Super Dodge Ball (Japanese: Nekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball Bu) is a dodgeball sports game developed and published by Technōs Japan in 1987. It first launched on arcades in November 1987, then was ported to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) on July 26, 1988.
As the second entry in the Kunio-kun series, it differs greatly in style and gameplay from its predecessor Renegade. It uses super-deformed 2-head-tall characters with exaggerated, funny movements and expressions, establishing the Kunio-kun series’ unique style.
The core gameplay has players control a team of characters to play dodgeball on a playground-like field. Players can pick teammates with different traits, each with unique skills and stats. The goal is to use team skills to dodge opponent throws and hit rivals with the ball until all opposing players are eliminated.
The game has fast pacing. Players must flexibly dodge and counter opponent throws, while also using on-field obstacles and special items to gain an edge. Plus, Super Dodge Ball supports local multiplayer, letting players compete with friends for more fun and competitiveness.
A key highlight is its brawl-like elements and the "Magic Ball" system. Each main player has a unique Magic Ball: not only do the ball’s look and flight path vary, but the damage and reaction of a player hit by a Magic Ball also differ.
After release, Super Dodge Ball earned positive reviews and commercial success, becoming one of the most beloved classic games on the NES platform.