Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2

Review

by Jon Thompson

Those disproportionately built and highly unconventional boxers of Ready 2 Rumble fame are back for another round. The first game sported some crazy characters and fast-paced action, but ultimately had a fighting engine that couldn't exactly go the distance when compared to other one-on-one heavyweights. The second one rings in with the same speedy, arcade-style fighting and some new options, as well as a host of new fighters eager to step into the ring. So how does Round 2 weigh in? Have a look...

The first thing to understand about this game is that, although it is billed as a sequel, it has many, many similarities to its predecessor. The fighting engine, while it has been touched up a bit, is essentially the same as the original game. And the rest of the game, from Arcade to Championship mode, features only minimal touches to separate itself from Ready 2 Rumble as well. With the extra characters, this game feels very much like a simple roster update, so it would only truly appeal to either gamers who loved the first game or those who've never experienced the Ready 2 Rumble action before.

Ready 2 Rumble: Round 2, may be a fighting game, but its "pure" boxing engine (not pure in the sense of actual boxing, but pure in that the attacks are all fist-based) is a bit different than the other vs. titles out there. It is also a decidedly arcade-like experience, with gameplay that is on the shallow side, but also easy to pick up and play, even your first time out. Even with a game that's unique, like the Ready 2 Rumble series, that style is a double-edged sword: most great arcade-style games are fun for a few plays, but get old faster than titles that strive for more depth, even if they are slightly more obtuse for the average gamer. And such is the case with this game.

One of the finest additions to this version of the game is the introduction of the extra characters, one of them being Michael Jackson, meaning that you can smack the King of Pop's chin any time you like. Seriously, the Championship mode is fairly interesting in conception, beyond the standard set-up of the Arcade mode. In Championship, you must take a fighter from the bottom rung all the way up to the heavyweight championship bout.

You don't just fight in this mode, you must play all those mini-games based on real-life training activities. And while this is fun in the beginning, you have to do a LOT of mini-game playing, a disturbingly disproportionate amount compared to the fighting. And those mini-games can get tiresome rather quickly. Still, this mode does serve to give you a sense of accomplishment.

The fighting engine has been polished overall, with old characters getting a smattering of new moves, and all fighters gaining the ability to parry punches along with the traditional block. The Rumble meter has been updated as well. It will now build to three levels, and if you save it up all the way before connecting with that final, super punch, you'll knock your opponent off of his feet and completely out of the ring. This is a simple addition, but it does add a bit more strategy to the gameplay, and that is definitely a welcome thing.

The graphics of Ready 2 Rumble: Round 2 have been touched up a bit, and they still posses their unique and interesting look. The characters are all well modeled, and while they're all done in a similar style, they each have their own individual flair. The sound has been touched up as well, with the music a bit more intense but still based around the Ready 2 Rumble theme. All in all, the graphics and sound of this game are pleasing.

Ready 2 Rumble: Round 2 is definitely a fighter for people who don't need deep gameplay to have a great time. It looks polished and is extremely easy to pick up and play, and something should be said for such a game. However, if you want a fighter with a bit more teeth to it, this title probably isn't for you.