What is the name of the predecessor to Rocket League released in 2008?

The predecessor to Rocket League released in 2008 was Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars. Developed by Psyonix, it introduced the series’ central idea: rocket-powered vehicles playing a soccer-like sport in enclosed arenas.

Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered Battle-Cars was released for the PlayStation 3 and served as the foundation for Rocket League’s driving, jumping, boosting, and ball-control mechanics. Its long title is commonly shortened to SARPBC, especially by longtime fans.

Rocket League was designed as a more accessible and ambitious successor. Psyonix improved the physics, presentation, online infrastructure, arenas, customization, and cross-platform appeal while preserving the predecessor’s unusual combination of cars and football.

A common mix-up is treating “Battle-Cars” or “Rocket Cars” as the official name. Those are informal shortenings or incorrect alternatives; the complete canonical title includes “Supersonic Acrobatic Rocket-Powered.” The original game’s 2008 release also makes it distinct from Rocket League’s 2015 debut.