Knockout Kings 2002
Xbox- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release Date: Mar 4, 2002
- Also On: PlayStation 2
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
All said and done, Knockout Kings 2002 does not have a contender in sight, leaving it as the definite king of the ring.
-
The most intense and realistic boxing simulation ever created thanks to its deep and challenging game play, responsive controls, cutting-edge visuals, and something not enough boxing games have: emotion.
-
The franchise has made such a graphical leap on the Xbox that it barely looks related to KK2001 that came out last year for the PS2...a flat out fun boxing title.
-
Game InformerA marked improvement over the Playstation 2 version, with buffed-up character models, faster action, and more responsive analog-stick control. [Apr 2002, p.83]
-
Responsive controls, great graphics, and a control scheme that offers players a phenomenal amount of control over the fighters in the game.
-
Yes Knockout Kings 2002 might be more considered a button masher/arcade game than a strategic sim, but bottom line, it’s one enjoyable game.
-
Still the best thing out there...Hopefully the developers will make next year's version less arcade-like and implement more simulation aspects that take advantage of the fine engine.
-
This version is essentially identical to its highly acclaimed PS2 counterpart with a few visual enhancements, sadly though this version shares the PS2's excruciatingly long load times.
-
Official Xbox MagazineWhat makes this game so much fun is the pure speed and power. [May 2002, p.80]
-
Though it's not as scientifically challenging as Victorious Boxers, KK 2002 is still a vast improvement over the last one and a satisfyingly addictive slugfest for pro boxing fans.
-
Our only regret is that George Foreman isn't in the game. Apparently he's too busy hocking his new grill to bother bringing his fat ass into the game for a good ol' fashioned digital butt-whuppin'.
-
This game is definitely for the multiplayer and that's what makes it enjoyable. If you're looking for solo-play action then you definitely need to look elsewhere.
-
Visually the game is competent, but having seen the PS2 version, we were disappointed to discover that this Xbox port looks nigh on identical.
-
Electronic Gaming MonthlyFacial animations and motion-captured movement create eerily lifelike boxers. You can even see real-time reflections in the sweat on the boxers' backs – creepy. [Apr 2002, p.143]
-
A good game, but in a world where only "great" games are worthy of taking your money, "good" just isn't good enough.
-
Xbox Nation MagazineBrawls eschew any sort of skill and are won by the pugilist who lands the most punches in the least amount of time. [Summer 2002, p.92]
-
netjakOne of the biggest downfalls of Knockout Kings is the mundane and boring audio track.
-
The game becomes nothing more than a button masher.
-
If they wanted to make a realistic and fun boxer then they’ve fallen short. I’m not sure which they were shooting for. And that’s the problem.
-
The lack of modes is also surprising given the EA SPORTS name and the company's previous pugilistic pursuits, with one of the most basic career modes found in a boxing game and limited create player options.
Awards & Rankings
|
49
|
|
|
91
|
#91 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2002
|
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 6 out of 8
-
Mixed: 0 out of 8
-
Negative: 2 out of 8
-
JeffA.Mar 26, 2003This is an excellent choice if your looking for a fun Xbox boxing game. There is no competition.
-
JesseS.Jan 8, 2003
-
J.C.Jul 15, 2002