Knockout Kings 2001 Critic Reviews

It is without a doubt the best sim-style boxing game on the PS2, and it makes "Ready 2 Rumble 2" look even sillier. But if you're expecting or are looking for a Rumble type game, steer clear of this title.

Just a notch below eternal greatness.

Absolutely outstanding, but there's still room for improvement.

A thoroughly enjoyable two-player game knocked down by an over-too-soon Career mode.

The game is virtually a carbon copy of the PSX version. However, the AI and control was tweaked just a wee bit in the positive direction.

Playing in career mode is deep and truly teaches and trains you to box better, and the Fantasy Fights are perfect for fans of boxing who have always imagined boxing as their idols.

If you own a previous version of Knockout Kings, there isn't a whole lot new going on other than the graphics. It is very rough in places and misses a lot of the intricacies sport of boxing, but it is one of those games that keeps you coming back for more.

If you're a fan of the sweet science, pick up a copy of KO Kings for the PS2 you won't regret it.

The speed, responses, combination moves and array of fighting styles intertwine to present a tactical beat-’em-up with enough edge to coax even the most-hardened arcade junkies out of their smoke-caked games dens.

The graphics in this game are awe-inspiring, breathtaking, and at times you might find yourself ducking to avoid a punch from the onscreen opponent you're trying to defeat.

Touches gloves and starts swinging with terrific controls and deep, exciting gameplay. It's too bad that the lackluster graphics and sounds prevent it from becoming a truly memorable champion.

While the game is identical to the PS One version gameplay wise, the updated graphics are sweet enough to justify having and owning both versions.

By far the best simulation of boxing to date. Spectacular visuals, addictive, rewarding gameplay and the inclusion of many boxing greats are just the tip of a sparkling iceberg.

A no-nonsense boxing sim, which means that if you're dog-tired, you may have to go an entire round without throwing a punch just to get your wind back. This may seem ho-hum to "Street Fighter EX 3" fans, but for the hardcore boxing crowd, this degree of realism is the next best thing to a title unification bout.

Yeah, as far as games of the genre go, this is excellent.

Most definitely in the same vein as other EA Sports titles like "FIFA 2001" and "NHL 2001," but nowhere near the almost perfect stature of "Madden 2001."

Unfortunately, like too many EA Sports PS2 titles, the game feels like a polished-up version of an older PSX game, rather than an innovative new title.

Knockout Kings 2001 is more of a hitting simulation than a boxing simulation, which is a complete turnoff for die-hard boxing fans who want realism.