DESCRIPTION

The Nintendo 64's first boxing game has you fighting inside the ring as one of 25 professional boxers from three different weight classes: lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight. Rather than solely relying on fighters from the 1990s, Knockout Kings 2000 offers some of the most prolific champions from years past, including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Larry Holmes. Each fighter is modeled after his professional counterpart with realistic facial features and unique combinations that mirror those used in actual bouts.

The game is played from a default third-person view as you move your polygonal boxer around one of eight rings, many of which are based on authentic venues such as Caesars Palace or the Great Western Forum. Movement around the ring is accomplished using the analog stick, with basic jabs initiated by pressing the blue and green buttons. By pushing the analog stick in one of four directions while tapping a button, players can throw more advanced punches like haymakers, uppercuts, and cross body blows.

Two game modes are available for one or two players: Career and Slugfest. Slugfest is an arcade-style take on the sport with no rules or referees. Each boxer can throw powerful "super punches" after stringing together successful combinations. Career mode lets you create a custom boxer and begin fighting as a 20th ranked palooka. Bouts against higher ranked opponents will earn your boxer points to improve his standing. In between fights, your boxer can train to improve his power, speed, and stamina. Once you successfully win a title fight, the game doesn't end — you'll have to defend it from upstarts looking to become the next champion of the world. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide