Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Cyberball

Review
Also known as
Cyberball: Football in the 21st Century サイバーボール

Control robot teams in a futuristic sport where you must advance a live bomb before it overheats and explodes.

Cyberball was originally released in arcades in 1988. The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive version was released in 1990.

About Cyberball

Cyberball presents a futuristic version of American Football where robotic teams compete. The sport's evolution was prompted by human athletes using bionic enhancements, leading to a game played by seven robots per side. A significant rule change replaces the traditional football with a heavy explosive device.

Core gameplay retains the sport's basic framework but introduces a persistent threat. The bomb's heat level rises continuously during a possession, creating a time pressure that replaces the standard down system. This escalation halts only when a team crosses midfield, scores, loses the ball, or when the critical heat threshold triggers an explosion and a turnover.

Offensive control is shared between two functions. One player acts as the quarterback to throw passes, while another assumes control of the intended receiver as soon as the ball is released. This cooperative two player mode focuses solely on offensive plays, as the game omits field goals and punts, featuring only an initial kickoff.

Cyberball Screenshots

12 images
Title screen
Explanation of the time limit on possession
Choosing a team.
Workshop
The game is about to start.
Everybody is taking positions.
Your receiver is in trouble.
The game pauses when you have to take an action.
The main menu.
Choosing what single player league to play in.
A successful touchdown.
Making a dash for the end zone.