Most volleyball games don’t end with a “Kaboom!” But then again, most volleyball games aren’t like Super Spike V’ball.

--Verdict--

Art: You’ve got your run-of-the-mill, standard 8-bit graphics: so nothing much to see here. But darned if that soundtrack doesn’t get stuck in your head for the rest of your life – I still hum the main theme out of nowhere from time to time.

Gameplay: Play up to 4 player volleyball, an incredible feat that required a controller slot expander to be plugged into your NES. The big difference here: charge up a super spike to blast your opponent to space, or a super block to send that spike flying back at them.

Replayability: If you’re playing with a friend, against a friend, or teaming up against some computer players, you’ll always play a different game. But considering that there are only two story modes that each can be completed in about an hour or so, you best be getting some friends for any semblance of replayability.

Would I recommend? Let me be real with you: if you play Super Spike V’ball, you’ll probably find it to be an average 8-bit volleyball game, and a mid-tier NES title. But if you asked me what some of some of my favorite old-school games were, this would be close to the top of the list. Super Spike was the gift my mom gave my dad after they were married. It’s the game he played late into the night with his friends, and one of the first games he showed to me and my sister. From every bump and spike, every “Whap!” and “Kaboom!”, there’s a memory. And for that, Super Spike V’ball is timeless.

Recommendation? Comment below!