Knockout Kings 2002
- March 06, 2002 00:00 AM PST
Knockout Kings 2002 slugs its way to the Xbox.
Black Ops has taken a good hard look at what Empire Interactive�s Victorious Boxers did right and applied it to EA�s boxing franchise in Knockout Kings 2002. Utilizing an entirely new game engine, fantastic boxer models, and addicting gameplay, and eliminating last year�s painfully slow between-round load times, Knockout Kings 2002 is light years ahead of last year�s lackluster offering and a true next-generation boxing game�even if it is a little too easy.Knockout Kings� presentation is culled directly from VB�gone are health bars and stamina meters, and instead fighters will sweat, bruise, and bleed as they take damage. They�ll move, punch, and dodge slower as well. If your brawler is getting hurt or tired, the controller will vibrate softly and increase in intensity as you suffer more damage. The pugilistic action now takes place on a completely 3D plane, and boxers can roam freely around the ring. Though the developers have implemented a solid alignment feature to keep fighters facing each other at all times, you�ll still spend much of your time repositioning yourself as opponents can get in the camera�s view and obscure the action.
The control scheme has also received a complete overhaul. A full push with the left analog stick will maneuver your fighter around the ring, while a slight tap will make him bob and weave. This is a fantastic use of the capabilities of the analog stick, and mastering its nuances, which isn�t easy due to a deep learning curve, is a joy in itself. The gameplay is extremely fast-paced and addicting, but a bit too simple. The defensive A.I. is pretty weak, especially in the lower difficulties, and it�s too easy to button-mash your way through the game.
The boxer models are simply awesome, and though each fighter�s musculature is a bit on the �bermensch side, skin tones and facial features look fantastic, while the punching animations blend together smoothly. Knockout Kings 2002 also boasts great sound effects�punches explode like shotgun cracks, while the cheering crowds get your blood boiling. The commentaries, however, can get a bit repetitive after a few matches, but are nevertheless accurate and humorous.
Though it�s not as scientifically challenging as Victorious Boxers, Knockout Kings 2002 is still a vast improvement over the last one and a satisfyingly addictive slugfest for pro boxing fans.
