Spring Break
Prizefighter fails to deliver knockout punch
Brett Fischer
Issue date: 6/27/08 Section: Sports
When we first heard that Don King Presents: Prizefighter was going to be for the XBox 360, we were very excited and were curious if this game could compete with the Fight Night franchise. The flashy Don King is obviously a famous name to boxing and sports fans alike and is best known for promoting the "Thrilla in Manilla" and the "Rumble in the Jungle" and working with Mike Tyson. But the question we were pondering is could he take his expertise with boxing and transform it into a successful boxing game? Despite some interesting ideas, at least for this year, the answer is a resounding "no."
Game Modes: Initially, the game lived up to its hype as the career mode was the first thing we tried. It had an interesting twist to it unlike other sports games. It was essentially a documentary about an unknown boxer who is trying to build his way up the rankings and fight against weak opponents, while trying to earn prestige in the boxing community. There are videos of friends and family members that talk about what it was like for him to grow up and what expectations they have of him. The acting is pretty decent and sometimes, it makes you feel like you are a star in your own movie. You can play training games and improve your stats, all while trying to earn recognition for your boxing talent. There are over 30 famous boxers to choose from but while the concept is interesting, if the career mode doesn't interest you, then there won't be much else that you will like.
Graphics: The graphics are not good, except for when you originally create your own boxer. At times, the animations seem choppy and there is not much attention paid to the detail of the fighters. The worst part is when you are boxing; punches often go through your body or your head.
Sound: Even though the punch sounds and the voice of the announcer aren't incredible, overall, the sound is pretty good. The voices of the people who are talking about how they know you in the career mode sound realistic and the soundtrack is great. It is easy to get pumped and ready for your boxing match when you have so many songs to choose for your opening theme. Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, Iggy Pop and James Brown all make an appearance in Prizefighter.
Game Modes: Initially, the game lived up to its hype as the career mode was the first thing we tried. It had an interesting twist to it unlike other sports games. It was essentially a documentary about an unknown boxer who is trying to build his way up the rankings and fight against weak opponents, while trying to earn prestige in the boxing community. There are videos of friends and family members that talk about what it was like for him to grow up and what expectations they have of him. The acting is pretty decent and sometimes, it makes you feel like you are a star in your own movie. You can play training games and improve your stats, all while trying to earn recognition for your boxing talent. There are over 30 famous boxers to choose from but while the concept is interesting, if the career mode doesn't interest you, then there won't be much else that you will like.
Graphics: The graphics are not good, except for when you originally create your own boxer. At times, the animations seem choppy and there is not much attention paid to the detail of the fighters. The worst part is when you are boxing; punches often go through your body or your head.
Sound: Even though the punch sounds and the voice of the announcer aren't incredible, overall, the sound is pretty good. The voices of the people who are talking about how they know you in the career mode sound realistic and the soundtrack is great. It is easy to get pumped and ready for your boxing match when you have so many songs to choose for your opening theme. Boston, Blue Oyster Cult, Iggy Pop and James Brown all make an appearance in Prizefighter.
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Marian Elias
posted 6/30/08 @ 5:31 PM EST
This review truly sums it up. This is a good review on a bad game.
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