Super K.O. Boxing

It’s a rare thing indeed to find a superb game that ticks all the right boxes but Super K.O. Boxing by Glu Mobile really is a knock out.

This game has a vast array of contestants who all have various skills in terms of defence and attack. Some are super-fast, others are able to block almost every blow. So rather than a game of simply bashing the ‘hit’ button, you get to use your mind a little bit too to try and outwit your opponent and beat them by the sound of the bell.

For gamers of all sorts of shapes and sizes, you will find this totally enjoyable. Whether you’re a sports fan, you will find the action packed game an irresistible lure, if you’re a casual gamer you’ll find relief from puzzles and platforms, and if you find you’re somewhere in the middle then the furious blur of fists will keep you thrilled.

To get the most out of this game you should play the story mode where you will start out as a rookie boxer who must take out all your opponents in mercilessly strong blows. Once you have successfully knocked out your opponent you will unlock them for the ‘versus mode’ for quick match plays later on. Each round lasts three minutes or less if you get the KO or visa versa! However, should no-one be knocked down once within a round, you will go to the next round where hopefully you’ll preside victorious.

The cartoon style appearance of the game is a good touch and works well in this game. It’s simple but appealing to the eye and as the opponents all look so different from one another, it’s almost a pity to deface such works of art – but note the word almost there, it’s actually quite a pleasure hitting them into next week (particularly the French Mime artist, Pierre when he’s mocking you!)

All opponents have a distinctive personality which in part comes from the cartoon graphics and moves, and from their unique fighting styles. Some will block almost anything, others will just hit you fast, others will hit you much much harder and within about four punches, you’ll be seeing stars (well, birds on this occasion).

Being knocked out provides another neat element to the game. You must regain your composure by timing your key-presses to when each number converges. You also will have to do this as many times as there are birds spinning.

The controls are a doddle to master which will relieve both experienced and casual gaming fans alike. You can use either the directional buttons (up is a high punch, OK is a low punch, down is a block, left and right is how you dodge) or the keypad (2, 5, 8, 4 and 6). Your special power punch is achieved by successfully landing punches in quick succession without being hit yourself, at the right time you can then hit the star (*) button and if you’re lucky it will knock them out. One of the most significant buttons also is the posing button (press number 1). By doing this, you’ll antagonise your opponent and open them up to a combo hit; it also boosts your power punch ability.

So simply put, get this game, just get it! You’ll love it, and will no doubt find it’s as addictive as I say it is and every bit enjoyable. If I was to say there was any downside to this game I’d say that the posing of the opposition at the beginning of each round is a little annoying, but this just encourages you to hit them out of the ring sooner to prevent seeing them smugly taunt you!

Rating 93%

Positives

Very enjoyable

Smooth graphics

Good sounds

Entertaining and addictive

Different opponents and 3 difficulty settings!

Negatives

The animation delays the fight and gets a little annoying

A little easy to get knocked down at times