Knockout Kings 2002

"Could have been the best boxing game to date, too bad EA always screws something up."

After playing Knockout Kings 2002 for a few hours, I figured I had enough to write my first review about it...so here goes nothing.

Graphics 8/10: The graphics are great, the models are perfect, and look just like their real life counter parts. EA did a very good job on the perspiration as the fight goes on, the blood is also very well done. The thing I gripe about, is the constant clipping during punches. I can't go a round, without noticing several instances of my boxers glove going through the head of the opponent, or through the body...and his go through mine. You think EA would have concentrated on this a little more. The arenas are done very well.

Gameplay 5/10: This is where the game suffers. The offensive punching aspect is great, the button configuration is nice, and it's easy to pull off a combo. The worst part of the game is the LACK OF FREE MOVEMENT! Why did EA make it so hard to move? That is one of the keys to some styles of boxing, and it's almost impossible to move freely when you want to. Also, why is it so hard to pull off a body shot? I found myself rarely doing them after a couple hours of play, being used to the controls. Same goes for moving. EA really screwed up this time. Also, why is your ring corner trainer totally useless? Telling me to go to the body more, or move around more? I wish I could trainer, I wish I could...

Sound 8/10: The sound is great, not much to talk about. Punches sound real and hard hitting. The voices of your trainer/manager do the job. The crowd is acceptable.

Customization 4/10: The create a boxer on this game is awful, it has been on every single EA boxing game, why can't they fix this? You can't even space out your name, or hometown. You have 9 selections of character, none of which are very good. The only reason it got a 4, is because I enjoyed the stats chosen, how the points are distributed for them, and the selection of ring attire.

Conducting Thoughts: If you are just a casual boxing fan, just rent this game...it's not worth buying. If you love boxing and are a huge fan, just rent this game twice, because you will learn to hate the controls which make for an unrealistic fight, and the lack of goodies for beating the game.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 06/29/02, Updated 06/29/02