Summary
- Release Year: 2003
- Genres: Fighting, Sport
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
- Developers: Digital Fiction
- Publishers: Majesco Entertainment
Black & Bruised: A Knockout Boxing Game
Released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, Black & Bruised is a cartoonish take on boxing with a unique cel-shaded art style and a roster of 18 different boxers, each with their own personality and fighting style. The game features five different modes, including a story mode, exhibition mode, multiplayer mode, survival mode, and a training mode.
Gameplay
Black & Bruised’s gameplay is simple yet addictive. Players control one of the 18 boxers and must use a combination of punches, blocks, and dodges to defeat their opponent. The game’s controls are easy to learn, but difficult to master, and the AI opponents provide a challenging experience, even for experienced boxing game players.
One of the things that sets Black & Bruised apart from other boxing games is its unique cel-shaded art style. The game’s characters and environments are all rendered in a cartoonish style that gives the game a unique look and feel. The cel-shaded graphics also help to make the game’s action more visually appealing.
Another thing that sets Black & Bruised apart from other boxing games is its focus on realism. The game’s physics engine is very realistic, and the boxers move and fight in a very realistic way. The game also features a variety of different punches and combinations, which allows players to create their own unique fighting style.
Boxers
Black & Bruised features a roster of 18 different boxers, each with their own unique personality and fighting style. The boxers are divided into three weight classes: lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight.
Some of the most popular boxers in the game include:
- Jack “The Ripper” Dempsey: A heavyweight boxer with a powerful punch and a mean streak.
- Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis: A middleweight boxer with a fast and accurate jab.
- Sugar Ray Robinson: A lightweight boxer with incredible speed and agility.
- Muhammad Ali: A heavyweight boxer with a legendary career and a unique fighting style.
Modes
Black & Bruised features five different modes:
- Story Mode: In story mode, players can create their own boxer and take them through a series of fights, each with its own unique story. The story mode is a great way to learn the game’s controls and mechanics, and it also provides a lot of replayability.
- Exhibition Mode: In exhibition mode, players can choose two boxers and fight against each other in a single match. Exhibition mode is a great way to practice your skills and try out different boxers.
- Multiplayer Mode: In multiplayer mode, two players can fight against each other on the same console. Multiplayer mode is a great way to challenge your friends and family.
- Survival Mode: In survival mode, players must fight against a never-ending stream of opponents. Survival mode is a great way to test your skills and see how long you can last.
- Training Mode: In training mode, players can practice their punches, blocks, and dodges against a computer-controlled opponent. Training mode is a great way to learn the game’s controls and mechanics.
Reception
Black & Bruised was met with positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised the game’s unique art style, realistic gameplay, and challenging AI opponents. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Black & Bruised is considered to be one of the best boxing games ever made. The game’s unique art style, realistic gameplay, and challenging AI opponents have made it a favorite among boxing fans. The game has also been praised for its focus on realism, which has helped to make it a more accurate simulation of the sport of boxing.
Conclusion
Black & Bruised is a knockout boxing game that is sure to please fans of the sport. The game’s unique art style, realistic gameplay, and challenging AI opponents make it one of the best boxing games ever made. Whether you’re a seasoned boxing game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Black & Bruised is a game that you should definitely check out.
Review Score
7/10
