Rocky<subtitle> <content>Yo Adrian, I\'m fightin\' again... Growing up with Rocky my entire life I was finally enthralled knowing there was a game in the works for the next gen systems. About the only Rocky game I can remember was for the old Sega Master System. I can laugh at it now, it was pretty bad, but it was still Rocky, and I\'ll always remember it as the first Rocky video game, for me anyway. 15 years later, Rocky makes a return for the XBOX (also available on PS2 and Cube) It\'s a boxing game based directly from the Rocky movies 1-5. All the boxers we remember from all the movies and some we never knew about, they are all here. The only fighter missing is (Thunderlips) Hulk Hogan, which was omitted because the developers couldn\'t incorporate wrestling with the boxing control. The game has authentic theme music from the original Rocky, although all the new stuff from Rocky III, IV and V were left out. You won\'t hear songs by Survivor or the sweet training music from Rocky IV, very disappointing for fans. But they did get Stallone and Carl Weathers (Apollo) to do some new recordings for the game, and some of the voice samples are also taken directly from the movies. There are a few computerized cut scenes taken from the movies and modified for the game, but like I said, there are only a few. But the most important aspect with any video game, is the gameplay, and Rocky survives on that aspect alone, as I personally view it as one of the better boxing games out there, certainly right up there with Knockout Kings and as fun as the Ready To Rumble series. Gameplay: When I think UBI Soft, I don\'t think boxing, I think of Rayman. But amazingly, I was very pleased with how this game turned out in this department. The controls are basic enough, but when you master the basics, you can get into a serious fighting routine. Each fighter has at least 40+ punches to pull off. The sparring mode brings up the \"command list\" of your moves and is a good way to learn your punches. The game focuses on timing and good combos. Button mashers won\'t stand a chance, because good combos are the focus. All punches are executed with the X, B, A, and Y buttons. The deadly uppercuts are executed by holding down the \"Right\" trigger and any of the punch buttons. High punches are X and Y, low punches are A and B. Each boxer has a special punch, which is done by tapping the right trigger and any punch button. This scheme is not as responsive as I would like it, sometimes it just doesn\'t work, but when it does, you\'ll know you pulled it off right. Blocking works very well, you can duck, dodge back, dodge right, dodge left, guard the face etc. By holding the \"L\" trigger and using the control stick to press in the direction, determines your blocking execution. Blocking punches causes your opponent to lose stamina, thus the boxer needs a quick break before he can pull out another punch or combo, this of course is the opportune time to swing back, so blocking is very important within Rocky. I would have to say the overall feel of Rocky is a toned down \"Ready To Rumble\". Not necessarily in terms of fun factor, just being less arcade style. There are no magical moves to pull off, just deadly punches, it feels like a real boxing game, and that is what the Rocky movies portrayed, so in that aspect it does well. I personally didn\'t feel a drastic difference between the 30+ boxers. Most of the moves are the same between them all (with the exception of the special punches). Of course boxers like Drago, Tommy Gunn and Rocky have more power than the lesser known guys, but overall, they fight the same. The game has different modes of play including exhibition, movie and sparring mode. You\'re better off not playing exhibition mode from the start as you only have access to Rocky and a few unknown dudes. To earn boxers, rings, and cut scenes, you need to go through the movie mode. Since this game is based solely on the movies, it does it in a timely fashion, taking you through Rocky 1 - Rocky 5 without missing any matches along the way. You\'ll take on some unknowns through Rocky 1 and eventually meet up with Apollo Creed as he did in the first film. If you\'ll survive that far, you\'ll then work your way up to Rocky II and earn another rematch against Apollo. If you can keep winning, you\'ll eventually run into Clubber Lang from III, Ivan Drago from IV, and finally fighters Union Cane and Tommy Gunn from V. It really wants to make you keep playing so you can get to the better fighters. I\'m personally still stuck on Drago so I can\'t be for sure if there are any other surprises after Tommy Gunn. All in all, you get 30+ boxers to choose from after you take Rocky through the movie mode. After you do so, you can take any boxer through his own movie to do battle. My dream match is Tommy Gunn against Clubber, can\'t wait for that one! There is some nice actual movie footage meshed with some new computer imagery throughout the game. The Intro is fantastic, you won\'t be disappointed. When you continue through the movie mode, you earn more clips and you can save them in the gallery mode. Although they are fun to watch, there are only 5 in total. I want more! To hone your skills, you can train between the matches. I have to say, I hate training, it\'s far to difficult and doesn\'t reward you at all for making an effort. The training requires perfection to really earn your attribute points, and I have to say it\'s asking too much, because I\'m always rated as a \"chump\" at anything I do. Maybe it\'s just me, but it\'s too tough for me to grasp, novice gamers will be even more intolerant. Luckily, for those who hate it to a pulp, you can choose \"auto train\" to do it for you. Besides, sparring is the way to learn your moves, not punching a slab of meat in a meat locker. Graphics: I\'ve played this one on both the PS2 and XBOX, and although they look similar, the XBOX looks and plays a bit smoother. If you have the ability to choose, go for the XBOX version. Overall, the game catches the spirit and feeling of Rocky. The first match, just like the movie when Rocky takes on Spider Rico, is fought in a old run down chapel. The game starts with the camera panning out with the close up of Jesus\' image scribed on the wall just like the movie. It really does capture the mood and spirit of Rocky working his way to stardom. Rocky, along with other fighters look acceptable, it\'s not Dead Or Alive 3 killer by any means, but Rocky looks like Rocky and Apollo looks like Apollo. Their bodies could have looked better, the polygons are bit out of proportion and could have been smoothened out a bit. Rocky\'s upper body looks a bit too large and rectangular for his own good, and his scrawny legs don\'t help either. But there is certainly more good than just mediocre. Punches look sweet and the damage done looks even better. Blood will splatter all over the ring and the cuts and bruises look very realistic especially when they move up close between the rounds. Some matches, depending on the location, spectators will throw bottles and trash when things get really ugly. It doesn\'t interfere with the gameplay, but still fun to watch. Boxers will incur black eyes and swell shut when they really get into trouble, their skin will sweat and hair will fall to their faces after grueling matches. It looks like boxing and feels like boxing, and that is what Rocky is about, and is successful doing so. There are multiple rings and locations incorporated within this title, once again taken directly from the movies. You\'ll fight in Rocky\'s own Philadelphia Spectrum, Chicago, night clubs, old run down churches, on the street with Tommy, outdoor stadiums and tons of new ones not even used in the movies. The spectators look \"just okay\", and most of them look like the guy next to them. Their animated, but their movements are stiff and a bit on the cardboard cutout side. Some locations look better than others. I could really appreciate Rocky treadin\' in to the USSR and takin\' on Drago in the Soviet Union, seeing all that red and those ugly flags makes you want to fight harder. Sound: One aspect of any movie that adds to the emotion and guts of it, has to be the music, and the Rocky series has some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. It\'s to no surprise the Rocky theme made it into this game, I love it and glad it\'s there. However, what about some goodies from Rocky III, IV and V? You won\'t find the infamous training montage or music from Survivor intact with any part of this game. I sorely miss the \"hearts on fire\" song with Rocky working out in the Soviet Union. But the biggest disappointed was the exclusion of \"Eye of the Tiger,\" Rocky\'s trademark song and his own persona. While I\'m not sure of the reasons, its\' probably due to time constraints or licensing issues. But if they could get Bill Conti\'s original theme song, why not his stuff from Rocky 4 and 5? Ouch. Each of the boxers are introduced with their own theme song, I have to say, after the 3rd match, I was getting sick of hearing the Rocky theme, you will get sick of it after awhile. But for the music the game does incorporate, it\'s acceptable. I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps some of the guys from the series, like Gordon Wolf and Stu Nahan, but there is zero commentary. There are some actual voice samples taken directly, and even some new stuff that Sly and Weathers came in to do for the game. The stand in for Burgess Merideth is a bit overdone, and certainly is not a good replacement for the original \"Mickey\" but he has to do. Clubber sounds like himself, although Mister T is pretty simple to mock anyway. Final Call - I loved the movies, and UBI Soft did an acceptable job with Rocky. You\'ll notice it\'s not perfect. But thanks to a good selection of boxers taken directly from the movies, good atmosphere, and just a lovely fighting engine, you won\'t be disappointed. It\'s the best boxing game out there along with Knockout Kings, Rocky fans, don\'t hesitate, and people that just like fighting games will love it too. Even without the \"Eye of the Tiger\" this game is still a must have for fans. Good job UBI Soft. Overall Rating XBOX: 45 (Looks and plays bit smoother on XBOX) Overall Rating PS2: 3.55 The Good And The Bad: + Best version of the game is only on XBOX in terms of graphics. + You can have dream matches like Clubber Lang VS Apollo. + Good sound, but not enough music from the movies, where is my Survivor? - Tough computer opponents, start out in Novice mode. - Training is very tough, choose auto training and skip it. - No Hulk Hogan<content> <rating><rating> <author>John<author> <authoremail>ohioguy24@a GameCube<title> <subtitle>Rocky<subtitle> <content>Yo Adrian, I\'m fightin\' again... Growing up with Rocky my entire life I was finally enthralled knowing there was a game in the works for the next gen systems. About the only Rocky game I can remember was for the old Sega Master System. I can laugh at it now, it was pretty bad, but it was still Rocky, and I\'ll always remember it as the first Rocky video game, for me anyway. 15 years later, Rocky makes a return for the XBOX (also available on PS2 and Cube) It\'s a boxing game based directly from the Rocky movies 1-5. All the boxers we remember from all the movies and some we never knew about, they are all here. The only fighter missing is (Thunderlips) Hulk Hogan, which was omitted because the developers couldn\'t incorporate wrestling with the boxing control. The game has authentic theme music from the original Rocky, although all the new stuff from Rocky III, IV and V were left out. You won\'t hear songs by Survivor or the sweet training music from Rocky IV, very disappointing for fans. But they did get Stallone and Carl Weathers (Apollo) to do some new recordings for the game, and some of the voice samples are also taken directly from the movies. There are a few computerized cut scenes taken from the movies and modified for the game, but like I said, there are only a few. But the most important aspect with any video game, is the gameplay, and Rocky survives on that aspect alone, as I personally view it as one of the better boxing games out there, certainly right up there with Knockout Kings and as fun as the Ready To Rumble series. Gameplay: When I think UBI Soft, I don\'t think boxing, I think of Rayman. But amazingly, I was very pleased with how this game turned out in this department. The controls are basic enough, but when you master the basics, you can get into a serious fighting routine. Each fighter has at least 40+ punches to pull off. The sparring mode brings up the \"command list\" of your moves and is a good way to learn your punches. The game focuses on timing and good combos. Button mashers won\'t stand a chance, because good combos are the focus. All punches are executed with the X, B, A, and Y buttons. The deadly uppercuts are executed by holding down the \"Right\" trigger and any of the punch buttons. High punches are X and Y, low punches are A and B. Each boxer has a special punch, which is done by tapping the right trigger and any punch button. This scheme is not as responsive as I would like it, sometimes it just doesn\'t work, but when it does, you\'ll know you pulled it off right. Blocking works very well, you can duck, dodge back, dodge right, dodge left, guard the face etc. By holding the \"L\" trigger and using the control stick to press in the direction, determines your blocking execution. Blocking punches causes your opponent to lose stamina, thus the boxer needs a quick break before he can pull out another punch or combo, this of course is the opportune time to swing back, so blocking is very important within Rocky. I would have to say the overall feel of Rocky is a toned down \"Ready To Rumble\". Not necessarily in terms of fun factor, just being less arcade style. There are no magical moves to pull off, just deadly punches, it feels like a real boxing game, and that is what the Rocky movies portrayed, so in that aspect it does well. I personally didn\'t feel a drastic difference between the 30+ boxers. Most of the moves are the same between them all (with the exception of the special punches). Of course boxers like Drago, Tommy Gunn and Rocky have more power than the lesser known guys, but overall, they fight the same. The game has different modes of play including exhibition, movie and sparring mode. You\'re better off not playing exhibition mode from the start as you only have access to Rocky and a few unknown dudes. To earn boxers, rings, and cut scenes, you need to go through the movie mode. Since this game is based solely on the movies, it does it in a timely fashion, taking you through Rocky 1 - Rocky 5 without missing any matches along the way. You\'ll take on some unknowns through Rocky 1 and eventually meet up with Apollo Creed as he did in the first film. If you\'ll survive that far, you\'ll then work your way up to Rocky II and earn another rematch against Apollo. If you can keep winning, you\'ll eventually run into Clubber Lang from III, Ivan Drago from IV, and finally fighters Union Cane and Tommy Gunn from V. It really wants to make you keep playing so you can get to the better fighters. I\'m personally still stuck on Drago so I can\'t be for sure if there are any other surprises after Tommy Gunn. All in all, you get 30+ boxers to choose from after you take Rocky through the movie mode. After you do so, you can take any boxer through his own movie to do battle. My dream match is Tommy Gunn against Clubber, can\'t wait for that one! There is some nice actual movie footage meshed with some new computer imagery throughout the game. The Intro is fantastic, you won\'t be disappointed. When you continue through the movie mode, you earn more clips and you can save them in the gallery mode. Although they are fun to watch, there are only 5 in total. I want more! To hone your skills, you can train between the matches. I have to say, I hate training, it\'s far to difficult and doesn\'t reward you at all for making an effort. The training requires perfection to really earn your attribute points, and I have to say it\'s asking too much, because I\'m always rated as a \"chump\" at anything I do. Maybe it\'s just me, but it\'s too tough for me to grasp, novice gamers will be even more intolerant. Luckily, for those who hate it to a pulp, you can choose \"auto train\" to do it for you. Besides, sparring is the way to learn your moves, not punching a slab of meat in a meat locker. Graphics: I\'ve played this one on both the PS2 and XBOX, and although they look similar, the XBOX looks and plays a bit smoother. If you have the ability to choose, go for the XBOX version. Overall, the game catches the spirit and feeling of Rocky. The first match, just like the movie when Rocky takes on Spider Rico, is fought in a old run down chapel. The game starts with the camera panning out with the close up of Jesus\' image scribed on the wall just like the movie. It really does capture the mood and spirit of Rocky working his way to stardom. Rocky, along with other fighters look acceptable, it\'s not Dead Or Alive 3 killer by any means, but Rocky looks like Rocky and Apollo looks like Apollo. Their bodies could have looked better, the polygons are bit out of proportion and could have been smoothened out a bit. Rocky\'s upper body looks a bit too large and rectangular for his own good, and his scrawny legs don\'t help either. But there is certainly more good than just mediocre. Punches look sweet and the damage done looks even better. Blood will splatter all over the ring and the cuts and bruises look very realistic especially when they move up close between the rounds. Some matches, depending on the location, spectators will throw bottles and trash when things get really ugly. It doesn\'t interfere with the gameplay, but still fun to watch. Boxers will incur black eyes and swell shut when they really get into trouble, their skin will sweat and hair will fall to their faces after grueling matches. It looks like boxing and feels like boxing, and that is what Rocky is about, and is successful doing so. There are multiple rings and locations incorporated within this title, once again taken directly from the movies. You\'ll fight in Rocky\'s own Philadelphia Spectrum, Chicago, night clubs, old run down churches, on the street with Tommy, outdoor stadiums and tons of new ones not even used in the movies. The spectators look \"just okay\", and most of them look like the guy next to them. Their animated, but their movements are stiff and a bit on the cardboard cutout side. Some locations look better than others. I could really appreciate Rocky treadin\' in to the USSR and takin\' on Drago in the Soviet Union, seeing all that red and those ugly flags makes you want to fight harder. Sound: One aspect of any movie that adds to the emotion and guts of it, has to be the music, and the Rocky series has some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. It\'s to no surprise the Rocky theme made it into this game, I love it and glad it\'s there. However, what about some goodies from Rocky III, IV and V? You won\'t find the infamous training montage or music from Survivor intact with any part of this game. I sorely miss the \"hearts on fire\" song with Rocky working out in the Soviet Union. But the biggest disappointed was the exclusion of \"Eye of the Tiger,\" Rocky\'s trademark song and his own persona. While I\'m not sure of the reasons, its\' probably due to time constraints or licensing issues. But if they could get Bill Conti\'s original theme song, why not his stuff from Rocky 4 and 5? Ouch. Each of the boxers are introduced with their own theme song, I have to say, after the 3rd match, I was getting sick of hearing the Rocky theme, you will get sick of it after awhile. But for the music the game does incorporate, it\'s acceptable. I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps some of the guys from the series, like Gordon Wolf and Stu Nahan, but there is zero commentary. There are some actual voice samples taken directly, and even some new stuff that Sly and Weathers came in to do for the game. The stand in for Burgess Merideth is a bit overdone, and certainly is not a good replacement for the original \"Mickey\" but he has to do. Clubber sounds like himself, although Mister T is pretty simple to mock anyway. Final Call - I loved the movies, and UBI Soft did an acceptable job with Rocky. You\'ll notice it\'s not perfect. But thanks to a good selection of boxers taken directly from the movies, good atmosphere, and just a lovely fighting engine, you won\'t be disappointed. It\'s the best boxing game out there along with Knockout Kings, Rocky fans, don\'t hesitate, and people that just like fighting games will love it too. Even without the \"Eye of the Tiger\" this game is still a must have for fans. Good job UBI Soft. Overall Rating XBOX: 45 (Looks and plays bit smoother on XBOX) Overall Rating PS2: 3.55 The Good And The Bad: + Best version of the game is only on XBOX in terms of graphics. + You can have dream matches like Clubber Lang VS Apollo. + Good sound, but not enough music from the movies, where is my Survivor? - Tough computer opponents, start out in Novice mode. - Training is very tough, choose auto training and skip it. - No Hulk Hogan<content> <rating><rating> <author>John<author> <authoremail>ohioguy24@aol.com<authoremail> <date>

John ohioguy24@a GameCube <subtitle>Rocky<subtitle> <content>Yo Adrian, I\'m fightin\' again... Growing up with Rocky my entire life I was finally enthralled knowing there was a game in the works for the next gen systems. About the only Rocky game I can remember was for the old Sega Master System. I can laugh at it now, it was pretty bad, but it was still Rocky, and I\'ll always remember it as the first Rocky video game, for me anyway. 15 years later, Rocky makes a return for the XBOX (also available on PS2 and Cube) It\'s a boxing game based directly from the Rocky movies 1-5. All the boxers we remember from all the movies and some we never knew about, they are all here. The only fighter missing is (Thunderlips) Hulk Hogan, which was omitted because the developers couldn\'t incorporate wrestling with the boxing control. The game has authentic theme music from the original Rocky, although all the new stuff from Rocky III, IV and V were left out. You won\'t hear songs by Survivor or the sweet training music from Rocky IV, very disappointing for fans. But they did get Stallone and Carl Weathers (Apollo) to do some new recordings for the game, and some of the voice samples are also taken directly from the movies. There are a few computerized cut scenes taken from the movies and modified for the game, but like I said, there are only a few. But the most important aspect with any video game, is the gameplay, and Rocky survives on that aspect alone, as I personally view it as one of the better boxing games out there, certainly right up there with Knockout Kings and as fun as the Ready To Rumble series. Gameplay: When I think UBI Soft, I don\'t think boxing, I think of Rayman. But amazingly, I was very pleased with how this game turned out in this department. The controls are basic enough, but when you master the basics, you can get into a serious fighting routine. Each fighter has at least 40+ punches to pull off. The sparring mode brings up the \"command list\" of your moves and is a good way to learn your punches. The game focuses on timing and good combos. Button mashers won\'t stand a chance, because good combos are the focus. All punches are executed with the X, B, A, and Y buttons. The deadly uppercuts are executed by holding down the \"Right\" trigger and any of the punch buttons. High punches are X and Y, low punches are A and B. Each boxer has a special punch, which is done by tapping the right trigger and any punch button. This scheme is not as responsive as I would like it, sometimes it just doesn\'t work, but when it does, you\'ll know you pulled it off right. Blocking works very well, you can duck, dodge back, dodge right, dodge left, guard the face etc. By holding the \"L\" trigger and using the control stick to press in the direction, determines your blocking execution. Blocking punches causes your opponent to lose stamina, thus the boxer needs a quick break before he can pull out another punch or combo, this of course is the opportune time to swing back, so blocking is very important within Rocky. I would have to say the overall feel of Rocky is a toned down \"Ready To Rumble\". Not necessarily in terms of fun factor, just being less arcade style. There are no magical moves to pull off, just deadly punches, it feels like a real boxing game, and that is what the Rocky movies portrayed, so in that aspect it does well. I personally didn\'t feel a drastic difference between the 30+ boxers. Most of the moves are the same between them all (with the exception of the special punches). Of course boxers like Drago, Tommy Gunn and Rocky have more power than the lesser known guys, but overall, they fight the same. The game has different modes of play including exhibition, movie and sparring mode. You\'re better off not playing exhibition mode from the start as you only have access to Rocky and a few unknown dudes. To earn boxers, rings, and cut scenes, you need to go through the movie mode. Since this game is based solely on the movies, it does it in a timely fashion, taking you through Rocky 1 - Rocky 5 without missing any matches along the way. You\'ll take on some unknowns through Rocky 1 and eventually meet up with Apollo Creed as he did in the first film. If you\'ll survive that far, you\'ll then work your way up to Rocky II and earn another rematch against Apollo. If you can keep winning, you\'ll eventually run into Clubber Lang from III, Ivan Drago from IV, and finally fighters Union Cane and Tommy Gunn from V. It really wants to make you keep playing so you can get to the better fighters. I\'m personally still stuck on Drago so I can\'t be for sure if there are any other surprises after Tommy Gunn. All in all, you get 30+ boxers to choose from after you take Rocky through the movie mode. After you do so, you can take any boxer through his own movie to do battle. My dream match is Tommy Gunn against Clubber, can\'t wait for that one! There is some nice actual movie footage meshed with some new computer imagery throughout the game. The Intro is fantastic, you won\'t be disappointed. When you continue through the movie mode, you earn more clips and you can save them in the gallery mode. Although they are fun to watch, there are only 5 in total. I want more! To hone your skills, you can train between the matches. I have to say, I hate training, it\'s far to difficult and doesn\'t reward you at all for making an effort. The training requires perfection to really earn your attribute points, and I have to say it\'s asking too much, because I\'m always rated as a \"chump\" at anything I do. Maybe it\'s just me, but it\'s too tough for me to grasp, novice gamers will be even more intolerant. Luckily, for those who hate it to a pulp, you can choose \"auto train\" to do it for you. Besides, sparring is the way to learn your moves, not punching a slab of meat in a meat locker. Graphics: I\'ve played this one on both the PS2 and XBOX, and although they look similar, the XBOX looks and plays a bit smoother. If you have the ability to choose, go for the XBOX version. Overall, the game catches the spirit and feeling of Rocky. The first match, just like the movie when Rocky takes on Spider Rico, is fought in a old run down chapel. The game starts with the camera panning out with the close up of Jesus\' image scribed on the wall just like the movie. It really does capture the mood and spirit of Rocky working his way to stardom. Rocky, along with other fighters look acceptable, it\'s not Dead Or Alive 3 killer by any means, but Rocky looks like Rocky and Apollo looks like Apollo. Their bodies could have looked better, the polygons are bit out of proportion and could have been smoothened out a bit. Rocky\'s upper body looks a bit too large and rectangular for his own good, and his scrawny legs don\'t help either. But there is certainly more good than just mediocre. Punches look sweet and the damage done looks even better. Blood will splatter all over the ring and the cuts and bruises look very realistic especially when they move up close between the rounds. Some matches, depending on the location, spectators will throw bottles and trash when things get really ugly. It doesn\'t interfere with the gameplay, but still fun to watch. Boxers will incur black eyes and swell shut when they really get into trouble, their skin will sweat and hair will fall to their faces after grueling matches. It looks like boxing and feels like boxing, and that is what Rocky is about, and is successful doing so. There are multiple rings and locations incorporated within this title, once again taken directly from the movies. You\'ll fight in Rocky\'s own Philadelphia Spectrum, Chicago, night clubs, old run down churches, on the street with Tommy, outdoor stadiums and tons of new ones not even used in the movies. The spectators look \"just okay\", and most of them look like the guy next to them. Their animated, but their movements are stiff and a bit on the cardboard cutout side. Some locations look better than others. I could really appreciate Rocky treadin\' in to the USSR and takin\' on Drago in the Soviet Union, seeing all that red and those ugly flags makes you want to fight harder. Sound: One aspect of any movie that adds to the emotion and guts of it, has to be the music, and the Rocky series has some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. It\'s to no surprise the Rocky theme made it into this game, I love it and glad it\'s there. However, what about some goodies from Rocky III, IV and V? You won\'t find the infamous training montage or music from Survivor intact with any part of this game. I sorely miss the \"hearts on fire\" song with Rocky working out in the Soviet Union. But the biggest disappointed was the exclusion of \"Eye of the Tiger,\" Rocky\'s trademark song and his own persona. While I\'m not sure of the reasons, its\' probably due to time constraints or licensing issues. But if they could get Bill Conti\'s original theme song, why not his stuff from Rocky 4 and 5? Ouch. Each of the boxers are introduced with their own theme song, I have to say, after the 3rd match, I was getting sick of hearing the Rocky theme, you will get sick of it after awhile. But for the music the game does incorporate, it\'s acceptable. I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps some of the guys from the series, like Gordon Wolf and Stu Nahan, but there is zero commentary. There are some actual voice samples taken directly, and even some new stuff that Sly and Weathers came in to do for the game. The stand in for Burgess Merideth is a bit overdone, and certainly is not a good replacement for the original \"Mickey\" but he has to do. Clubber sounds like himself, although Mister T is pretty simple to mock anyway. Final Call - I loved the movies, and UBI Soft did an acceptable job with Rocky. You\'ll notice it\'s not perfect. But thanks to a good selection of boxers taken directly from the movies, good atmosphere, and just a lovely fighting engine, you won\'t be disappointed. It\'s the best boxing game out there along with Knockout Kings, Rocky fans, don\'t hesitate, and people that just like fighting games will love it too. Even without the \"Eye of the Tiger\" this game is still a must have for fans. Good job UBI Soft. Overall Rating XBOX: 45 (Looks and plays bit smoother on XBOX) Overall Rating PS2: 3.55 The Good And The Bad: + Best version of the game is only on XBOX in terms of graphics. + You can have dream matches like Clubber Lang VS Apollo. + Good sound, but not enough music from the movies, where is my Survivor? - Tough computer opponents, start out in Novice mode. - Training is very tough, choose auto training and skip it. - No Hulk Hogan<content> <rating><rating> <author>John<author> <authoremail>ohioguy24@aol.com<authoremail> <date> - The Realm of Gaming"> <META NAME="description" CONTENT="Realm of Gaming offers video game cheats, codes, previews, reviews, downloads, screenshots, images, gameshark codes, for GameCube, Xbox, Playstation 2, Dreamcast, Playstation, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and more."> <META NAME="keywords" CONTENT="video game cheats, X-Box, Xbox, cheats, codes, cheatcodes, GameCube, Game Cube, Playstation 2, Sony PS2, Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, PSX, Game Boy, Gameboy, 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Growing up with Rocky my entire life I was finally enthralled knowing there was a game in the works for the next gen systems. About the only Rocky game I can remember was for the old Sega Master System. I can laugh at it now, it was pretty bad, but it was still Rocky, and I\'ll always remember it as the first Rocky video game, for me anyway. 15 years later, Rocky makes a return for the XBOX (also available on PS2 and Cube) It\'s a boxing game based directly from the Rocky movies 1-5. All the boxers we remember from all the movies and some we never knew about, they are all here. The only fighter missing is (Thunderlips) Hulk Hogan, which was omitted because the developers couldn\'t incorporate wrestling with the boxing control. The game has authentic theme music from the original Rocky, although all the new stuff from Rocky III, IV and V were left out. You won\'t hear songs by Survivor or the sweet training music from Rocky IV, very disappointing for fans. But they did get Stallone and Carl Weathers (Apollo) to do some new recordings for the game, and some of the voice samples are also taken directly from the movies. There are a few computerized cut scenes taken from the movies and modified for the game, but like I said, there are only a few. But the most important aspect with any video game, is the gameplay, and Rocky survives on that aspect alone, as I personally view it as one of the better boxing games out there, certainly right up there with Knockout Kings and as fun as the Ready To Rumble series. Gameplay: When I think UBI Soft, I don\'t think boxing, I think of Rayman. But amazingly, I was very pleased with how this game turned out in this department. The controls are basic enough, but when you master the basics, you can get into a serious fighting routine. Each fighter has at least 40+ punches to pull off. The sparring mode brings up the \"command list\" of your moves and is a good way to learn your punches. The game focuses on timing and good combos. Button mashers won\'t stand a chance, because good combos are the focus. All punches are executed with the X, B, A, and Y buttons. The deadly uppercuts are executed by holding down the \"Right\" trigger and any of the punch buttons. High punches are X and Y, low punches are A and B. Each boxer has a special punch, which is done by tapping the right trigger and any punch button. This scheme is not as responsive as I would like it, sometimes it just doesn\'t work, but when it does, you\'ll know you pulled it off right. Blocking works very well, you can duck, dodge back, dodge right, dodge left, guard the face etc. By holding the \"L\" trigger and using the control stick to press in the direction, determines your blocking execution. Blocking punches causes your opponent to lose stamina, thus the boxer needs a quick break before he can pull out another punch or combo, this of course is the opportune time to swing back, so blocking is very important within Rocky. I would have to say the overall feel of Rocky is a toned down \"Ready To Rumble\". Not necessarily in terms of fun factor, just being less arcade style. There are no magical moves to pull off, just deadly punches, it feels like a real boxing game, and that is what the Rocky movies portrayed, so in that aspect it does well. I personally didn\'t feel a drastic difference between the 30+ boxers. Most of the moves are the same between them all (with the exception of the special punches). Of course boxers like Drago, Tommy Gunn and Rocky have more power than the lesser known guys, but overall, they fight the same. The game has different modes of play including exhibition, movie and sparring mode. You\'re better off not playing exhibition mode from the start as you only have access to Rocky and a few unknown dudes. To earn boxers, rings, and cut scenes, you need to go through the movie mode. Since this game is based solely on the movies, it does it in a timely fashion, taking you through Rocky 1 - Rocky 5 without missing any matches along the way. You\'ll take on some unknowns through Rocky 1 and eventually meet up with Apollo Creed as he did in the first film. If you\'ll survive that far, you\'ll then work your way up to Rocky II and earn another rematch against Apollo. If you can keep winning, you\'ll eventually run into Clubber Lang from III, Ivan Drago from IV, and finally fighters Union Cane and Tommy Gunn from V. It really wants to make you keep playing so you can get to the better fighters. I\'m personally still stuck on Drago so I can\'t be for sure if there are any other surprises after Tommy Gunn. All in all, you get 30+ boxers to choose from after you take Rocky through the movie mode. After you do so, you can take any boxer through his own movie to do battle. My dream match is Tommy Gunn against Clubber, can\'t wait for that one! There is some nice actual movie footage meshed with some new computer imagery throughout the game. The Intro is fantastic, you won\'t be disappointed. When you continue through the movie mode, you earn more clips and you can save them in the gallery mode. Although they are fun to watch, there are only 5 in total. I want more! To hone your skills, you can train between the matches. I have to say, I hate training, it\'s far to difficult and doesn\'t reward you at all for making an effort. The training requires perfection to really earn your attribute points, and I have to say it\'s asking too much, because I\'m always rated as a \"chump\" at anything I do. Maybe it\'s just me, but it\'s too tough for me to grasp, novice gamers will be even more intolerant. Luckily, for those who hate it to a pulp, you can choose \"auto train\" to do it for you. Besides, sparring is the way to learn your moves, not punching a slab of meat in a meat locker. Graphics: I\'ve played this one on both the PS2 and XBOX, and although they look similar, the XBOX looks and plays a bit smoother. If you have the ability to choose, go for the XBOX version. Overall, the game catches the spirit and feeling of Rocky. The first match, just like the movie when Rocky takes on Spider Rico, is fought in a old run down chapel. The game starts with the camera panning out with the close up of Jesus\' image scribed on the wall just like the movie. It really does capture the mood and spirit of Rocky working his way to stardom. Rocky, along with other fighters look acceptable, it\'s not Dead Or Alive 3 killer by any means, but Rocky looks like Rocky and Apollo looks like Apollo. Their bodies could have looked better, the polygons are bit out of proportion and could have been smoothened out a bit. Rocky\'s upper body looks a bit too large and rectangular for his own good, and his scrawny legs don\'t help either. But there is certainly more good than just mediocre. Punches look sweet and the damage done looks even better. Blood will splatter all over the ring and the cuts and bruises look very realistic especially when they move up close between the rounds. Some matches, depending on the location, spectators will throw bottles and trash when things get really ugly. It doesn\'t interfere with the gameplay, but still fun to watch. Boxers will incur black eyes and swell shut when they really get into trouble, their skin will sweat and hair will fall to their faces after grueling matches. It looks like boxing and feels like boxing, and that is what Rocky is about, and is successful doing so. There are multiple rings and locations incorporated within this title, once again taken directly from the movies. You\'ll fight in Rocky\'s own Philadelphia Spectrum, Chicago, night clubs, old run down churches, on the street with Tommy, outdoor stadiums and tons of new ones not even used in the movies. The spectators look \"just okay\", and most of them look like the guy next to them. Their animated, but their movements are stiff and a bit on the cardboard cutout side. Some locations look better than others. I could really appreciate Rocky treadin\' in to the USSR and takin\' on Drago in the Soviet Union, seeing all that red and those ugly flags makes you want to fight harder. Sound: One aspect of any movie that adds to the emotion and guts of it, has to be the music, and the Rocky series has some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. It\'s to no surprise the Rocky theme made it into this game, I love it and glad it\'s there. However, what about some goodies from Rocky III, IV and V? You won\'t find the infamous training montage or music from Survivor intact with any part of this game. I sorely miss the \"hearts on fire\" song with Rocky working out in the Soviet Union. But the biggest disappointed was the exclusion of \"Eye of the Tiger,\" Rocky\'s trademark song and his own persona. While I\'m not sure of the reasons, its\' probably due to time constraints or licensing issues. But if they could get Bill Conti\'s original theme song, why not his stuff from Rocky 4 and 5? Ouch. Each of the boxers are introduced with their own theme song, I have to say, after the 3rd match, I was getting sick of hearing the Rocky theme, you will get sick of it after awhile. But for the music the game does incorporate, it\'s acceptable. I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps some of the guys from the series, like Gordon Wolf and Stu Nahan, but there is zero commentary. There are some actual voice samples taken directly, and even some new stuff that Sly and Weathers came in to do for the game. The stand in for Burgess Merideth is a bit overdone, and certainly is not a good replacement for the original \"Mickey\" but he has to do. Clubber sounds like himself, although Mister T is pretty simple to mock anyway. Final Call - I loved the movies, and UBI Soft did an acceptable job with Rocky. You\'ll notice it\'s not perfect. But thanks to a good selection of boxers taken directly from the movies, good atmosphere, and just a lovely fighting engine, you won\'t be disappointed. It\'s the best boxing game out there along with Knockout Kings, Rocky fans, don\'t hesitate, and people that just like fighting games will love it too. Even without the \"Eye of the Tiger\" this game is still a must have for fans. Good job UBI Soft. Overall Rating XBOX: 45 (Looks and plays bit smoother on XBOX) Overall Rating PS2: 3.55 The Good And The Bad: + Best version of the game is only on XBOX in terms of graphics. + You can have dream matches like Clubber Lang VS Apollo. + Good sound, but not enough music from the movies, where is my Survivor? - Tough computer opponents, start out in Novice mode. - Training is very tough, choose auto training and skip it. - No Hulk Hogan<content> <rating><rating> <author>John<author> <authoremail>ohioguy24@aol.com<authoremail> <date> Review Rocky<subtitle> <content>Yo Adrian, I\'m fightin\' again... Growing up with Rocky my entire life I was finally enthralled knowing there was a game in the works for the next gen systems. About the only Rocky game I can remember was for the old Sega Master System. I can laugh at it now, it was pretty bad, but it was still Rocky, and I\'ll always remember it as the first Rocky video game, for me anyway. 15 years later, Rocky makes a return for the XBOX (also available on PS2 and Cube) It\'s a boxing game based directly from the Rocky movies 1-5. All the boxers we remember from all the movies and some we never knew about, they are all here. The only fighter missing is (Thunderlips) Hulk Hogan, which was omitted because the developers couldn\'t incorporate wrestling with the boxing control. The game has authentic theme music from the original Rocky, although all the new stuff from Rocky III, IV and V were left out. You won\'t hear songs by Survivor or the sweet training music from Rocky IV, very disappointing for fans. But they did get Stallone and Carl Weathers (Apollo) to do some new recordings for the game, and some of the voice samples are also taken directly from the movies. There are a few computerized cut scenes taken from the movies and modified for the game, but like I said, there are only a few. But the most important aspect with any video game, is the gameplay, and Rocky survives on that aspect alone, as I personally view it as one of the better boxing games out there, certainly right up there with Knockout Kings and as fun as the Ready To Rumble series. Gameplay: When I think UBI Soft, I don\'t think boxing, I think of Rayman. But amazingly, I was very pleased with how this game turned out in this department. The controls are basic enough, but when you master the basics, you can get into a serious fighting routine. Each fighter has at least 40+ punches to pull off. The sparring mode brings up the \"command list\" of your moves and is a good way to learn your punches. The game focuses on timing and good combos. Button mashers won\'t stand a chance, because good combos are the focus. All punches are executed with the X, B, A, and Y buttons. The deadly uppercuts are executed by holding down the \"Right\" trigger and any of the punch buttons. High punches are X and Y, low punches are A and B. Each boxer has a special punch, which is done by tapping the right trigger and any punch button. This scheme is not as responsive as I would like it, sometimes it just doesn\'t work, but when it does, you\'ll know you pulled it off right. Blocking works very well, you can duck, dodge back, dodge right, dodge left, guard the face etc. By holding the \"L\" trigger and using the control stick to press in the direction, determines your blocking execution. Blocking punches causes your opponent to lose stamina, thus the boxer needs a quick break before he can pull out another punch or combo, this of course is the opportune time to swing back, so blocking is very important within Rocky. I would have to say the overall feel of Rocky is a toned down \"Ready To Rumble\". Not necessarily in terms of fun factor, just being less arcade style. There are no magical moves to pull off, just deadly punches, it feels like a real boxing game, and that is what the Rocky movies portrayed, so in that aspect it does well. I personally didn\'t feel a drastic difference between the 30+ boxers. Most of the moves are the same between them all (with the exception of the special punches). Of course boxers like Drago, Tommy Gunn and Rocky have more power than the lesser known guys, but overall, they fight the same. The game has different modes of play including exhibition, movie and sparring mode. You\'re better off not playing exhibition mode from the start as you only have access to Rocky and a few unknown dudes. To earn boxers, rings, and cut scenes, you need to go through the movie mode. Since this game is based solely on the movies, it does it in a timely fashion, taking you through Rocky 1 - Rocky 5 without missing any matches along the way. You\'ll take on some unknowns through Rocky 1 and eventually meet up with Apollo Creed as he did in the first film. If you\'ll survive that far, you\'ll then work your way up to Rocky II and earn another rematch against Apollo. If you can keep winning, you\'ll eventually run into Clubber Lang from III, Ivan Drago from IV, and finally fighters Union Cane and Tommy Gunn from V. It really wants to make you keep playing so you can get to the better fighters. I\'m personally still stuck on Drago so I can\'t be for sure if there are any other surprises after Tommy Gunn. All in all, you get 30+ boxers to choose from after you take Rocky through the movie mode. After you do so, you can take any boxer through his own movie to do battle. My dream match is Tommy Gunn against Clubber, can\'t wait for that one! There is some nice actual movie footage meshed with some new computer imagery throughout the game. The Intro is fantastic, you won\'t be disappointed. When you continue through the movie mode, you earn more clips and you can save them in the gallery mode. Although they are fun to watch, there are only 5 in total. I want more! To hone your skills, you can train between the matches. I have to say, I hate training, it\'s far to difficult and doesn\'t reward you at all for making an effort. The training requires perfection to really earn your attribute points, and I have to say it\'s asking too much, because I\'m always rated as a \"chump\" at anything I do. Maybe it\'s just me, but it\'s too tough for me to grasp, novice gamers will be even more intolerant. Luckily, for those who hate it to a pulp, you can choose \"auto train\" to do it for you. Besides, sparring is the way to learn your moves, not punching a slab of meat in a meat locker. Graphics: I\'ve played this one on both the PS2 and XBOX, and although they look similar, the XBOX looks and plays a bit smoother. If you have the ability to choose, go for the XBOX version. Overall, the game catches the spirit and feeling of Rocky. The first match, just like the movie when Rocky takes on Spider Rico, is fought in a old run down chapel. The game starts with the camera panning out with the close up of Jesus\' image scribed on the wall just like the movie. It really does capture the mood and spirit of Rocky working his way to stardom. Rocky, along with other fighters look acceptable, it\'s not Dead Or Alive 3 killer by any means, but Rocky looks like Rocky and Apollo looks like Apollo. Their bodies could have looked better, the polygons are bit out of proportion and could have been smoothened out a bit. Rocky\'s upper body looks a bit too large and rectangular for his own good, and his scrawny legs don\'t help either. But there is certainly more good than just mediocre. Punches look sweet and the damage done looks even better. Blood will splatter all over the ring and the cuts and bruises look very realistic especially when they move up close between the rounds. Some matches, depending on the location, spectators will throw bottles and trash when things get really ugly. It doesn\'t interfere with the gameplay, but still fun to watch. Boxers will incur black eyes and swell shut when they really get into trouble, their skin will sweat and hair will fall to their faces after grueling matches. It looks like boxing and feels like boxing, and that is what Rocky is about, and is successful doing so. There are multiple rings and locations incorporated within this title, once again taken directly from the movies. You\'ll fight in Rocky\'s own Philadelphia Spectrum, Chicago, night clubs, old run down churches, on the street with Tommy, outdoor stadiums and tons of new ones not even used in the movies. The spectators look \"just okay\", and most of them look like the guy next to them. Their animated, but their movements are stiff and a bit on the cardboard cutout side. Some locations look better than others. I could really appreciate Rocky treadin\' in to the USSR and takin\' on Drago in the Soviet Union, seeing all that red and those ugly flags makes you want to fight harder. Sound: One aspect of any movie that adds to the emotion and guts of it, has to be the music, and the Rocky series has some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. It\'s to no surprise the Rocky theme made it into this game, I love it and glad it\'s there. However, what about some goodies from Rocky III, IV and V? You won\'t find the infamous training montage or music from Survivor intact with any part of this game. I sorely miss the \"hearts on fire\" song with Rocky working out in the Soviet Union. But the biggest disappointed was the exclusion of \"Eye of the Tiger,\" Rocky\'s trademark song and his own persona. While I\'m not sure of the reasons, its\' probably due to time constraints or licensing issues. But if they could get Bill Conti\'s original theme song, why not his stuff from Rocky 4 and 5? Ouch. Each of the boxers are introduced with their own theme song, I have to say, after the 3rd match, I was getting sick of hearing the Rocky theme, you will get sick of it after awhile. But for the music the game does incorporate, it\'s acceptable. I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps some of the guys from the series, like Gordon Wolf and Stu Nahan, but there is zero commentary. There are some actual voice samples taken directly, and even some new stuff that Sly and Weathers came in to do for the game. The stand in for Burgess Merideth is a bit overdone, and certainly is not a good replacement for the original \"Mickey\" but he has to do. Clubber sounds like himself, although Mister T is pretty simple to mock anyway. Final Call - I loved the movies, and UBI Soft did an acceptable job with Rocky. You\'ll notice it\'s not perfect. But thanks to a good selection of boxers taken directly from the movies, good atmosphere, and just a lovely fighting engine, you won\'t be disappointed. It\'s the best boxing game out there along with Knockout Kings, Rocky fans, don\'t hesitate, and people that just like fighting games will love it too. Even without the \"Eye of the Tiger\" this game is still a must have for fans. Good job UBI Soft. Overall Rating XBOX: 45 (Looks and plays bit smoother on XBOX) Overall Rating PS2: 3.55 The Good And The Bad: + Best version of the game is only on XBOX in terms of graphics. + You can have dream matches like Clubber Lang VS Apollo. + Good sound, but not enough music from the movies, where is my Survivor? - Tough computer opponents, start out in Novice mode. - Training is very tough, choose auto training and skip it. - No Hulk Hogan<content> <rating><rating> <author>John<author> <authoremail>ohioguy24@a</h1><div class="main">Yo Adrian, I\'m fightin\' again... Growing up with Rocky my entire life I was finally enthralled knowing there was a game in the works for the next gen systems. About the only Rocky game I can remember was for the old Sega Master System. I can laugh at it now, it was pretty bad, but it was still Rocky, and I\'ll always remember it as the first Rocky video game, for me anyway. 15 years later, Rocky makes a return for the XBOX (also available on PS2 and Cube) It\'s a boxing game based directly from the Rocky movies 1-5. All the boxers we remember from all the movies and some we never knew about, they are all here. The only fighter missing is (Thunderlips) Hulk Hogan, which was omitted because the developers couldn\'t incorporate wrestling with the boxing control. The game has authentic theme music from the original Rocky, although all the new stuff from Rocky III, IV and V were left out. You won\'t hear songs by Survivor or the sweet training music from Rocky IV, very disappointing for fans. But they did get Stallone and Carl Weathers (Apollo) to do some new recordings for the game, and some of the voice samples are also taken directly from the movies. There are a few computerized cut scenes taken from the movies and modified for the game, but like I said, there are only a few. But the most important aspect with any video game, is the gameplay, and Rocky survives on that aspect alone, as I personally view it as one of the better boxing games out there, certainly right up there with Knockout Kings and as fun as the Ready To Rumble series. Gameplay: When I think UBI Soft, I don\'t think boxing, I think of Rayman. But amazingly, I was very pleased with how this game turned out in this department. The controls are basic enough, but when you master the basics, you can get into a serious fighting routine. Each fighter has at least 40+ punches to pull off. The sparring mode brings up the \"command list\" of your moves and is a good way to learn your punches. The game focuses on timing and good combos. Button mashers won\'t stand a chance, because good combos are the focus. All punches are executed with the X, B, A, and Y buttons. The deadly uppercuts are executed by holding down the \"Right\" trigger and any of the punch buttons. High punches are X and Y, low punches are A and B. Each boxer has a special punch, which is done by tapping the right trigger and any punch button. This scheme is not as responsive as I would like it, sometimes it just doesn\'t work, but when it does, you\'ll know you pulled it off right. Blocking works very well, you can duck, dodge back, dodge right, dodge left, guard the face etc. By holding the \"L\" trigger and using the control stick to press in the direction, determines your blocking execution. Blocking punches causes your opponent to lose stamina, thus the boxer needs a quick break before he can pull out another punch or combo, this of course is the opportune time to swing back, so blocking is very important within Rocky. I would have to say the overall feel of Rocky is a toned down \"Ready To Rumble\". Not necessarily in terms of fun factor, just being less arcade style. There are no magical moves to pull off, just deadly punches, it feels like a real boxing game, and that is what the Rocky movies portrayed, so in that aspect it does well. I personally didn\'t feel a drastic difference between the 30+ boxers. Most of the moves are the same between them all (with the exception of the special punches). Of course boxers like Drago, Tommy Gunn and Rocky have more power than the lesser known guys, but overall, they fight the same. The game has different modes of play including exhibition, movie and sparring mode. You\'re better off not playing exhibition mode from the start as you only have access to Rocky and a few unknown dudes. To earn boxers, rings, and cut scenes, you need to go through the movie mode. Since this game is based solely on the movies, it does it in a timely fashion, taking you through Rocky 1 - Rocky 5 without missing any matches along the way. You\'ll take on some unknowns through Rocky 1 and eventually meet up with Apollo Creed as he did in the first film. If you\'ll survive that far, you\'ll then work your way up to Rocky II and earn another rematch against Apollo. If you can keep winning, you\'ll eventually run into Clubber Lang from III, Ivan Drago from IV, and finally fighters Union Cane and Tommy Gunn from V. It really wants to make you keep playing so you can get to the better fighters. I\'m personally still stuck on Drago so I can\'t be for sure if there are any other surprises after Tommy Gunn. All in all, you get 30+ boxers to choose from after you take Rocky through the movie mode. After you do so, you can take any boxer through his own movie to do battle. My dream match is Tommy Gunn against Clubber, can\'t wait for that one! There is some nice actual movie footage meshed with some new computer imagery throughout the game. The Intro is fantastic, you won\'t be disappointed. When you continue through the movie mode, you earn more clips and you can save them in the gallery mode. Although they are fun to watch, there are only 5 in total. I want more! To hone your skills, you can train between the matches. I have to say, I hate training, it\'s far to difficult and doesn\'t reward you at all for making an effort. The training requires perfection to really earn your attribute points, and I have to say it\'s asking too much, because I\'m always rated as a \"chump\" at anything I do. Maybe it\'s just me, but it\'s too tough for me to grasp, novice gamers will be even more intolerant. Luckily, for those who hate it to a pulp, you can choose \"auto train\" to do it for you. Besides, sparring is the way to learn your moves, not punching a slab of meat in a meat locker. Graphics: I\'ve played this one on both the PS2 and XBOX, and although they look similar, the XBOX looks and plays a bit smoother. If you have the ability to choose, go for the XBOX version. Overall, the game catches the spirit and feeling of Rocky. The first match, just like the movie when Rocky takes on Spider Rico, is fought in a old run down chapel. The game starts with the camera panning out with the close up of Jesus\' image scribed on the wall just like the movie. It really does capture the mood and spirit of Rocky working his way to stardom. Rocky, along with other fighters look acceptable, it\'s not Dead Or Alive 3 killer by any means, but Rocky looks like Rocky and Apollo looks like Apollo. Their bodies could have looked better, the polygons are bit out of proportion and could have been smoothened out a bit. Rocky\'s upper body looks a bit too large and rectangular for his own good, and his scrawny legs don\'t help either. But there is certainly more good than just mediocre. Punches look sweet and the damage done looks even better. Blood will splatter all over the ring and the cuts and bruises look very realistic especially when they move up close between the rounds. Some matches, depending on the location, spectators will throw bottles and trash when things get really ugly. It doesn\'t interfere with the gameplay, but still fun to watch. Boxers will incur black eyes and swell shut when they really get into trouble, their skin will sweat and hair will fall to their faces after grueling matches. It looks like boxing and feels like boxing, and that is what Rocky is about, and is successful doing so. There are multiple rings and locations incorporated within this title, once again taken directly from the movies. You\'ll fight in Rocky\'s own Philadelphia Spectrum, Chicago, night clubs, old run down churches, on the street with Tommy, outdoor stadiums and tons of new ones not even used in the movies. The spectators look \"just okay\", and most of them look like the guy next to them. Their animated, but their movements are stiff and a bit on the cardboard cutout side. Some locations look better than others. I could really appreciate Rocky treadin\' in to the USSR and takin\' on Drago in the Soviet Union, seeing all that red and those ugly flags makes you want to fight harder. Sound: One aspect of any movie that adds to the emotion and guts of it, has to be the music, and the Rocky series has some of the most memorable soundtracks in movie history. It\'s to no surprise the Rocky theme made it into this game, I love it and glad it\'s there. However, what about some goodies from Rocky III, IV and V? You won\'t find the infamous training montage or music from Survivor intact with any part of this game. I sorely miss the \"hearts on fire\" song with Rocky working out in the Soviet Union. But the biggest disappointed was the exclusion of \"Eye of the Tiger,\" Rocky\'s trademark song and his own persona. While I\'m not sure of the reasons, its\' probably due to time constraints or licensing issues. But if they could get Bill Conti\'s original theme song, why not his stuff from Rocky 4 and 5? Ouch. Each of the boxers are introduced with their own theme song, I have to say, after the 3rd match, I was getting sick of hearing the Rocky theme, you will get sick of it after awhile. But for the music the game does incorporate, it\'s acceptable. I would have liked to see some commentary, perhaps some of the guys from the series, like Gordon Wolf and Stu Nahan, but there is zero commentary. There are some actual voice samples taken directly, and even some new stuff that Sly and Weathers came in to do for the game. The stand in for Burgess Merideth is a bit overdone, and certainly is not a good replacement for the original \"Mickey\" but he has to do. Clubber sounds like himself, although Mister T is pretty simple to mock anyway. Final Call - I loved the movies, and UBI Soft did an acceptable job with Rocky. You\'ll notice it\'s not perfect. But thanks to a good selection of boxers taken directly from the movies, good atmosphere, and just a lovely fighting engine, you won\'t be disappointed. It\'s the best boxing game out there along with Knockout Kings, Rocky fans, don\'t hesitate, and people that just like fighting games will love it too. Even without the \"Eye of the Tiger\" this game is still a must have for fans. Good job UBI Soft. Overall Rating XBOX: 45 (Looks and plays bit smoother on XBOX) Overall Rating PS2: 3.55 The Good And The Bad: + Best version of the game is only on XBOX in terms of graphics. + You can have dream matches like Clubber Lang VS Apollo. + Good sound, but not enough music from the movies, where is my Survivor? - Tough computer opponents, start out in Novice mode. - Training is very tough, choose auto training and skip it. - No Hulk Hogan<content> <rating><rating> <author>John<author> By: <a href="mailto:"></a> </div> </td> <td width="273" valign="top">  <center> <div style="text-align: left; width: 278px;height: 33px;background-image:url(/data/images/designs/right-cotd.jpg);"> Women's Volleyball Interview</div> <a href="/interviews/womensvolleyball.html"><img src="/data/images/womensvolleyball.jpg" border="0"></a> <img src="/data/images/design/right-cotdb.jpg" border="0"> </center>   <center> <div style="width: 278px;height: 33px;background-image:url(/data/images/designs/right-cotd.jpg);">ROG Newsletter</div> <div style="width: 278px; background-color: #cccccc;"><form name="afc" action="/modules/newsletter/index.php" target="afc" method="get"> <center> Email: <input type=text name=email size=20> <input type="hidden" name="type" id="type_sub" value="sub"> <input type=submit name=sub value=Subscribe> </form> </center> <img src="/data/images/design/right-cotdb.jpg" border="0"> </center> </div>   <center> <div style="width: 278px;height: 33px;background-image:url(/data/images/designs/right-cotd.jpg);">Forum Posts</div> <div style="width: 278px; background-color: #cccccc;"> <center> <a href='http://www.realmofgaming.com/forum/index.php?topic=319.msg2676#msg2676' class='left'>Soul Calibur IV</a> <a href='http://www.realmofgaming.com/forum/index.php?topic=318.msg2675#msg2675' class='left'>RoG Looking for Reviewers</a> <a href='http://www.realmofgaming.com/forum/index.php?topic=317.msg2671#msg2671' class='left'>Re: Game.com</a> <a href='http://www.realmofgaming.com/forum/index.php?topic=317.msg2670#msg2670' class='left'>Re: Game.com</a> <a href='http://www.realmofgaming.com/forum/index.php?topic=317.msg2669#msg2669' class='left'>Game.com</a> </center> <img src="/data/images/design/right-cotdb.jpg" border="0"> </center> </div>  <div id="gad"> <center>  <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script>  </center> </div> </td> </tr> </TABLE> <center><TABLE Class="copyright" background="/images/copyright.jpg" width="1024" height="25"><TR><TD><center>Copyright 1999 - 2008 Realm of Gaming - All Rights Reserved</center></TD></TR></TABLE> <a href="http://www.flightfind.co.uk">Flights</a> - <a href="http://www.moneyexpert.com/Insurance/Home.aspx">Cheap Car Insurance</a> - <a href="http://www.moneyexpert.com/Compare-Loans.aspx">Loans</a> - <a href="http://www.bloomingdesert.com">Phoenix Pools</a> </center> <script src="http://www.google-analytics.com/urchin.js" type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> _uacct = "UA-2751989-1"; urchinTracker(); </script> </BODY></HTML>