Futuristic 'Speedball 2' makes comeback

The super-fast, futuristic football-like hit Speedball 2 was a huge hit on the Commodore Amiga in 1990 and now it is to return later this year on PC.

Originally developed by The Bitmap Brothers, known by many as the industry rock stars, the game featured heavily armoured gladiators, who entered an arena to fight fierce battles to the death using a steel ball.

Known for its TV-style presentation and shouts of 'ice cream, ice cream' from stadium vendors, this sequel, due for release Autumn 2007, will keep in line with the original while new developer Frogster Interactive is also adding online play, international leagues, a large-scale ranking system and a virtual marketplace.

A spokesman for Frogster Interactive said, "Speedball 2 pulls all the registers of modern multiplayer gaming action. Fully customisable characters from cyborg to amazon, dynamic sports battles, and continuous community support will convince sports simulation enthusiasts, action fans, and e-sports cracks likewise.

"Since December 2006, a newsletter on the game has been providing exclusive information to subscribers about news relating to game development progress. Registrees regularly receive news before they are officially released, unpublished material, and access to competitions."