Item: FarRock Dodgeball
Rating: 80
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

This game has more heart than most of the big-budget trash on the store. It reminds me of the old arcade sports games like NBA Jam or River City Ransom. The NYC setting isn't just a skin; it feels baked into the RPG elements. Buying pizza for health and sneakers for stats—it’s classic, and it works. I appreciate the pixel art; it’s clean and doesn't try too hard.

The problem is the dodgeball itself. The touch controls are finicky, and in a game where timing is everything, that’s a death sentence. It’s far better with a controller, but that defeats the purpose of a mobile game for most people. The difficulty spikes are also quite frustrating; it feels like the game expects you to grind more than play. It’s a good effort, but it needs a more refined engine to truly compete.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Great urban atmosphere
Unique RPG integration
Cool soundtrack

Clunky touch controls
Unbalanced difficulty
Niche appeal

Technical Report

Performance: Solid frame rate throughout, minimal loading times.

Accessibility:

Controller Support

Audience Fit

Buy if: You miss the glory days of arcade sports games and love NYC culture.

Skip if: You can't stand touch-based reflex games.

Similar Games:

River City Ransom
Dodgeball Academia

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative gamer
Hardware: iPhone 13
Playtime: 4 hours
Status: Played through arcade mode

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1539509015

$1.99 9+★4.7 6 reviews

Author : Keenan Williams

Pubish Date : Wed Jul 21 2021

Last Update Date : Tue Nov 21 2023

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 2.0Tue Nov 21 2023

Christmas in FarRock now included.
Difficulty adjusted in Arcade mode.
A few glitches fixed.
Now including Christmas in FarRock!
Created by a solo developer who grew up in FarRock, Queens NY. FarRock Dodgeball is more than a game, it's an urban experience that has never been seen before in gaming. From Kippa’s to Durags’ you will feel like a true New Yorker after playing the story mode which is inspired by true events.
Story Mode:
Story mode is like nothing you have ever played! In this epic journey, you play as KJ, a kid who just moved to FarRock, Queens. Upon seeing his only friend get bullied. They seek revenge! Written like a John Hughes film, the kids go on a bunch of fun quest through all 5 boroughs of NYC. But this isn’t just the fancy NYC you know from TV… Not only will you experience Wall St, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty but you will also visit all the hoods of NY from Southside, Brownsville, Harlem to the South Bronx. Revenge, Remorse & Redemption…that’s a preview of the drama.
Level system:
After every match in Story mode, you will receive experience points. You can use this to level up your team to the play style that fits you best.
Sneakers:
Sneakers are a huge part of NY culture. You will be able to visit multiple sneaker shops through the game to boost your player's stats.
Food:
Food is used to recover HP and SP. But this isn’t generic video game food. It's staples of NY! Pizza, Sticky wings, Chopped cheese, black and white cookies just to name a few.
Super Attacks:
12 different super attacks! Burn another team alive or maybe shock them. You can choose up to 12 offensive and defensive super attacks!
Mini-Games:
Don't take life so seriously. Take a break and enter New York’s famous hotdog eating contest. What about a DJ battle in Harlem? Or maybe visit the Bronx zoo?
Soundtrack:
Collaborating with 4 of hip hop’s brightest young producers to create 17 original tracks. Trust me…. some of the best hip hop songs you will ever hear in a video game.
Arcade mode:
Tournament-style arcade mode, select 1 of the 12 teams to battle 4 rounds to win the city championship.
Requires iOS 14.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Now including Christmas in FarRock!
Created by a solo developer who grew up in FarRock, Queens NY. FarRock Dodgeball is more than a game, it's an urban experience that has never been seen before in gaming. From Kippa’s to Durags’ you will feel like a true New Yorker after playing the story mode which is inspired by true events.
Story Mode:
Story mode is like nothing you have ever played! In this epic journey, you play as KJ, a kid who just moved to FarRock, Queens. Upon seeing his only friend get bullied. They seek revenge! Written like a John Hughes film, the kids go on a bunch of fun quest through all 5 boroughs of NYC. But this isn’t just the fancy NYC you know from TV… Not only will you experience Wall St, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty but you will also visit all the hoods of NY from Southside, Brownsville, Harlem to the South Bronx. Revenge, Remorse & Redemption…that’s a preview of the drama.
Level system:
After every match in Story mode, you will receive experience points. You can use this to level up your team to the play style that fits you best.
Sneakers:
Sneakers are a huge part of NY culture. You will be able to visit multiple sneaker shops through the game to boost your player's stats.
Food:
Food is used to recover HP and SP. But this isn’t generic video game food. It's staples of NY! Pizza, Sticky wings, Chopped cheese, black and white cookies just to name a few.
Super Attacks:
12 different super attacks! Burn another team alive or maybe shock them. You can choose up to 12 offensive and defensive super attacks!
Mini-Games:
Don't take life so seriously. Take a break and enter New York’s famous hotdog eating contest. What about a DJ battle in Harlem? Or maybe visit the Bronx zoo?
Soundtrack:
Collaborating with 4 of hip hop’s brightest young producers to create 17 original tracks. Trust me…. some of the best hip hop songs you will ever hear in a video game.
Arcade mode:
Tournament-style arcade mode, select 1 of the 12 teams to battle 4 rounds to win the city championship.

Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5 with 6 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Farrock Dodgeball brings the playground classic to your phone with an urban twist. Build your team and compete in fast-paced matches where timing is everything. Master the art of the perfect throw, the clutch catch, and the ultimate dodge. With a variety of unique characters each boasting special abilities, and multiple courts inspired by real-world urban locations, Farrock Dodgeball offers an addictive and competitive arcade experience.