Rocket League Is Actually A Sequel To A Game Everyone Forgot

Rocket League, the 2015 sleeper hit from San Diego developer Psyonix, doesn’t seem like a game that’s a sequel or any part of a franchise. If anything, it feels more like one of those instances where a developer studio struck gold out of the blue with an idea that’s simultaneously basic and ingenious: what if you played soccer with high-powered cars? 

It may thus come as a surprise to some to find out that Rocket League is actually a sequel to another long-forgotten Psyonix game, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. Released on the PlayStation 3 in late 2008, the game is remarkably similar to the incarnation that came seven years later. Players will instantly recognize rudimentary incarnations of many of Rocket League‘s stages, and the gameplay is basically the same.

Still, it’s clear why Rocket League was the one that took off, rather than its predecessor. For starters, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars doesn’t even allow the player to change the controls. There’s no ranking system, and an incredibly limited numbers of cars and customizable skins. Players also can’t chat with one another during online play. These may have been part of why the game received middling reviews upon release, and never really gained ongoing traction.

Why Rocket League Was So Much More Popular

Rocket League, meanwhile, is polished and endlessly playable in every regard. The physics are smooth and impactful, making the simple gameplay feel even more immediate and engaging. The visuals are crisper, augmented by the upgrade to 60 FPS. The sound design is up to speed, complete with a starting menu backed with soothing electronic pop songs. Players can choose from countless customizable skins, including pop culture tie-ins. The abundance of dedicated servers has allowed for a massive and sustained player base. Not to mention, it doesn’t have a title that leaves one short of breath after saying it.

Which isn’t to say Psyonix completely forgot about their nascent attempt at cars and football. When Rocket League is on its startup menu, the player can enter “the Konami code” (up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, O, X), then press the Options button when the start screen shows up. The menu will display with the Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle Cars logo and theme song, as well as an original map (Wasteland).

For those curious, the 2008 original is available on the PlayStation 3 store for $3. Especially as Rocket League‘s servers are often on the fritz during its Season 2 launch, Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars might just fill the void for the time being… for those with a working PS3, that is.

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