Ready To Rumble Evolution

Talk about a knockout franchise. The original Ready 2 Rumble boxing game, released on Dreamcast, PSOne and N64 back in 1999, was a knuckleduster of a hit, beautifully bringing together cartoon exaggeration and the blood ’n’ sweat of a real life bout.

Sadly the title – which built on the  appeal of Nintendo’s own Punch Out! – never got the chance to pull in the mainstream adulation that perhaps it should; mainly because, well, a lot of people weren’t gaming ten years ago.

A sequel followed in 2000, but it didn’t take long for it to become clear that the franchise’s potential to appeal to the whole family would never be realised. Until now, that is – as Atari reinvigorates the franchise.

The publisher’s update to the series will not only bring a nostalgic grin to the faces of the late ‘90s gamers everywhere – but also breathes new life into Ready 2 Rumble’s exposure.

ALL YOU NEED IS GLOVE
Releasing Ready 2 Rumble: Revolution on Wii will finally allow the game to get into the hands of mums, dads, uncles and all of the consumers it didn’t get noticed by first time round.

Atari product manager Lauren Bradley explains: “As this is the first time the Ready 2 Rumble franchise has been brought the Wii, it is poised to reach a wider audience than ever before and our media selection reflects this.

“The larger-than-life characters, family-friendly humour and Wii remote and nunchuck controls will appeal to a broad selection of casual gamers.
“We’re confident that the property’s history and the hilarious multi-player functionality will make the game a popular choice for the Wii market.”

The OTT characters from the original game – which came as a welcome change of pace from the ultra-serious pugilists in more straight-lace boxing sims of the time – have been added to and improved on.

SPITTING IMAGES
The title’s ability to parody the world of sport and entertainment remains unchanged, however – with leading lights from the world of movies, sport and music all being put through the wringer. From David Beckham to Shaun White, the light-hearted ribbing of the rich and famous is in full effect. Each is brought to life through over-the-top moves, improved facial animations and damage textures.

And in what will come as welcome news to long-term Ready 2 Rumble fans, the caricature of ring announcer Michael Buffer (‘The Voice of Champions™’) and his famous “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” trademark call has returned.

This one should uppercut the charts when it’s released later this month.