If there is a faster paced game anywhere on the market you would be hard pressed to find it. This rock 'em sock 'em boxing game keeps delivering and delivering delivering! You don’t have to be a boxing fan to enjoy this game for hours on end. If you are thinking of only buying one action game this year this has to be the one you buy. Trust me, you will not regret it for a minute.

The graphics are absolutely magnificent in this game with everything from a bruised eye to a missing tooth. Each well placed punch lands with a resounding crack and you can feel the sweat as your opponent comes swinging. Your choice of fighters is vast to say the least. Each fighter comes with his own strengths as well as personality so you never experience that repetitive feeling which so often accompanies a boxing game. My favorite has to be Lulu Valentine. This is one woman who you never mistake for a hearts and roses type of gal.

If you decide to go one on one with the game you are given two choices of play here. Arcade or championship. While Arcade has all the feel of an actual arcade game and by winning enough games you are treated to boxers Michael Jackson or even a Shaquille O’Neal. This is really a nice touch to the game. The championship mode though is  where you really get a better feel of the game and all it has to offer. In the Championship mode you get to train the player, which adds a whole new dimension to the game itself. The training gym has everything from jumping rope to punching bags. Keep an eye on the Sway bag, the 3D effects of the bag is something else.

The training will cost you though so make sure you win as many title bouts as you can to earn the money to pay for it. Remember that you want to get as high into the rankings as you can. Another great effect to look out for is the boxers’ gloves when they earn the words RUMBLE. They glow and you can feel the juice flowing through them. Remember though that your opponent is also working for the word and the power it gives him. This game is one of those rare cases where it crosses so many lines of game genres. Whether you are a sports fan or challenge and skill, this is one game that will deliver on all fronts.

Install: N/A

Gameplay: 10
Gameplaying just does not get any better than this. Fast and action packed from the moment you turn the game on makes this one of those games where you just keep coming back for more. You get a wide variety of fighters to choose from and each one with a distinct personality as well as strength and weakness. This allows you to choose the style of play you want instead of just randomly given one. The training gym has its own unique skill challenge and keeps you on your toes as you get your fighter whipped into shape.   

Graphics: 10
The graphics are of the have to see to believe nature. Instead of just giving the fighters’ blanket looks which makes them indistinguishable from each other, this game has given each one a total and complete look which lets you know without doubt who is who. The look of the ring could not be anymore realistic nor even the audience themselves. From a clenched jaw to a rippling leg muscle the definition is perfectly detailed.   

Sound: 10
Sound on a game has never been better than this one. Never before has a crowd cheering or a fighter taunting been so realistic. The sound of a punch being thrown and landing square on a chin makes you feel as if you are actually throwing the punch yourself. The excellent quality really gets you into the game as a participant and not just player.

Difficulty: 10
There are enough fighters to choose from to give you different level of challenge. Each fighter will come complete with his or her own strengths which you can beef up or weakness which you can train out so that the difficulty challenge is on an even par throughout the game. No matter whom you decide to go with the difficulty remains consistent from one fighter to another.     

Concept: 9.0
The concept of a boxing game is not new but this game has brought it to new heights. The realism you find in almost every area of the game sets this one apart from any other similar games on the market. It uses every aspect of technology available and uses it to the hilt.  

Multiplayer: 10
The two player mode really gives this game a whole new dimension and makes the game even more challenging. It is almost like a totally different game with all the pluses of one player with added bonuses.

Overall: 10
This is one game where you find yourself interacting with every swing, punch and KO. One of the most interactive games on the market. It gives you feeling of wanting to win with the perfect combination of strategy and skill.