Mocap Boxing

"One of the best (if not THE best) boxing games... EVER!"

For starters - it'd be a perfect boxing game if Konami got Michael Buffer to announce... but Midway already has the Buffer license for boxing games (Ready 2 Rumble).

I'll say this for starters: This game is not for me. I say this because I'm overweight and out of shape. Basically this game is motion capture boxing, hence the name ''Mocap Boxing''. You hold onto two 2 pound ''boxing gloves''. You dodge punches and come back with a few of your own. The action stops only if you or your opponent gets knocked down. You get 3 knockdowns before you're out... and this number stays with you between fights.

When your enemy has an opening, a circle appears with how many punches you'll be able to get in - this number's usually 1-3. And if you're not fast enough, the opening will close as the opponent's defense gets back to where it should be. Keep in mind, you cannot block - only dodge.

So anyway - you're dodging around like a maniac. You're punching air. And MAN you're having fun while doing it!

Then you get to the point where the opponent's out of steam and he starts to reel about. One of two things happens - a knockdown target appears, and you can give him one last whack. OR... a target icon appears with a whole lot of hits - 10, 30 or more! And you only have about 20-30 seconds to do it. Better get punchin'.

There are 3 problems with this game - none of which make the game worse, but are important to note. The first - crowds can either be your biggest asset or if they're close, they can get in the way of your dodging or worse - in the motion sensor path. Naturally, they won't be dodging too often, so make sure they stay back. Second - If you're really tall, you'll HAVE to hunch over to play this because the ''gloves'' are tethered to the game itself – which is only a minor problem. The third: If you get out of wind playing DDR - you'll be outta wind in this game by the end of the second fight. I was out of breath, tired, and dizzy. So those of us who aren't quite in shape, beware.

Otherwise it's a fun game. Real fun.

A 9 in my books. Graphics are good enough to see but by no means uber-realistic.. Sound that deafens you and sets the pace (depending on operator settings, of course). I never give 10s.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/01/02, Updated 06/27/03