GetDotted Domains

Viewing Thread:
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it..for fu-"

The "General Games Chat" forum, which includes Retro Game Reviews, has been archived and is now read-only. You cannot post here or create a new thread or review on this forum.

Sat 04/05/02 at 01:49
Regular
Posts: 787
Knockout Kings from EA.
I love that series of games, and the 2002 edition came out today on Xbox.
Same as the PS2 but with better graphics and enhanced stuff.
So I bought it.
Worst game ever.
Biggest disappointment ever.
Almost as bad as getting Smackdown:Just Bring It.

The only complaint about the previous KO Kings was the control method. A bit sluggish. They fixed that by using the same control method as Victorious Boxers (basically faster and more flowing).
Except they completely changed the guts of the game. Until the 2002 one, KO Kings had been a very good simulation of boxing. You could jab and uppercut, dance in and weave, take your time picking at their defence until they had worn down and then wade in for the final flurry to ensure victory.

Exhibition was excellent, me and a mate fighting each other to learn the controls. Graphics are stunning with real-time damaged inflicted on their faces, slo-mo knockout replays, sweat forming in front of your eyes...stunning in ever regards.
"Best game ever" was the comment made in a Simpsons Comic-Store-Guy voice.
So then to the career mode.
So far so good, choose it all and begin.
Amusing cut-scenes with a mafia-type bloke as your manager.

1st fight.
Something is odd here. I'm being beaten, badly.
Hmmm, well it's the 1st go so that's expected.
Try again, get beaten again.
This isn't right, I'm good at these games.
Then we figure out what's wrong.

Gameplay has been radically altered.
Instead of a sim-type, strategic boxing game? It's an arcade-style slugfest.
Your opponent just keeps coming at you relentlessly, you have to continually back away.
There's zero skill involved anymore. No tactics at all.
You just stand there, without moving and mash the buttons as fast as possible.
Sometimes you'll win, mostly you'll lose.

It sucks.

You can't use any strategy, can't move in for the jab before backing away and waiting for your opening before hitting again.
Nope, from the get-go, the opponent is always, always running at you without any break in his stride and no pause between punches.
It's just BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM until one of you falls over.
If I wanted this type of game, I'd buy bloody Tekken.
But I expected the same as before, tactical boxing, using your head to use whatever shots might work, create an opening and exploit it with repeated punchings.
Not on the 2002 version though, I experimented by leaving the pad on the floor and mashing the keys with the palm of my hand without looking at the screen.
I won.
4 times.
A**e.

Why do this? Why completely alter the style of gameplay and remove any and all traces of sim?
If they had just left it be, this would be a fantastic game. As it stands, you get no chance to do anything but back-off and press any of the buttons as fast as possible.

Rubbish and if you like boxing games or are a fan of the previous Knockout Kings series, this is going to leave a bad taste in your mouth.
I'm returning it tomorrow and getting something else.
Something good.
Damn you EA for screwing with the basic gaming fundamentals and creating a stupid button-mashing game.
Sat 04/05/02 at 01:59
Regular
"everyone says it"
Posts: 14,738
EA are the Kings of Bastardness in the game making world. Probably the reason for those Knockout King 2002 changes is that it was a hell of a lot easier to make with the 'button bashing' style then carry on with the original 'decent' tactics style controlling.

Furthur EA games this year include:

'EA - After the WorldCup'
'EA - 2006 Qualify'

I hate EA. With passion.
Sat 04/05/02 at 01:49
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
Knockout Kings from EA.
I love that series of games, and the 2002 edition came out today on Xbox.
Same as the PS2 but with better graphics and enhanced stuff.
So I bought it.
Worst game ever.
Biggest disappointment ever.
Almost as bad as getting Smackdown:Just Bring It.

The only complaint about the previous KO Kings was the control method. A bit sluggish. They fixed that by using the same control method as Victorious Boxers (basically faster and more flowing).
Except they completely changed the guts of the game. Until the 2002 one, KO Kings had been a very good simulation of boxing. You could jab and uppercut, dance in and weave, take your time picking at their defence until they had worn down and then wade in for the final flurry to ensure victory.

Exhibition was excellent, me and a mate fighting each other to learn the controls. Graphics are stunning with real-time damaged inflicted on their faces, slo-mo knockout replays, sweat forming in front of your eyes...stunning in ever regards.
"Best game ever" was the comment made in a Simpsons Comic-Store-Guy voice.
So then to the career mode.
So far so good, choose it all and begin.
Amusing cut-scenes with a mafia-type bloke as your manager.

1st fight.
Something is odd here. I'm being beaten, badly.
Hmmm, well it's the 1st go so that's expected.
Try again, get beaten again.
This isn't right, I'm good at these games.
Then we figure out what's wrong.

Gameplay has been radically altered.
Instead of a sim-type, strategic boxing game? It's an arcade-style slugfest.
Your opponent just keeps coming at you relentlessly, you have to continually back away.
There's zero skill involved anymore. No tactics at all.
You just stand there, without moving and mash the buttons as fast as possible.
Sometimes you'll win, mostly you'll lose.

It sucks.

You can't use any strategy, can't move in for the jab before backing away and waiting for your opening before hitting again.
Nope, from the get-go, the opponent is always, always running at you without any break in his stride and no pause between punches.
It's just BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM-BAM until one of you falls over.
If I wanted this type of game, I'd buy bloody Tekken.
But I expected the same as before, tactical boxing, using your head to use whatever shots might work, create an opening and exploit it with repeated punchings.
Not on the 2002 version though, I experimented by leaving the pad on the floor and mashing the keys with the palm of my hand without looking at the screen.
I won.
4 times.
A**e.

Why do this? Why completely alter the style of gameplay and remove any and all traces of sim?
If they had just left it be, this would be a fantastic game. As it stands, you get no chance to do anything but back-off and press any of the buttons as fast as possible.

Rubbish and if you like boxing games or are a fan of the previous Knockout Kings series, this is going to leave a bad taste in your mouth.
I'm returning it tomorrow and getting something else.
Something good.
Damn you EA for screwing with the basic gaming fundamentals and creating a stupid button-mashing game.

Freeola & GetDotted are rated 5 Stars

Check out some of our customer reviews below:

10/10
Over the years I've become very jaded after many bad experiences with customer services, you have bucked the trend. Polite and efficient from the Freeola team, well done to all involved.
Top-notch internet service
Excellent internet service and customer service. Top-notch in replying to my comments.
Duncan

View More Reviews

Need some help? Give us a call on 01376 55 60 60

Go to Support Centre

It appears you are using an old browser, as such, some parts of the Freeola and Getdotted site will not work as intended. Using the latest version of your browser, or another browser such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Opera will provide a better, safer browsing experience for you.