop involves exploring a picturesque overworld, solving simple environmental puzzles, and collecting and training creatures called Beasties in order to assemble the ultimate volleyball team. Volleyball matches are turn-based and play out on a grid, thus serving as the game’s equivalent of combat. Since every Beastie has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique traits, team composition is paramount to success. This importance is amplified by the relationships Beasties form with one another over time, which unlock additional teamwork possibilities depending on whether they become Partners, Besties, Sweethearts, or Rivals.
Similar toPokemongames,Beastieballtasks players with traveling the world and defeating a string of bosses as part of a bid to win an elite competition. Players have complete freedom to tackle bosses in any order. Every time they defeat one, the remaining ones get stronger, which ensures a linear difficulty curve. Aside from battling,Beastieballalso offers opportunities to socialize with some other Beastie coaches after defeating them. Doing so offers more insights into the game’s story and lore. The current version of the game features over 100 Beasties, optional content in the form of side quests, and online PvP.
macOS
7+
10.7+
Not too shabby
Integrated graphics work OK
1GB
512MB
2GB
For sure
N/A
Additional Notes
The game will auto-adjust its quality settings on first startup. It is optimized to be able to run decently even on low-power devices.
Wishes Unlimited saysBeastieballis planned to remain in early access until at least the end of 2025. In the meantime, the developer will keep adding new content and using the ongoing influx of player feedback to continue refining the game. Anyone intrigued by theBeastieballgameplay formula can try it out first-hand by downloading its Steam demo, which has been available since the launch of the sports RPG’s Kickstarter campaign in June 2023.
Steam
Steam is a digital video game storefront and program developed by Valve that allows gamers to purchase, play, and mod their titles all through one convenient program.
