Fans of the Metroid Prime series have been offered a chance to try out the title's sci-fi soccer-based Blast Ball mini-game.
After publishing a "Mission Briefing" — or, basically, a sneak peek into gameplay features — for the upcoming Metroid Prime: Federation Force, publisher Nintendo has released its mini-game counterpart as well to sate players' appetites as they count down the number of days until Aug. 19 arrives and the game officially launches.
Metroid Prime: Blast Ball features a futuristic soccer-like gameplay where teams battle it out on a sci-fi themed stadium to shoot the ball into the opponent's goal. While at first glance, it may seem a bit too easy, players will soon realize that the game requires a certain amount of skill, specifically, accuracy, which may serve as training for the upcoming title as well.
"All work and no play makes for a sloppy soldier," reads the game's description. "That's why members of the Federation Force like to unwind with a good game of Blast Ball, a fast-paced team sport where only the best come out on top."
Blast Ball supports both local and online play of up to six players, three members on each side, which can be filled in by either the game's AI or other gamers. Two distinct features await players in-game that add variety to the otherwise normal soccer play.
Power-ups will appear randomly across the stage, which can turn the tides of a battle for losing teams as well as provide an additional advantage for those on the winning side. It's a race between who gets the most goals, and at the same time, makes sure the opposing team does not steal that precious power-up.
For the second feature, the game's goal ends shrink bit by bit every time a team strikes a score, which makes it harder to shoot the ball in as matches progress. Teams are then required to earn those points as early and as often as possible to get a running head-start over one another.
In addition, Nintendo's amiibo figures are integrated into the game, like the Samus and Zero Suit Samus amiibo that players can utilize to unlock "special paint jobs" or weapon upgrades for their Mech.
Metroid Force: Blast Ball will be available for free on the Nintendo 3DS Store starting today, and players can even play the game with those who'll be purchasing the full title in August. Come September, access to Blast Ball will be limited to Prime Federation holders only.
