Ready 2 Rumble Boxing

"A great boxing game by Midway... but button-masher heaven too."

Ready 2 Rumble was my third purchase for my Sega Dreamcast. I had played the demo version of this game on the Sega Dreamcast demo disc included with the system, and I found it to be an OK game, but the lack of good defense and the lack of strategical offense drag this game's score down.

GAMEPLAY: 4/10
This game has almost no strategy involved. Offense consists of randomly executed attacks that may or may not find their mark on your opponent, as well as other moves that are too complicated to pull off in the heat of battle. Defense is well, almost nonexistent. The computer attacks much too fast in this game to allow you to block successfully.

MUSIC: 6/10
Standard fare music, certainly nothing to write home about. The theme song is pretty catchy, but you'll find yourself turning on the CD player while you play the actual game.

CONTROLS: 8/10
The controls are actually pretty good as far as having left and right variations of low and high punches. However, it can be difficult to pull off any kind of combo without first getting whipped by your opponent. Also, a note to Midway: Most gamers would rather hold back to block then have an assigned button. Try to incorporate this into your next games.

REPLAY FACTOR: 6/10
This game is very hard, even on easy difficulty. I don't know why people all over the web are saying that this game is too easy, because I would certainly have to disagree - the computer attacks so fast that you can be demolished in about five seconds if you do not immediately back away from your opponent. Also, once all of the characters are released either through beating the game or entering a cheat, most gamers won't find themself coming back for more unless they have skilled friends who do not mash the buttons and cheap you to death.

OVERALL: 6/10
This game is pretty good, being the first Midway game in this new series as well as being their first Dreamcast attempt. But in the end, I would recommend that you wait until the game is availible to rent before dishing out money on it. I sure wish that I had.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 04/26/01