Knockout City Already Has 2 Million Players - But Does It Live Up To The Hype?

Velan Studios' brand-new multiplayer title Knockout City has surpassed all expectations within just three days of release - by smashing the 2 million player mark across all platforms. The online dodgeball extravaganza pits two teams of Brawlers against each other for an epic street battle where almost anything can happen. 

So what is it about Knockout City that is capturing the attention of two million people? Is it the interactive rooftop maps with bouncy pads and even trains? The satisfying "donk" sound the red rubber balls make when they hit? Or perhaps it's the fact that you can become the ball, and turn into a devastating bomb when thrown by a teammate?

Whatever amalgamation of these factors it may be, one thing is for certain - Knockout City is undeniably fun.

Let's examine what lead to Knockout City's knockout success - aside from the free trial period (that always helps) and decipher the likelihood of it continuing (past the free trial period...).

• Related - Is Knockout City Free?

What Is Knockout City?

Knockout City is a multiplayer online-only dodgeball game, available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S (phew).

The aim of the game is simple - KO your opponents with dodgeballs, special balls, and each other.

While many gamers who aren't interested in "sports" titles may instinctively steer clear of Knockout City, the fundamentals and techniques are more akin to a third-person shooter or platformer.

In teams of three or four (depending on which playlist you enter), KO your opponents until a score has been reached (usually ten in standard Team Party KO). You can KO in many unique ways - either using a normal ball, or any number of special balls available (including Bomb Ball, Sniper Ball, Multi Ball, and more). Or, you can go for the big one and throw your own teammate - charging them up to a cannonball-esque state, providing a one-hit KO on impact (where enemies usually have two health points).

While the lack of balls can be frustrating (that's not a sentence I thought I'd ever write) the gratifying "doink" of a well-landed hit is more than enough to make up for that.

Red sensors around the edge of the screen play-area alert you to oncoming danger, allowing you to run or dodge away (or even use your glider), so you aren't completely greeted off-guard by a foul ball.

So now you've got the gist of the gameplay - what about this street dodgeball game is so enjoyable anyway?

As a new game on the scene, the tactics are not yet cemented, meaning you can experiment with different ways to KO your opponents (including faking them out or catching the ball they throw at you in a powered-up state), meaning new players are not entering a daunting battlefield, where the enemy teams have an advantage immediately. 

Then we have the fun customisables - who doesn't want to unlock a pair of rad sunglasses or bomber jacket to adorn their character with? 

All in all, the gameplay, characters, and setting all weave seamlessly together to create an engaging experience - all in a classic car.

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Is Knockout City Worth Buying?

100%. With glowing reviews, and instant gratification in-game (plus tons of hot-rod style cosmetics to play around with) it's an all-around street brawler experience, perfect for when you want something less taxing than an open-world RPG, but a little more thrilling than a farming simulator.

Knockout City is free to play until May 30, and while a certain percentage of players will undoubtedly shelf the game after this period is over, we reckon the dodgebrawl title is here to stay.

 

Images via Velan Studios