User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 49
  2. Negative: 8 out of 49

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  1. Aug 7, 2021
    10
    I played this in Gamepass and after that I bought to support the devs... the experiencie in Switch is even better.... sounds with a a classical Nintendo game, I dont know how to explain this.

    Thank you for this game Humble Games.
  2. Aug 7, 2021
    10
    This game is gorgeous! There are a lot of animations and wonderfull things!
    Mix RPG and Sport... specially Dodgeball is a great idea... I'm addicted of big games and AAA but it was a great surprise! Otto is the best main Character of the year!
    Oh an sure I love animes and some lines was really fun to read.
  3. Aug 7, 2021
    10
    Dodgeball Academia is a super mix of Pokemon + Mario Tennis + Shonen satire, which together make an action RPG fun and full of charismatic characters.

    If you like any of these elements you will possibly love this game, new elements are introduced in each new chapter leaving the game play that is simple, with a great complex depth. Despite having a gameplay of about 15h the game
    Dodgeball Academia is a super mix of Pokemon + Mario Tennis + Shonen satire, which together make an action RPG fun and full of charismatic characters.

    If you like any of these elements you will possibly love this game, new elements are introduced in each new chapter leaving the game play that is simple, with a great complex depth.

    Despite having a gameplay of about 15h the game delivers a lot, and we get a taste of wanting more!
    Expand
  4. Aug 7, 2021
    10
    I had a very good time playing this! And to be honest I want more!
    The art and the character design is outstanding, is like Watch Cartoon Network!
    Thank you this masterpiece! Thank you Humble Games!
  5. Aug 10, 2021
    10
    Idea 10/10
    Game Design 10/10
    Art 99/10
    Music 9/10
    Story9/10

    This game was the surprise of the year! All the devs must be very proud of it! I started playing on Xbox but I've decided to buy on Switch! Danke!
  6. Aug 13, 2021
    10
    I played Mario Tennis, then Mario Golf on my Switch, and i felt so disappointed with these Arcade Sports "slash" RPG games.
    Then, I found this jewel for the system. Nintendo definitively should hire this company to develop the next Mario Strikers.
    The RPG elements are superb and the sports elements feels like a 16-bit with updated mechanics.
    A must-buy.
  7. Aug 11, 2021
    10
    Hey Nintendo! Hire these guys to make the next Pokemon or Paper Mario!
    The Art is the highlight of this game! The story is funny but maybe the only ''problem'' is this game could be bigger, but I can accept this because is an indie.

    Thank you
  8. Aug 12, 2021
    10
    It's such a nice game guys. Specially if u have a kid, we are tryng all the challenges and battles together and it was very fun. It's good to se more dodgeball games. Congrats to art and code team who build this beautiful game.
  9. Aug 14, 2021
    10
    My son is crazy with this game! He keeps throwing the pillows in everyone shouting BALLTIMATE or saying he is Otto!
    Just to congrats the team, I would like to know if you are thinking about Dodgeball Academia 2. Will be great!

    Thank you 10/10
  10. Oct 11, 2021
    0
    The catch and dodge mechanic don't work at all. Its just a game you have to grind and force your way through. Not fun at all after ten hours. Liked the idea but lack in game play and execution. 0 out of ten
  11. Mar 21, 2023
    1
    The game is cute and all, and even shows hints of promise.... but unfortunately the gameplay is stupid, fiddly, frustrating, and the controls are clumsy. You have to keep running back to the first aid place after every single thing you do, or you fail the next one... And every time you fail due to stupid fiddly frustrating game mechanics and clumsy controls, you have to roll back andThe game is cute and all, and even shows hints of promise.... but unfortunately the gameplay is stupid, fiddly, frustrating, and the controls are clumsy. You have to keep running back to the first aid place after every single thing you do, or you fail the next one... And every time you fail due to stupid fiddly frustrating game mechanics and clumsy controls, you have to roll back and start again from a save point somewhere back in time...
    Even the mechanic of rolling while running around the map sucks. And that's just a basic navigation thing... The actual battles are way worse.

    Also after about 8 hours of playing, it's getting very very repetitive. Like, it's frustrating and hard, sure, some great games do that... but then this game doesn't even pay you back with interesting progression. Just more and more of the same, except more frustrating. I'm not playing anymore. I've had enough. It's been an annoying waste of money and time. Do not recommend.
    Expand
  12. Jun 29, 2022
    0
    the gameplay looks really lazy and empty. i really dont like this game, frustrating me
  13. Aug 26, 2022
    0
    another boring sports game on switch, this game has nothing fun to offer. yes
  14. Sep 28, 2022
    10
    Alot of hard work put in. Really enjoy the visuals and the gameplay ideas. Will definitely follow the devs
  15. Aug 17, 2021
    10
    I've been playing Dodgeball Academia this weekend and it has surprised me how much fun I'm having with it. I played it on Xbox Game Pass on a whim, but after a few hours I bought it on the Switch to play it portably (without using the cloud) and have been enjoying it even more.

    It's a 2.5D Dodgeball RPG that's very reminiscent of the GBA versions of Mario Tennis/Golf in formula but with a
    I've been playing Dodgeball Academia this weekend and it has surprised me how much fun I'm having with it. I played it on Xbox Game Pass on a whim, but after a few hours I bought it on the Switch to play it portably (without using the cloud) and have been enjoying it even more.

    It's a 2.5D Dodgeball RPG that's very reminiscent of the GBA versions of Mario Tennis/Golf in formula but with a lot more story/dialogue like Golf Story. Definitely not as comedic and witty as GS but there are some funny and charming moments in it. It feels like a Saturday morning cartoon/anime with its art style kinda reminiscent of OK K.O. It also has a lot of elements from Pokémon and parodies it often with a rival character that keeps coming back to challenge you, random kids who will run to you when you pass them to force you into a match etc. The music is also pretty similar in a good way.

    Gameplay is really fun and challenging at times. As far as I've been playing you slowly get introduced to new mechanics that make the game more fun and adds depth to the matches. You play with different characters who all have unique abilities with their Charge Throw, Focus ability and Balltimate but the opponents also have unique abilities too and that makes each match feel different (besides the fodder side quest characters).

    The RPG elements are great too as you gain XP and level up, boost stats with items, choose equipment that further enhances your stats etc. There's a lot to this game that keeps the game fresh and keeps you wanting more. You'll find a lot of these items running around the map and finding chests and boxes that are hidden or just laying around.

    All in all, the 9 or so hours I've played so far have been a blast and if you're a fan of the games I mentioned above like I am, this game tends to tick most of the boxes that made me fall in love with those games. I can't recommend it enough.
    Expand
  16. Oct 1, 2021
    9
    FANTASTIC ! Great gameplay, Story, Characters, graphics, visuals.
    It's just the best sport game of 2021 and one the best 2021's indie games.
  17. Nov 5, 2021
    8
    If you have ever wanted an RPG that feels like an anime and a Cartoon Network show, this is your game. Dodgeball Academia is an RPG that boasts unique combat in the form off dodgeball matches. The characters are all interesting enough and the atmosphere is killer. I thought the writing was a bit weak, along with the story, but they were passable. Overall, I would recommend this game toIf you have ever wanted an RPG that feels like an anime and a Cartoon Network show, this is your game. Dodgeball Academia is an RPG that boasts unique combat in the form off dodgeball matches. The characters are all interesting enough and the atmosphere is killer. I thought the writing was a bit weak, along with the story, but they were passable. Overall, I would recommend this game to people who are looking for an RPG with a unique combat system unlike any other. Expand
  18. Aug 13, 2021
    10
    Extremamente divertido e ainda por cima brasileiro. Orgulho! ……………..
  19. Aug 13, 2021
    10
    The experience is even better playing in Nintendo platform but it's very good to share this experience with other consoles.
    This game is adorable. Art,Code,Music, Gd = 10! You should be proud of it!
  20. Aug 13, 2021
    10
    O melhor game de queimada que já joguei, simplesmente incrível! Não consigo parar de jogar!
  21. Aug 15, 2021
    10
    This Game could be an Exclusive for Nintendo.
    We love it! What a game! It's true, is not a BIG RPG Game with a BIG Story... but you can finish it during a great weekend and have a lot fun!
    Will be great to see more games like this.
  22. Aug 15, 2021
    10
    Guys let me know pls... WHY JUST 8 CHAPTERS?

    I mean, wtf guys... you have a bunch of GREAT characters, a bunch of game design possibilities, and you've created just 8 chapters, COME ON!!! THIS IS THE WORST THING!!! WHY?!

    The game is great! this is the only problem... I want more, the game isn't cheap and is very short for this price.... i need more.

    Thank ya
  23. Aug 17, 2021
    10
    Its like playing a Cartoon Network Show! I love all the characters, I love the designs, I love this idea!
    Please make more games like this!

    Otto and Balloony are the best!
  24. Aug 24, 2021
    10
    I'm very proud of this game because I'm Brazilian and this cames from my country...
    I love the artstyle and the characters. Thank you for this sweet game!
    I hope you can enjoy it
  25. Aug 31, 2021
    10
    I want more Humble Games!
    Please make a 2,3,4 like Inazuma Eleven!

    Beauty!
  26. Sep 3, 2021
    10
    Muito orgulho em saber que um jogo Brasileiro está sendo tão relevante no mercado Global.
    Parabens pessoal!
  27. Sep 9, 2021
    10
    Esse game é muito show de bola (entendeu o trocadilho?) muito divertido, acompanhei a gameplay em livestreams e fiquei com vontade de comprar eu mesmo, jogabilidade e história muito divertidas, contém referências a vários elementos da cultura pop e memes brasileiros; mal posso esperar por uma continuação. Parabéns ao estúdio, muitas budegas e tingueras pra vocês!
  28. Sep 9, 2021
    10
    Good Game.
    I hope Humble Games make Dodgeball Academia 2 and many others like Inazuma Eleven.
  29. Sep 30, 2021
    10
    Best BrRPG/JRPG ever.
    I like the artstyle and the gags. 10/10
    I want Dodgeball Academia 2 Humble Games.
  30. May 6, 2023
    10
    THIS IS MY FAVOURITE GAME I LITERALLY WAS SO SAD WHEN I FINISHED, I WANTED IT YEARS AGO please humble games we need a sequel we know it wont be famous but atleast it would be fun
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. Sep 3, 2021
    60
    Dodgeball Academia does admittedly come together in a rather compelling way, but we're critical of the independent elements that make up this package. You might find yourself caught up in the storyline, which could potentially make up for its other shortcomings, but we found it a little disposable. It's clear that love has been poured into this adventure and it's absolutely superb to look at and listen to — we just wish the central sport was a more enjoyable to play and the dialogue wasn't so interminable. You might dig this game more if you get hooked into the grind, so to speak — battles are over quickly and levelling up is always fun — but overall, if you're not willing to get by on sheer aesthetics, you might want to dodge this one.
  2. Aug 31, 2021
    70
    Dodgeball Academia breaks off at an appropriate point and leaves a good feeling behind; there’s enough about the game to enjoy its content. It successfully evokes the feelings that come from watching fun cartoons, though on the gameplay side it feels like it would benefit from having more standout and extended matches as regular encounters towards the end because it felt like they were mostly making up the numbers. There’s definitely scope available for Pocket Trap to build on what it has created here, and I’d be very happy to see it do so.
  3. Aug 12, 2021
    79
    When it’s all said and done though, Dodgeball Academia is much better than I was expecting. I enjoyed the style, the zaniness, the characters, and only got frustrated by the gameplay a couple of times. Given my childhood history with the sport and my general anger over not being able to win in every game, a couple of times of frustration is a MASSIVE win. While the RPG elements to it are a little on the light side, the open-ish world and all of the side quests/daily challenges you get to tackle on top of the story have you 3 hours deep into dodgeball games before you know it. The fun and light hearted aspects of the game outweigh the negatives, making Dodgeball Academia a good pick up if you’re looking to hear that SPLAT once more.