Electronic Gaming Monthly: Outlaw Volleyball (C J)

If you were left limp by DOA: Xtreme Beach Volleyball's lack of a distinct goal, Outlaw Volleyball might rub you the right way. Its healthy variety of game types kicks sand in the face of most other v-ball titles, offering wacky events like a Casino mode (where you compete for a fat wad of cash), Hot Potato keep-away, and some bizarre drills, including one that's Space Invaders with volleyballs.

Its presentation is definitely slick (though not as purdy as beauty-queen-perfect DOAX), but it takes a disappointing dive in the gameplay department. The controls feel stiff and mechanical, the random fights that break out are laughably simple, and the camera leaves a lot to be desired. The available angles are either too zoomed-out or claustrophobic, putting the net in the way of the action. Xbox Live play is passable (if occasionally laggy), but its interface lacks the user-friendliness of newer titles. As a whole, Outlaw ain't the greatest volleyball game ever, but it does enough right to warrant a look.