Cyberball is set in a future where American Football players have started using bionic parts, leading to rule changes. By 2022, the sport had evolved into robot teams of seven, with a massive 350-pound bomb replacing the pig skin ball.
The gameplay in Cyberball mirrors the real sport, but with some key differences. The 'downs' have been replaced by the bomb's heat level, which increases towards 'critical' if not addressed. When this happens, possession is swapped. However, crossing the 50-yard line, losing possession, or scoring a touchdown can reset the bomb to its 'cool' state.
The game features co-operative two-player gameplay, where one player passes and the other receives the ball. Control passes are instant, as soon as the pass is released from the quarterback.