Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure puts two players against each other in a game built around throwing balls at each other. Developed by Game Swing and published by Curve Digital, the game landed on PS4, PC, Mac and Xbox One in 2016. It is a game about style, and it knows it. The whole thing is dressed in bright colors and big jokes, and it wants you to enjoy the spectacle even as you get hit.
Trailer, via Curve Games.
Björn and Jerome Carry the Story
The story follows Björn and Jerome, the world-famous Stikbold athletes. They are the heroes of this tale, and the game leans on their rivalry to give the action some shape. Players can pick either of the two characters for single-player play, or join them together in co-op battles. That choice gives the solo mode a reason to exist beyond simple practice, since each athlete handles the ball in a slightly different way.
The story itself is thin. It exists mostly to give the battles a reason to happen. But the game does not pretend otherwise. It is a game about throwing balls, and the story knows it.
Free-for-All Battles With Up to Five Players
The main draw is the free-for-all mode, where up to five players battle it out in the same arena. The setup is simple: dodgeballs fly, players get hit, and the last one standing wins. There is no real strategy here beyond timing and luck, but that simplicity is also the appeal. Matches move fast, and the chaos is constant.
The bird’s-eye view gives everyone a clear picture of where the ball is coming from. It is a small touch, but it matters in a game where visibility can save your life. The controls are quick and responsive, and throwing a ball feels satisfying every time.
Revenge From the Outside
Getting beaten in the area earns you a chance for revenge. The game hands you disgruntled swans, hungry whales and one very lethal minivan to send back at your enemies. These revenge tools are a clever addition, giving losing players a way to fight back. It turns a loss into a moment of payback, and that loop keeps matches lively even when the outcome is already decided.
The swans, whales and minivan each have their own look and feel. The swans are fast and hard to avoid. The whales are slow but powerful. The minivan is a surprise package that changes the pace of a match entirely. Mixing them up keeps the fights unpredictable, which is exactly what the game needs.
Co-op Team Battles and the Buddy System
Co-op play pairs you with a dodgeball buddy for team battles. Working together with a partner adds a layer of coordination that the free-for-all mode lacks. Passing the ball, covering each other, and timing attacks together turns the game into a shared activity rather than a solo grind.
The buddy system is the game’s best idea. It gives the co-op mode a sense of partnership that the solo mode never quite captures. Playing with a friend is where the game shines brightest.
The Look and Sound of the 70’s
The game is heavily inspired by the 70’s, and that influence runs through every frame. The color palette is bright and bold, with exaggerated shapes and oversized characters that lean into the cartoonish energy of the decade. The music matches the tone, full of brass and energy, pushing the action forward with a constant beat.
It is a style that works well in short bursts. The game does not overstay its welcome, and the visual joke never wears thin. The 70’s aesthetic is a costume, and the game dresses up in it with confidence.
Modes and the Replay Value
Stikbold! offers a range of modes beyond the main battles. There is a story mode following Björn and Jerome, a co-op mode for team battles, and a free-for-all mode for matches with up to five players. Each mode serves a different purpose, and none of them feel like filler.
The replay value comes from the variety of modes, not from a deep progression system. The game is short, but it offers enough different ways to play that it stays fresh across multiple sessions. Whether you are playing alone, with a partner, or with a group, there is a mode waiting for you.
The Verdict on Stikbold!
Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure is a game about throwing balls, and it does not apologize for that. It is silly, it is loud, and it is occasionally frustrating when the ball hits you at the wrong moment. But the spirit behind it is honest: this is a game about having fun, and it mostly delivers on that promise.
The game is at its best in co-op play, where the buddy system gives the action a shared rhythm that the solo mode never quite captures. The free-for-all mode is a chaotic blast, and the revenge system adds a layer of payback that keeps matches lively even when the outcome is already decided. The 70’s aesthetic is a costume, and the game dresses up in it with confidence.
There are rough edges. The game is short, and the solo mode can feel repetitive after a while. The free-for-all mode is the highlight, but it is not enough to carry the entire package. The story is thin, and the mechanics are simple, but the game knows what it is doing.
Here is what stands out:
- The co-op buddy system gives the game a shared rhythm that the solo mode never quite captures
- The free-for-all mode is a chaotic blast, and the revenge system adds a layer of payback
- The 70’s aesthetic is a costume, and the game dresses up in it with confidence
Stikbold! A Dodgeball Adventure is a game about throwing balls, and it is a good one. It is not a deep game, and it does not try to be. It is a game about style, and it succeeds at that.
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