Fun boxing game (Ready 2 Rumble Boxing (DC))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Ready 2 Rumble Boxing (DC)
Date:	03/09/09 (2 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great graphics and characters

Disadvantages: Gameplay isn't entirely balanced

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing is an extremely fun, cartoon-style boxing game that's something of a response to the numerous franchise titles released around the same time, such as EA's Knockout Kings. This game has absolute no pretension at all towards authenticity or realism, both as it relates to gameplay and visuals, and instead focuses purely on being fun, off the wall, and very crazy!

The most famous character is without a doubt Afro Thunder, a Jimi Hendrix lookalike who can deliver lightning fast punches, and is probably the best fighter in the game if you're new to the game (although picking things up takes very little time indeed). However, there is a plethora of colourful fighters of different shapes and sizes, meaning there's something for everyone!

During fights, your progress will be measured by a RUMBLE meter at the bottom of the screen. With each strong hit, you will get an extra letter, and when you have the entire word, you will be able to perform special moves and essentially become invincible for a temporary period. It can be argued that this isn't a particularly balanced element of the game, because it's basically curtains if your opponent gets it first, but if you're skilled enough, you can evade and even defend against it.

Harnessing the power of the Dreamcast, this game visually blows away any competing boxing games of the time - whilst not trying to be realistic, it has a fully realised artistic style, and perhaps most impressively, the damage on your boxer's face shows up throughout the fight, as he swells and bruises.

The game was a considerable hit, unsurprisingly, and did enough business to garner a sequel (which had Michael Jackson as an unlockable character!). With superb, cartoony visuals, fun gameplay, and a range of well-designed characters, this is one of the most fun and exciting games on the Dreamcast.

Summary: A whole lot of fun