Ready 2 Rumble
- January 01, 2000 00:00 AM PST
Midway takes fantasy boxing to new heights with Ready 2 Rumble. It's the undisputed champ of boxing games, with a fast, funny style and some heavyweight graphics.
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In This Corner
Ready 2 Rumble was the darling of the last E3, with stunning graphics and hilarious game play. In RTR you play as one of twenty boxers with very distinct personalities, from the clubber "Butcher" Brown, to the diminutive but deadly Lulu Valentine. Each boxer comes equipped with a series of punches, two high and two low. There's also a system of blocks that you utilize by holding on to the triggers. The blocks, dodges, bobs, and weaves are essential to the game play -- although the game is a fun basher, button-mashing won't pull the punches you need to win.
When you succesfully land a hard punch, or counter a punch with a more powerful one, you register a letter in the word R-U-M-B-L-E. Once all the letters are registered you can trigger a super series of punches with powered-up gloves that rip through an opponent like fat kids rip through fried foods.
Graphically, the game is the Rocky of all boxing games. You won't see smoother moving, faster-hitting characters in any brawler around. Each character has specific moves, so a martial artist like Jet "Iron" Chin may have a blistering set of kung-fu chops, while the sprightly Afro Thunder is all quick jabs and fancy footwork. Either way, the moves are presented brightly and clearly, with no slowdown and zero breakup. There's even a variety of camera angles to employ, so you can play a match from several different views. The detail is displayed in the fighters faces as well. You'll see more black eyes and broken teeth than at a Scottish soccer match.
Sockie Talkie
The sound revolves mainly around Michael Buffer's infamous "Let's get ready to ruuuuuummmbbllleee!" slogan. Besides that, some hilarious cornermen audio ("No one's going to punch him for you!") and some of the funniest taunts (like Afro's "I can't go on!) add humor to the game. Every thud of the glove is also crystal clear.
Control is masterful and easy. There's no practice mode because you won't really need one -- this game is as pick-up-and-play as you'll ever get. The analog stick handles the movement around the ring perfectly, while the buttons are easy to reach and configured perfectly.
The Undisputed Heavyweight
Did you like Punch Out and Super Punch Out when they debuted a few ago? Ready to Rumble is far and away better than those two games, and one of the most fun boxing games you'll ever find. The only flaw you may find is that the game is easy to beat, and once you're done, you're done. Want realism? Buy Knockout Kings. Want something fun and playable? Ready to Rumble is the king of the ring.
