| Introduction
Like platformers, fighting games of all types are
well represented on the GBA and this is actually the
second of the Ready 2 Rumble series to grace a handheld
system. A sequel will always promise gaming aspects
and improved playability absent from the first version
and Midway's press release says exactly that. I have
played the first version and found it reasonably entertaining
but this was less to do with the fact that I'd picked
it off the shelf and more to do with a huge Afro clad
boxer placing a preview copy in my hand. The knockout
question is; does this have the gameplay and features
to warrant the release of yet another boxing title?
Seconds away, Round 1...
GamePlay
The first thing that's apparent about this title
is that the developers have set out to provide a gaming
mode for every type of player so although three main
options are available via the menu there's also the
ability to tweak the actual matches so that they are
just how you want them. This includes the number of
rounds, how long they'll last for and even the amount
of knockdowns you can impose on an opponent before the
referee steps in. This is all excellent for the Arcade
Mode, which allows you to pick a player and fight almost
instantly, as you could actually have a game that lasts
only a couple of minutes.
Survival Mode is self-explanatory; here you must
win fight after fight to become champion. The biggest
catch is that your health is carried over so if in one
match your health meter is diminished to half then this
is how you'll start the next fight. Championship Mode
seems to include absolutely everything, and is without
a doubt the most immersive option I've seen on any boxing
Sim. It starts with training and then moves to a vitamin
program in order to ready your boxer to fight. Then
there's the question of fight classification, Title
or Prize, but where you move up the world ranks in the
former, the latter is where all the money is made.
Anyone who's encountered this series before will
be well aware of the Rumble Mode, it's what sets this
game apart from other like titles. During any fight,
if you cause enough damage to your opponent, you're
rewarded with a letter. Spell out R U M B L E and you're
awarded with a Rumble Flurry. This allows you special
boxing powers for a limited time and is a great way
to perform a knockout. Everything is saved via a password
system but this is not only to record your best scores
as it also opens up some surprise boxers.
Controls
Flicking through the instruction book youÕll
notice that the control system looks incredibly complicated,
with every single button (and combinations) used during
a boxing match. This does become a little easier with
a little practice but the most efficient way to become
familiar with the controls is to use the training section
where a selection of workouts will have you throwing
deadly punches in no time at all. Outside of the main
game the menu systems (of which there are many) are
very easy to use. As simple as this seems some games
do tend to make this area a lot more complicated than
it should be.
Graphics
One thing that's always stood out about this series
is the visuals and Round 2 does not disappoint. The
animation is fluid and the environments are varied and
well designed. There have also been some clever visual
tricks employed to give the effect of a 3D ring and
pushing the D-pad left or right allows you to travel
360 degrees around the room. It all works surprisingly
well and everything is tied up neatly with a very easy
to use interface.
Sound & Music
The audio aspects of this title are really quite
impressive and when you're actually boxing you'll realise
just how important this is for creating the atmosphere.
As soon as you start your GBA you'll be treated to the
referee shouting 'let's get ready to rumble' in one
of the clearest samples I've heard on a handheld. The
in-game sound is just as impressive and sound of the
boxers punching one another against the background of
the crowd is actually quite realistic. The music, which
is only really evident during the intro and menus, is
slightly less impressive but as it is never played during
a match it's not really a problem.
Final Comments
Ready 2 Rumble Boxing - Round 2 is a reasonably polished
product and if you enjoyed the first outing you'll undoubtedly
get a big kick out of the improved gameplay on display
here. The most obvious omission seems to be the lack
of any multiplayer support as anyone who's sampled this
type of game before will know that this is essential
for extended gameplay. There are, however, many highlights
and the training section alone will give you hours of
button pressing action. Overall, while not an essential
purchase it's by no means the worst boxing game on the
market. Give it a try in your local store and see if
it suits your boxing needs.
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