Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 19
  2. Negative: 5 out of 19
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  1. A nice change of pace for fighting games. Only downside we see is the number of combos you would have to memorize, but that would all come in time and repetition of gameplay.
  2. 80
    Black & Bruised isn’t "Knockout Kings," but it doesn’t try to be, and it certainly doesn’t have to be. All it has to be is fun and engaging, and on those levels, Black & Bruised succeeds.
  3. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    The best part is that some jittery-fingered button-masher won't necessarily win. You actually have to box. That's something the arcadey "Ready 2 Rumble" couldn't figure out. [Apr 2003, p.84]
  4. Game Informer
    75
    A jovial romp of fisticuffs, also known as a decent boxing game. [Mar 2003, p.83]
  5. Cheat Code Central
    70
    The game has a lot of charm and humor and the most important thing is it is fun to play.
  6. Play Magazine
    70
    While each individual boxer's signature music is entirely in tune with their caricature, the stage music is mostly limp and repetitive, a strange turn of events in an otherwise nicely polished game. [Mar 2003, p.50]
  7. A fun arcade-style boxing game that casual gamers will find entertaining for awhile.
  8. 66
    For a game with a cartoonish bent and over-the-top character design, the gameplay seems a bit under-the-top at times.
  9. Zany and often hilariously fun, Black & Bruised comes in strong and looses its steam way before the final round.
  10. 64
    A fun party game that casual gamers and first-time players will enjoy. Simulation and diehard boxing fans? Well, this game is not for you. No, not at all.
  11. There simply isn’t lots to do once all the fighters have been unlocked and the stories for each virtual fighter have been experienced.
  12. While the game does have a solid number of modes, the gameplay seems to be too repetitive and lacks strategy that other games have.
  13. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    55
    The most frustrating thing about Bruised is that, to be successful, you've either got to memorize a lot of combos or just mash and hope for the best. [Apr 2003, p.111]
  14. GMR Magazine
    50
    Bruised offers a motley band of pugilists (a pry Irishman, a fat convict, etc.) and the opportunity to win every brawl by randomly jamming on buttons. [Apr 2003, p.72]
  15. With nothing beyond the gameplay to support it, and weak gameplay at that, I can’t recommend Black & Bruised.
  16. TotalGames.net
    45
    All the young pretender could do was look prettier, and show off his facial damage. No contest. He got a damn good beasting that day, and every day there after.
  17. The control system is well thought out with each button throwing a particular punch, but forget any tactical or statistical considerations before entering the ring.
  18. 40
    Control is also woefully imprecise, to the point where combos can seem time-delayed a second or more.
  19. PSM Magazine
    30
    The real problem is the gameplay itself. Stiff, unresponsive, and devoid of any real skill or purpose, a typical session of B&B quickly degenerates into a contest as to who can tap the buttons before the other guy. [Mar 2003, p.42]
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 3 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 1 out of 1
  1. BanditG.
    May 11, 2003
    2
    Awful.