Black & Bruised

"Good idea, but that's where it ended"

This game had a lot of good ideas, and it is very original, but there's almost no reason to keep playing it because the boxing part isn't good, the control's are set up so it's basically a button mashing frenzy. I think it's supposed to be funny, but the one liners are both annoying and repetitive, bad enough that you put the T.V. on mute while playing the game.

GRAPHICS-8/10
The graphics were very good and detailed. Not only was a lot of time spent on player expressions and the ring. But the background was also very good. You'll sometimes see someone riding a bull, or just a very detailed bar background. The graphics give the game a cartoonish and more fun appeal, which is a cool and different experience. It's kind of like Ready to Rumble Boxing.

Gameplay-5/10
If you play the player bio mode, then you're going to have fun because that's where the game excells. There are a lot of different challenges in all the fights. Some include knocking someone out in the 3rd round, fighting with one hand, and in one match the ref was paid to make you lose, so when you get knocked down, the count is REALLY quick. So that's a good experience and is why this game has any fun factor. You can also get power ups. Everytime you hit your opponent you get a star or two (depending on the punch). When you get 10 stars you get a power up. You can then either use it or get another 10 stars and your power up will be upgraded. Each one has 3 stages. Some of the power ups include extra life, stronger punches, super combos, etc. But the overall fight is horrible. The controls are unresponsive. Sometimes I will be trying to connect a combo (which is pretty tough in itself) and I'll try to move back after I press the buttons, but I'm still punching and about 5 seconds later I finally move back. So it turns into something where you just go up to your opponent and keep hitting him until you get your 10 stars then you use your power ups. It gets repetitive after the first few fights.

Story-2/10
The stories are horrible and so unoriginal. There is also no twist or anything, it's all pretty obvious.

Sound/Voice-Overs-1/10
I think they tried to make it funny but the funny thing is how stupid it is. There isn't one funny line, and you'll just end up muting your TV.

Overall-7/10

Buy, Rent, or Forget-Rent

The game is worth a rent because it does add some originality to boxing, but if your looking for a real boxing experience, just get knockout kings.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 05/13/03, Updated 05/13/03