Posted June 21, 2023 by raphnet
We spent the last few months working on version 2 and it is finally ready!
Version 1 for sure was already fun, the reception has been very positive and the game even won the 2023 smspower.org coding competition! Yet, there were ideas we could not implement before the deadline, and of course many features and improvements became obvious only later, thanks to invaluable player feedback! So we told ourselves, let's do it!
What's new in a few words
Version 2 has improved physics for better control of the ball, new courts, more music, players have different stats (jump and speed) and updated dialogs and AI for more distinct personalities.
Two player mode now tracks the win count for each side, and a new 1-player vs. mode was added (single matches against the adversary of your choice - great for practice!)
Comparative table:
Version 1 | Version 2 | |
Supported Systems | Sega Master System ROM (.SMS) file Windows and Linux native ports | Sega Master System ROM (.SMS) file Windows and Linux native ports |
Price | Free | Paid |
Playable characters | 6 | 8 Fast Nic (new character) |
Player stats | No. All the same speed and jump. | Yes! |
Courts / Environments | 1 (All matches in same environment) | Now 7 environments! |
Helper items | 6 | 3 new items for a total of 9 |
Music during matches | Yes, one track only. | Yes, 4 tracks! |
Bonus matches | No | Yes! |
Achievements | No | 14 achievements to unlock! |
Win / Lost counters in 2 player mode | No | Yes |
Single match against AI (1 player vs mode) | No | Yes |
Players stats (New in V2)
Players now have stats. Jump height influences how fast the ball goes when hitting it, but keep in mind that controlling a fast ball is harder... And while it is easier to accurately position a slow player, you better be good at reading where the ball will fall to move in advance!
Achievements (New in V2):
There is now an achievement system, with 14 achievements to unlock!
And of course the high scores table is still there, for friendly high score competition with friends, family members, and yourself!