Knockout Kings (video game)

Knockout Kings (known as Knockout Kings 99 in Europe) is a video game developed by American studio Press Start and published by EA Sports for the PlayStation.

Knockout Kings
Developer(s)	Press Start
Publisher(s)	EA Sports
Series	Knockout Kings
Platform(s)	PlayStation
Release	NA: November 24, 1998[1] EU: 1998
Genre(s)	Sports, fighting
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

Knockout Kings features 38 professional boxers with motion capture animation.^[2] The game also had exclusive rights for boxers Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya.^[3][4]

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	69%[5]

Review scores

Publication	Score
Electronic Gaming Monthly	7.125/10[6][a]
EP Daily	5.5/10[7]
Game Informer	6/10[8]
GameRevolution	B−[9]
GameSpot	7.7/10[10]
IGN	7.3/10[11]
Mega Fun	76%[12]
Next Generation	[2]
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine	[13]
PlayStation: The Official Magazine	[14]
The Cincinnati Enquirer	[15]

Reception

The game received average reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.^[5] Next Generation said, "Ultimately, the game tries very hard to capture the authenticity of the sport, and it is noteworthy that it is the first to present multiple weight classes. It seems fitting the only boxer EA didn't license for Knockout Kings (other than [Mike] Tyson) was Marlon Brando's character from the film On the Waterfront. Like Brando's character, this game 'could've been a contender.'"^[2] GamePro, however, said, "An exciting, fun, and competitive game, Knockout Kings will have you out of your seat cheering and talking smack – even during one-player bouts. Buying the game's not only cheaper than most boxing pay-per-views, but a lot more entertaining."^[16][b]

Notes

1. Four critics of Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game each a score of 8/10, 7/10, 5/10, and 8.5/10.
2. GamePro gave the game two 5/5 scores for graphics and fun factor, 4/5 for sound, and 4.5/5 for control.