Smash Hockey is an intense, action-packed 1v1 hockey battler for iOS and Android

Smash Hockey is an upcoming sports title from publisher Phoenixx and developer I From Japan that takes the game of hockey and turns it into an intense, action-packed battler. It's now soft-launched in Australia and New Zealand, with a global release set for Q2 2020.

You'll be challenged to dodge incoming attacks, return fire, and ultimately drive a puck across one of two lanes towards your rival's goals. Controls are said to be intuitive, with a surprising amount of depth hidden below the surface.

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The playable characters here are all robots. There are six in total, with each offering their own unique playstyle. You'll have an eclectic arsenal of weapons and abilities at your disposal, including giant cannons, stun guns, and even the power of invisibility.

"The true beauty of Smash Hockey is since every action is just a quick swipe, players' minds are free to focus on in-the-moment tactical decisions that make matches exciting", said Yoshiaki Nakamichi, Lead Designer at I From Japan.

There are easy, normal, and hard single-player levels to try out before heading into the 1v1 multiplayer. You'll play matches, earn points, and gradually work your way up the ranks. Battle coins can be exchanged for bingo cards, which give you a chance to unlock new pucks, hammers, shields, and more.

That said, the customisation options apparently won't affect the core gameplay at all, with the team aiming to keep the online experience competitive and fair.

If you're based in Australia or New Zealand, you should be able to download and give it a go right now. The rest of us can expect to see Smash Hockey launch globally later this year. Here's a link to the game's Google Play page.