K.O. Cruiser is a first-person boxing game that matches you against six different boxers with different strengths, weaknesses and styles. Do you have what it takes to be the champ? Is the Gold Belt within your reach? Let’s find out!
You'll face six different opponents in K.O. Cruiser, each with his unique traits and special moves:
- Tomato Ken
- K.C. Nova
- Russ Tick
- Major Concussion
- Wally B.
- Rod Ickle
You move your boxer with the joystick controller to move around the ring, throw punches, and guard against punches. You can also quickly dodge left or right to avoid an incoming punch from your opponent. If you're knocked down, you can attempt to get back up and into the fight by quickly tapping the joystick fire button.
K.O. Cruiser features three levels of difficulty so you can continue to be challenged after you've mastered your opponents on easier levels!
Includes cartridge and 8-page, full-color manual. Available in NTSC and PAL60 television formats, please specify above when ordering.
Author | Devin D. Cook |
Number of Players | 1 |
Controller | Joystick |
Cartridge Size | 32K |
Label and Manual Design | Nathan Strum |
Graphics: Your boxer is just an outline but this works well and allows you to see your opponent. The opponents look great and their animations are excellent. I personally love hitting them and seeing what goofy looking face they will have.
Sounds: Each opponent has their own intro music and adds to their distinct personality. Music during the match is simple and effective and sound effects for punches or special moves are satisfying.
Gameplay: Your boxer can block, dodge, walk, and punch left and punch right. It sounds like a lot for a one button controller but it works surprisingly well. Dodging takes the most time to learn but isn't hard to catch on.
Each fight consists of three three minute rounds. This game is all about strategy and counter punching. Each fighter has their own specials and style so some patience will be needed to gain the upper hand. It is amazing how well this works on the 2600 hardware
There are three difficulty settings. Bronze, Silver, and Gold. My only gripe is that after you master the Bronze you can go straight for the Gold which ramps up both the speed and power of your opponents.
This is an excellent boxing game, which is a blast to play. If you played and loved the old Punch-Out this is an easy purchase. Hopefully we will get to see a sequel in the future. If we do, I know I will be purchasing it.
K.O. Cruiser is a game that I never expected to see attempted on the 2600. The transparent boxer works extremely well, especially considering the 2600's graphics limitations. All of the opponents look terrific, with excellent detail and funny expressions when they get hit, and they all exhibit distinct personalities and fighting styles. The controls work well, although all you can do is essentially punch, block and dodge (you can't choose between a body blow or uppercut, for example), but for this game nothing else seems really necessary. The sound is good throughout the game, with each opponent having their own musical theme when introduced. I wish that AtariVox support could have been added for the ring announcer, and to have opponents taunt you or respond when hit. There are only six opponents in the game, and while you'll probably get through the first few on the easy setting pretty quickly, in the higher difficulties you're going to find yourself on the canvas quite a lot.
K.O. Cruiser is an excellent game, well-worth buying whether you're into boxing or not. The game is a blast to play, the characters are a lot of fun, and there are difficulty levels suitable for any player. There are already sequels in the works, so we will get the chance to see more characters. With any luck, maybe we'll get AtariVox support at some point, too. Or at least some ring girls.