Welcome to the sweet science of virtual fisticuffs! Knockout Kings 2001 steps into the ring as the latest contender in the fabled boxing franchise from EA Sports. Sporting a roster packed with legends and current stars alike, this game is all about big punches, larger egos, and the thrill of victory (or the agony of defeat, if you're a poor soul who picks the wrong fighter). Let's dive into the nuances of this roundhouse extravaganza and see if it can still hold its punches in the crowded boxing genre.
Knockout Kings 2001 expands its roster from the previous edition significantly, bringing in 40 boxers to choose from. This list includes illustrious legends like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and those still dancing around in the ring today, such as Lennox Lewis and Shane Mosley. But that's not all, for the first time in the series, it features the tough ladies of boxing too! Fight like a girl now includes notorious names like Mia St. John and Christy Martin. Not your average brawler, you can create your own character as well, which is something that every aspiring knockout artist dreams of! When it comes to punches thrown, expect a bevy of standard icons like jabs and uppercuts, but don't be afraid to play dirty! Low blows, elbows, and head butts are fair game. The game's commentary adds a touch of authenticity: our hosts include Al Bernstein and Max Kellerman, who sound like they've spent the evening at a pub right before commentating. And let's not forget the famous referee Mills Lane, who seems to have stepped straight out of a bout in Vegas. It's a veritable aural feast for boxing fans! However, gameplay does present some challenges, as the control scheme might feel about as fluid as a body in a drunken boxing match. While you can perform a dazzling array of moves, effectively chaining them together without a hiccup feels almost like trying to do ballroom dancing in a mosh pit. Time to master those controls and hope for the best as you pretend to be the next Rocky Balboa!
Upon loading up Knockout Kings 2001, you might notice that the graphics feel like they've punched above their weight class. The boxers are well-modeled, and the arenas feel alive-not in a haunted way, but more like a bouncy, lively atmosphere with cheers echoing the legends of the ring. You'll find yourself dazzled by how the sweat drips off the fighters and the sound of thunderous applause! But remember, it's still a PlayStation game, so temper those expectations a tad. It's not quite PlayStation 2 level, but it gets the job done for some intense button-smashing showdown.
In the end, Knockout Kings 2001 isn't just a game; it's a playground for those who crave a boxing fix. While it may not roll out the shiny innovations you might have been hoping for, it does enough to keep old fans returning while enticing newcomers to step into the ring. Sure, there are flaws-clunky controls can take the wind out of some competitive sails, and a lack of fresh features might leave you feeling like you've seen this fight a million times before-but there's enough here to deliver hours of fun, especially when you're looking to settle local rivalries. So grab your controller, lace up those virtual gloves, and get ready to dance with the toughest pixelated opponents the PlayStation has to offer. Knockout Kings 2001 might just be the matchup you didn't know you were looking for-_just remember to duck those body blows and keep your chin tucked in._