Thanks to the game I’m showing you today, my mind immediately flashed back to years ago, to when I was a kid heading to the local bar to play what I still consider the best volleyball game ever made (even if it was beach volleyball): U.S. Championship V’Ball, which many of you will no doubt remember. Well, the title I’m introducing today sticks with the volleyball theme but throws in dodgeball elements—and yes, it’s turn-based, of course.
It’s called Smash It Wild, developed by Goblinz Studio and Ernestine, and published by Goblinz. The game is currently featured at the ongoing Strategems event. Truth be told, it was originally announced back in November 2024, but it completely slipped past me—better late than never, right?
Smash it Wild, is a new twist on turn-based tactics. Imagine volleyball fused with dodgeball in a fantasy arena, where anthropomorphic champions clash in a roguelite tournament where every loss sends you back to square one.
In this single-player strategy RPG, you manage a team of animal warriors, train them up, collect powerful items, and build devastating synergies to survive a string of high-stakes matches. The sailpunk world brings a colorful, chaotic flair to the brutal roguelite format, where even the downtime between matches offers tough choices and random events.
You can request access to the playtest while no release date is yet beyond Q3 2025. I will surely keep following it, and you should do it too. Below is an overview via Steam, screens and trailer.
About The Game
Dive into a fantasy world where champions face off in an unforgiving tournament. In Smash it Wild, every match counts, mixing volleyball and dodgeball in tactical turn-based gameplay. Upgrade your players, kit them out with powerful items, discover unique synergies and do your best to survive this roguelike competition where defeat means starting all over again.
CREATE AN UNDEFEATABLE TEAM
Take charge of a team of animals with varied abilities. Each team has its own strategies, offering a different challenge in each match. Unlock formidable attacks and choose your synergies to perfect your playstyle.
EVERY DEFEAT IS A LESSON
In this roguelike tournament, the cup can only be won with a string of unbroken victories. Any defeat means starting all over again. Each failure gives you an opportunity to learn and improve. Choose your training sessions, skills and items carefully to gain an advantage over your opponents.
STRATEGIC TEAM MANAGEMENT
Between matches, take care of your team and make the right decisions to ensure your victory. Each day between matches lets you upgrade your players, gain objects and face unexpected events. Your decisions will have a direct impact on your tournament progress.
MORE PAIN, MORE GAIN
Take on challenges and accomplish missions to earn greater rewards. Whether that’s by taking on secondary objectives during matches or dealing with unpredictable events between them, each choice affects your chances of victory. Can you balance risk and reward to lead your team to victory?
Features:
- Turn-based tactics: play matches mixing volleyball and dodgeball where every action can make a difference!
- Sailpunk universe: take part in a tournament in a fantasy world filled with animals with a wide variety of abilities.
- Roguelike progression: win consecutive matches to find victory. One defeat means starting from scratch!
- Perfect your strategy: each team has its own synergies and combos, offering a variety of gameplay styles and strategies to adapt to each match.
- Create combos: train your champions, unlock new attacks and equip them with powerful items.
- Secondary challenges: complete bonus objectives during matches to gain additional rewards.
