Ready 2 Rumble Boxing

"I have never had this much fun boxing!"

I've played many games in my life, including the hilarious You Don't Know Jack, but none quite as fun as Ready 2 Rumble. Even the NES Punch Out and the SNES Super Punch Out pale in comparison to this one. Hmmm, could it be because you can actually select your boxer? That's right. You choose from many boxers, some of whom have to be unlocked. Still, it's just great!
Control 10-10. A little confusing at first, but once you get it down all ya gotta learn ate the characters' moves. They can be a little complicated but they're pretty easy to learn, rather harder to pull off. Still, it's very good.
Audio 10-10. There's no background music during play, but when you're talking about a boxing game you really don't want background music. It can get distracting. That, perhaps, is the reason why I would give the previous boxing games lower scores. However, the opening music and the music that plays when you select your fighter are catchy. The ending theme was my favorite, and I always try to beat the game with different boxers. As yet I can do it with Selene Strike, Butcher Brown and Gino Stiletto. I have yet to beat it with Salua. Anyway, back to the audio. The SFX are cool too, with realistic sounds for when you punch someone and for when the boxers cry out in pain, which they don't do much. The cornermen's voices are cool and clear, and I think one of them might be from Scotland! The crowd noises are cool too. The announcer's voice can get a little annoying, (you know, that Let's get ready to rumble!), but each boxer has a very distinct voice and several different lines before and after the match. Pretty cool.
Story? Well..it's a boxing game we're talking about. Well, if you REALLY need one, here's your story. Beat up everybody. There! Ya happy?
Overall 10-10. I would recommend this game to the boxing lover out there. It'll be worth it. The control is good, the audio is even better, and there's enough challenge to make you want to play again. There's also a mode where you can train your favorite boxer in weight lifting, punching bags, dance arobics and even a vitamin program, and yes, it will make your boxer stronger if you do it right. Ya gotta balance it out. You might even surpass the dreaded Damian Black, the boxer from Hell!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/21/01, Updated 03/01/03