Double D Dodgeball. So what is the first thing that pops into your mind when you hear the phrase “Double D”? Yeah, I was thinking some intense defense too! Oh, thats not what you were thinking? Well, regardless, the game has nothing to do with intense defense or a large cup size. Its a new Live arcade download from Yuke's Media Creation. What's even more mysterious than its name is the fact that with its graphics style and gameplay that you would have thought this was a remake of an old Atari 2600 title. Wrong!!!!

Double D Dodgeball is a brand new game, designed to give a retro feel with both the visuals and the gameplay. Hmm, ok. About the only thing this game does well is its background and explosion effects. Everything else leaves something to be desired in the least. Heck, some of the retro remakes that have appeared on the Live Arcade play and look so much better than this brand new game. What were they thinking?

So lets get down to the basics. We all remember the game of dodgeball back in elementary school. Heck, you have probably seen the Stiller flick as well and know the general concept of dodgeball. For those living under a rock, you basically have 2 teams lined on either side of a playing court. There is a line down the middle that you cannot cross. The object of the game if to throw a ball to the other side and hit the opponents. If they do not catch the ball, they are out.

Well the same concepts are here in the game. There are 4 player types. You have the shooter, runner, catcher and then a normal player. Each one has its own specific characteristics.  And you'll even have Eastern and Western rules. I would assume this is referring to European and American variations of the game. Another reference from the Stiller movie. Each variation of the game deals with knockeed out players on the sideline in a different manner. Not to exciting. Anyhow, you'll move your guys around the playing field throwing the balls across the court at the opposing team, while trying to avoid or catch the opposing throws. The only controls you really use is the analog stick for moving and the right trigger for catching and throwing the balls. Yup, thats really about all there is to it.

Be thankful though, you at least get 4 arenas – Shock, Plasma, Ice,  and Space - to play the game within. And you'll also have 4 different ball types that can be used as well. Those are normal, fast, heavy and glass. Ok, ok. Please contain you excitement. There is more.

Double D Dodgeball even offers online multiplayer! Yup, you can go online and play some 2D dodgeball with your friends. Unfortunately, the net coding in this game seems unpolished and chances of getting a lag free game are minimal to none. We're talking unplayable at some points online and that is just unacceptable. Especially for a new game. Even the retro titles that have ben released play better online than this game.

Overall, Double D Dodgeball seems as just an attempt to roll in some quick cash from unsuspecting folks or consumers who purchase every arcade game that comes. At 800 MS points, this game is far from worth it. I would even have a hard time recommending the game at the standard 400 MS point that you usually see with retro titles. The game gets rather boring extremely quick and honestly you'll probably be done playing it after one session. If you are at least interested in the game a little be sure to play the trial version of the game first to possibly save yourself $10. But bottom line, avoid Double D Dodgeball at all costs.