Gaming Target - Xbox: Knockout Kings 2002

Written by Sean Sharp on March 20, 2002

Full Review: Not since the Foreman Grill has boxing produced such a quality product.

Knockout Kings 2002 for the Xbox is the latest, and with major graphical and gameplay renovations the folks at EA claim the greatest, boxing game to date. While Knockout Kings has always been a favorite of hard-core boxing fans, it has yet to hold the attention of the casual gamer. However, this could change with the latest version on the Xbox.

The graphics for this game are quite impressive (just check out the card girl between rounds). Boxer's looks are better than they have ever been, as considerable emphasis has been placed on making the faces true to life. You will also find the movement of the boxers to be very smooth. Gone are the days of the jerky, erratic punches, as punches seem to flow in a very natural motion. You will also notice fighters' mannerisms as they fatigue. You will observe that as you feel your controller rumbling (to varying degrees when you are tired or injured as the games vibration feedback is excellent), that the boxer begins to move slower and slouch compared to the crisp movements of a fresh fighter. Outside of the ring, the crowd and arena are both up to par, but with the beauty inside the ring, chances are you will not spend much time noticing. The only major drawbacks graphically would be the annoying fact that the fighter's bodies seem to be identical to each other and the instant replay of knockdown punches are a little iffy. While the slow motion sound effects and graphics in general are superb, you can't help but notice that sometimes the punches that knock you or your opponent down don't seem to land very cleanlyЕ perhaps Don King promotes your fights? This is only a minor drawback and is not always the case as clean shots are landed a majority of the time.

EA has also successfully revamped the controls for Knockout Kings 2002. You will immediately be able to tell the difference between this and previous versions of the game. Whether you are dodging punches, retreating, or moving towards your opponent, the left thumbstick is used to control your boxer's motions. Overall, this system works nicely. You will however occasionally be caught in an awkward position, as it can be hard to move to the left or right of your opponent. Using less force on the left thumbstick, you can also make your boxer duck, weave, and bob to avoid your opponents; this can also be difficult to master, but wisely EA has put an option in allowing you to control the thumbstick's sensitivity. Blocking punches (by using the left trigger) can be tricky as well, but like the other controls in this game, you should be able to improve your success with some practice. Throwing punches on the other hand has never been easier. The controls are quick and responsive yet very simple in nature to use. You will find yourself planning jab, cross, and uppercut combos rather than simply slamming the buttons and hoping to get lucky.

Another nice feature is your cornerman, who stays quiet for the most part, will kindly let you know what you need to do, such as attack or retreat, from time to time. This also holds true to a lesser degree for the commentators who despite the unavoidable repetition, never seem to become bothersome.

EA has created 3 modes of boxing (exhibition, career and tournament) to keep you entertained. Although it seems a tad underdone in that there could have been more boxers available to choose from (unfortunately, it looks as if you will not be seeing Roy Jones Jr. versus Bernard Hopkins in real life or Knockout Kings 2002), the career mode will take up a majority of your solo game playing time. Possibly because of the MIA status of a few of the more prominent fighters, creating a boxer seems to be a far more enjoyable option then picking a professional from EA's roster (plus it is always nice to see yourself knock Oscar De La Hoya out for making that ridiculous music album). You are allowed a limited amount of room as far as what your boxer will look like facially and no choice for the body type, but you are given ample options concerning the rest of your boxer's accessories and profile.

Easily the most enjoyable aspect of Knockout Kings 2002 is the multi-player option. Like most other fighting games, this is the games' Уbread and butterФ. You will surely find you and your friends talking smack and taunting each other after landing viscous combinations as you set up a tournament to put an end to the relentless bickering about who truly is the toughest. With the tournament option, it is not impossible for a group of friends to spend the entire day boxing on Xbox.