Rocky

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
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  1. GameZone
    91
    The sounds of gloves hitting faces gives off a satisfying smack, and body blows have a painful thudding sound to them.
  2. TotalGames.net
    90
    It’s a great game with visual flair and an immense depth of gameplay that recreates the “Sweet Science” perfectly.
  3. Gamers' Temple
    84
    A winner with at least majority decision, if not a knockout.
  5. Cinescape
    83
    To our delight, Rage has done a wonderful job of putting the movie into game form, and at the same time has made a game that is actually good.
  6. IGN
    83
    Capturing the spirit of the films more closely than few movie-licensed videogames before it, Rage Software's stab at the Italian Stallion is every bit a masterpiece that the movies were.
  7. Play Magazine
    80
    The facial damage system is spectacular. You can actually see the damage you're inflicting on your opponent. Yo Adrianne! This game rocks! [Jan 2003, p.85]
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  8. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    Features the premiere boxing engine on PS2. [Jan 2003, p.130]
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  9. Gamer's Pulse
    76
    The game is a fairly realistic boxing sim. It pretty much it boils down to this: if you liked the acclaimed Rocky series, you’re sure to like this title, but if you never cared for it, you’ll probably hate it.
  10. GameSpy
    74
    Unfortunately, for PS2 owners, a vicious beat-down is delivered by the GameCube's less blurry, less angular crowds, and it wins by a split decision.
  11. PSX Nation
    70
    Few licensed videogames have captured the essence of their source material as well as Rage Software has captured the heart and soul, not to mention the over-the-top style of the boxing matches, that makes a “Rocky” movie click.
  12. PSM Magazine
    70
    The control and gameplay aren't great, but they're good enough for fans of the license. [Holiday 2002, p.54]
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  13. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    We have to deduct points for the game's flaccid fighting engine, which looks awfully similar to "Ready to Rumble Boxing" and becomes repetitive after about three bouts. [15 Nov 2002, p.144]
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  14. All Game Guide
    60
    With improved animation, a more robust career, and a better choice of modes, it could have easily been a knockout instead of a contender.
  15. GameSpot
    55
    Completely spoiled by a few major problems, the worst of which makes it possible to get by opponents using only one button.

Awards & Rankings

82
#82 Best PS2 Game of 2002
46
#46 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. Karge
    Feb 21, 2023
    4
    Genuinely difficult when set to Normal difficulty and above. A true "southern paw" is needed to succeed in this frightening metropolis. ThereGenuinely difficult when set to Normal difficulty and above. A true "southern paw" is needed to succeed in this frightening metropolis. There are some hilarious throwbacks to the original flicks, but little replay value aside from skill-based horseplay-addled offline multiplayer experiences. Rocky shines. Rocky dazzles; and there is little that can mitigate his path to glory. Bonus Props: The original theme serves as the backbone for what is a roller coaster through the annals of Rockwell's history as a famous Philadelphile, where exclusive "Behind the Scenes" videos are unlocked and memories relived for the greater good. Press R2 to cut Mickey down to size.… Full Review »
  2. NoahB.
    Jun 24, 2004
    10
    I'd give this a 100. But it's 1-10 .ApolloCreed iz da' man!!!
  3. Ben
    Dec 5, 2003
    10
    Sylvester Stallone is not only the single greatest actor to ever exist, but has written and directed the greatest movie series in the history Sylvester Stallone is not only the single greatest actor to ever exist, but has written and directed the greatest movie series in the history of mankind. This game is a hard-hitting, Stallone powered machine that never stops running. The best movie has become a game...… Full Review »
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