Sound: 9
Graphics: 9
Gameplay: 8.5
Replay: 9.5
Multiplayer: Yes, Online and Offline

Simon and Schuster have gone at it again. The company that no one has ever even heard of has surprised is with games like Outlaw Golf. Their unique approach to what otherwise are boring games seperate them from the pack and make them a hell of a lot of fun to play. They make very good arcade sports games, like the Blitz series is to football, and avoid the boring simulation of the same sports games that other companies make. Now that Outlaw Golf, their first venture for the Xbox, has done so well, they have decided to try and do it again with Outlaw Volleyball.

And it worked. Outlaw Volleyball is twice as good as Outlaw Golf was. Tons of new features, better graphics, more characters, it all adds up to another great game. Starting with the gameplay, this game is easy to pick up and play. Although it will probably take around 30 minutes to get used to all of the controls and the timing, it is still fun, and probably more fun, when you don't know how to do it well. Serving and spiking in this game are pretty difficult at first, but as you get the hang of it then it becomes pretty easy. The fast paced gameplay makes this game so much fun.

The graphics are awesome. It uses the Xbox's power pretty well. Naturally, they could still be better, but it is best not to be picky. The graphics are right where they should be, better than most games. The characters are highly detailed, right in between the realistic and cartoony look. No jagged edges, everything is smooth. The sand underneath looks good as well. Seeing some puff up when you dive to hit the ball always makes a game look better. You really can't see much in the background during gameplay though because of the camera angle, so there isn't much to say about it. When you do see the background it isn't bad but isn't all that great either.

The sound in this game is just as good as the original. Players will boast when they make a good hit for the point, they will get angry at their partners for screwing up, etc. The announcer is hilarious in this game. He is right up there with the one in NBA Street vol. 2, and he was a GOOD announcer. The voice acting is awesome. The sauve man sounds like a masculine type fag, as he should. He cares a little too much about his looks. The things the characters say in this game will make you laugh your ass off, and that is what is so awesome about it.

There is a ton of replay to be found here. There are a lot of unlockables, both characters and levels. The multiplayer in this game is VERY good. It is a ton of fun to play. But the most important thing is that this game features Xbox Live play. You can take your wannabe skills online and see how you fare against some of the best in the nation. More games should have Xbox Live, as every game is a ton of fun to play online against different people and being able to talk crap on them when you pound them into the ground (or sand). So this game is a must own for everyone, whether you have Xbox Live or not. The multiplayer is great for parties and if you have Live then that explains itself.