IDARB, Other Ocean’s eight-player basketball/hockey hybrid, will be released for the Xbox One in February 2015. The retro-inspired game will be available for free through Microsoft’s Games With Gold program, but dedicated fans might be able to score a copy two months early.
Other Ocean plans to give away download codes for the game through their Twitter account, on IDARB.com, and through live video streams on their Twitch channel. Major Nelson will also have some codes to give out during tomorrow’s “Free Code Friday” event on his blog.
If IDARB is new to you, here’s what you can expect when it comes to the Xbox One this February:
IDARB is a competitive game for up to eight players that combines classic 2D platformer mechanics with hockey and basketball rules. Players can draw their own characters in a charming 8-bit pixel style, build their own teams, compose their own fight songs, and compete with other players either in the same room or over the internet.
In a nod to real arena sports, IDARB is the first video game where fans spectating a session can disrupt the players, in real time, using either Twitch or Twitter. Spectators can turn the ball into a bomb, spawn fireworks, fill the screen with water, and more.
Don’t forget to check out the game’s “Release Date Trailer” above. It very lovingly spoofs the recently released Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser.
