What Are You Doing Reading This? You Should be Playing Knockout City
By Daniel Sumpton | Misfit Media Columnist
In the announcement trailer of the EA Originals title Knockout City, The CEO of Velan Studios Karthik Bala, announced that their new game would be a team based multiplayer title that’s intuitive to pick up, but has a surprising amount of depth for highly skilled, competitive players. Bala also mentioned that the game would come off a little bit familiar, and he was absolutely right. Knockout City resembles games within its genre (whether it be through the stylistic visuals, or gameplay), like Splatoon, Fortnite, or Rocket League. But much like how legendary names such as Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon got their status, Knockout City takes the best aspects from the greatest titles in its genre and amalgamates them into the ultimate experience.
Electronic Arts has also seemingly abandoned its shady practices for this title as the game currently has a short free trial for anyone who may be sceptical about committing themselves to the dodgeball madness. The DLC is reasonably priced, the game modes are varied, playing with friends is intuitive (cross-play since launch), the game’s full price is only $30, and paying just $6.99 a month for EA Play, you can get the full experience.
“That’s great and all, but what is Knockout City?”
Knockout City is based on the popular sport Dodgeball, but adds cartoonish, fast-paced gamified fun. The objective of the game in current modes is to take out opponents with two other teammates and get the highest score possible. You can knock players out with a normal ball, or get ones with special abilities to unleash mayhem. In case you’re ever out of options or just want to quickly dominate opponents, you can turn yourself into a ball so one of your teammates can throw you across the map. You can join a crew with your friends to have customised banners (and other things). You can also customise your outfit, your poses, and most other aspects of your physical appearance.
The next big Esports title?
Knockout City has a strong emphasis on being fast paced. Each game is short, with the first to 10 to win a match, and best out of 3 to win a game with your teammates. Because the title forces you to think quickly with a short amount of time and has a large variety of moves to consider when having to attack your opponent, as well as defend yourself against them, it is perfect Esport material. Velan Studios has created a perfect competitive title and I wouldn’t be surprised if they hosted tournaments on their own platforms.
With only a few days left of the games free trial, make sure you try out Knockout City and stay tuned with Misfit Media to learn more about the new title.