5 Best Fighting Games – Boxing

Boxing is one of the oldest and most popular sports in the world, and it has inspired a number of fighting games over the years. From arcade classics to modern console titles, there has been plenty of boxing fighting games that have captured the intensity and excitement of the sport. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 boxing games of all time.

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Timeline

5 – 0:13-0:34 – Knockout Kings 2000

4 – 0:35-1:08 – Fight Night Round 3

3 – 1:10-1:38 – Creed: Rise To Glory

2 – 1:39-2:09 – Rocky

1 – 2:10-2:49 – Fight Night Champion

5 – Knockout Kings 2000

Knockout Kings 2000 was released for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64, and it features a roster of real-life boxers from the late 1990s. The game’s graphics and presentation were top-notch for the time, and it offered a variety of gameplay modes, including exhibition matches, tournaments, and career mode. While it may not have the same level of depth and realism as more modern boxing games, Knockout Kings 2000 is a classic title that deserves recognition for its contribution to the genre.

4 – Fight Night Round 3 (2006)

Fight Night Round 3 is widely considered to be one of the best boxing games ever made. The game was released for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and it features stunning graphics, realistic animations, and a deep career mode that allows players to create their own boxer and work their way up the ranks. The game also introduced the Total Punch Control system, which allowed players to throw punches with a combination of button presses and joystick movements. With its realistic presentation and satisfying game-play, Fight Night Round 3 is a true masterpiece in the genre.

3 – Creed: Rise to Glory (2018)

Creed: Rise to Glory is a popular VR boxing game developed and published by Survios. Players take on the role of Adonis Creed and follow his journey from up-and-coming fighter to world champion in a story mode with several chapters. This fighting game’s combat system is based on motion controls and has a stamina system that adds depth and strategy. The use of VR technology creates an immersive experience with realistic visuals, sound design, and haptic feedback to simulate the impact of punches. Other game modes include freeplay, PvP, and training mode. Overall, Creed: Rise to Glory is an exceptional VR boxing game with intuitive controls and stunning visuals that offer a thrilling and immersive experience.

2 – Rocky (2002)

Rocky is a boxing game developed by Sega based on the movie franchise starring Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa. Players progress through the boxing world in the story mode, following the first four films, while the exhibition mode allows fighting any opponent. The game’s mechanics include various punches, combos, blocking, dodging, and countering, with a stamina system to conserve energy and prevent taking too much damage.

The game’s cinematic cutscenes and sound design using audio clips from the movies offer a unique feature that immerses players in the Rocky universe. The visuals and sound design capture the movie feel, including the soundtrack with iconic songs such as “Eye of the Tiger” and “Gonna Fly Now.” The game includes a training mode to refine skills and a multiplayer mode for local or online fights.

Overall, Rocky is a must-play for fans of the boxing genre or the Rocky movies, with intuitive controls, cinematic visuals, and authentic sound design.

#1 best fighting game – Fight Night Champion (2011)

Fight Night Champion is a boxing video game developed by EA Sports for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It was released in 2011 and features a story mode that tells the tale of aspiring boxer Andre Bishop. The game features a revamped gameplay system that emphasizes strategic and realistic boxing. It includes a wide range of punches, combos, and defensive maneuvers that require careful timing and skill to execute.

One of the game’s standout features is the Champion Mode, which allows players to experience a cinematic storyline as Andre Bishop, a promising young boxer whose career is derailed by corruption and betrayal. The mode features a variety of boxing matches, each with its own unique challenges and objectives, as well as non-boxing sequences that provide context and further the story.

Another notable feature of Fight Night Champion is the improved physics engine, which accurately simulates the impact of punches on the body and head of the boxers. This creates a more realistic and visceral boxing experience, as players must strategically target their opponent’s weak points to gain an advantage.

The game also includes a robust online mode, where players can compete against each other in ranked or unranked matches, as well as participate in tournaments and leagues.

Overall, Fight Night Champion is one of, if not the best boxing game of all time. It offers a compelling story mode, realistic game-play, and an engaging online experience. It’s a must-play for fans of the sport and anyone who enjoys fighting games.

Honourable mention

Previously named ESBC & now “undisputed” is a boxing game due for full release in mid 2023. Reviews have been very positive within the beta (testing version) Let’s see if it can take the top spot.