K-1 Touches Down Stateside

Konami grants us a small peek at K-1 World Grand Prix, latest in what's becoming a very crowded martial-arts fighting genre.

UFC and Pride FC too brutal for you? Want something a little more visceral than boxing, but still with enough rules that the fighters don't end each match crawling around the mat like two lovesick ferrets? Then K-1 is likely what you need. A forum for "full-contact mixed martial arts," K-1 World Grand Prix (WGP) is one of the many fighting leagues that crisscross the airwaves of late-night Japanese TV?unfortunately, we haven't seen a game covering it since the PlayStation era. Thanks to Konami, though, the league's getting a quick re-introduction to the American gaming public. Nice of 'em.

The PlayStation 2 version of K-1 WGP, due to hit the States July 8 for $39.99, features over 20 pro fighters beating each other up over seven different game modes, including the usual exhibition, championship and character-raising games. The control system is simple enough for anyone used to boxing titles?you have two punch buttons, two kick buttons, and a couple of dodge and combo functions assigned to the shoulder keys. You choose between types of attacks with the thumbstick while pressing buttons, although some moves are only allowed when you're at a certain distance from your opponent. Using this control, it's possible to wear down your opponent where he's weakest?the game's got a regional body damage system that makes scoring a KO more than just wildly flailing away.

We'll have more info on this title for you as the release date draws nearer?in the meantime, take a look at these preview screens.

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