Knockout Kings 2003

"The second boxing game I actually like."

I had the pleasure of renting this game tonight along with Vice City for PS2.
I'm hooked on both games. This game really kicks butt. So I decided to write a review.

Gameplay
Since I havent played too much (maybe two hours at the most) I haven't done anything but warmed up for the game.
As far as I can see now, the game is quite challenging, it's not too easy, there are a lot of characters.
You can also create your own boxer which is always fun. Then taking him into career mode and making him better.
This game is extremely fun and I will be writing a little FAQ soon for it.
Single player is fun, I haven't tried multiplayer yet, but I'm sure it will be fun.

Story
Boxing! Yeeeeap, it's boxing. Put on the trousers, the gloves and shoes on, and hit `em up.
This game is extremely fun. With a lot of characters, including Ali, and Butterbean!

Fun Factor
Yeah! This game is great and kept me on the edge of my seat, it's an intense fighting game that got me sweating.
It's pretty damn exciting being down so you have one or two hits left and your out but you come back with a few jabs and an uppercut and win the match.

Controls
Basic, everything but L is a punch. So learning exactly how to play is kinda hard, atleast learning how to do combo's isnt easy.

Graphics
Very nicely done, high detailed. Everything looks good.
Only one flaw has been found so far and it's when you hit them and its supposed to look like sweats flying everything, and it really doesnt, but hey, it's still an awesome game and you can still tell whats going on.

Sound
The sound, the fans, the sound of butterbean pounding down on some poor mans head, everything sounds good.
The effects are pretty nice too. I've found no flaws in the sound category yet.

Play Time
I haven't played too much of the game, only a few matches in Career Mode.
It's pretty fun so far and I'm sure it's got a lot of play time in it.
When you win a match, you get points to add to your stats, like 'Power', 'Speed', 'Stamina', etc.

Create A Boxer
This is fun, it's pretty cool making yourself and then taking on a bunch of guys and making yourself better.
It's nothing too fancy, but its still great.

Replayability
Heck yeah I'll replay this. It's a very intense and fun experience.
The game is awesome, I'm sure the multiplayer is awesome too.

Pros & Cons
Pros - Controls, Gameplay, Graphics, Sound, pretty much everything.

Cons - My wavebird takes a beating. Heh, when I lose at this game, I get kinda mad and toss the `ol wavebird around, but shes still in good condition.

Final Thoughts
Great game, I recommend it to any boxing fan.
I am no boxing fan myself but I still think this game is awesome.
The only other boxing game I've played that I can compare this with is Super Punch Out, but I think I might like this one a little more.
Buy or Rent
Well, I might buy this game is the multiplayer is awesome. It's a pretty fun game on singleplayer too.
I'd say rent first, but it's totally up to you.

Buy or Rent?
Rent, it's a fairly fun game, but it might not fit your style of gaming. Good Luck.

Overall
Gameplay - 9
Fun Factor - 10
Sound - 9
Graphics - 10
Overall - 9

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/02/02, Updated 11/02/02