What It Is:

"Knockout Kings 2000" is a boxing simulation game that allows the player to select a famous boxer he wants to fight as and choose a famous arena in which to fight. The list of fighters includes Ali, Frazier, Holmes, Holyfield and many more. The player can even create his own contender. In this straight forward game of knock-or-get-knocked-out, your goal is simple: beat the other guy. The playing modes vary from Slugfest, a no rules-no mercy fight, to Career mode, where your contender fights his way up through the ranks of his weight class. In Classic Fights mode, the player gets a chance to change boxing history by fighting in famous bouts, such as the "Thrilla in Manilla" with Ali and Frazier.

Why It’s Fun:

Taking on the persona of a tough, world-famous, rich and often-charismatic boxer can’t be all that bad. The fights between the two boxers are challenging and about as realistic as computer-generated images in games can be at this point in time. The controls for different punches take some training on the part of the player, but are not elusive. Classic Fights mode is a tantalizing trip into a time machine for any boxing fan that wasn’t completely satisfied with the outcome of any of nine famous fights.

Who’s Going to Love It:

Boxing fans (and those of us who think we "coulda been contenders") should get a kick out of "Knockout Kings." Although there are no women fighters to select, this does not necessarily have to be a game for men only.

What to Be Aware Of:

As always, parents need to remember that boxing is about as brutal a sport there is today. Although there is no gore in "Knockout Kings," the very essence of a boxing match necessitates some careful thinking on the part of adults who are in the position of exposing children to this sport via live event, broadcast or video game. Teens in today’s world should not have a problem with "Kings."