Knockout Kings 2000 takes you from your couch, away from your TV, and right smack dab in the middle of the squared circle. The only thing closer to true boxing is strapping on the gloves. I must admit, I was really impressed with the graphics. The sound track, I could have done without (I'm not a big fan of Rap), but the sound effects and ring announcers were great. I was really impressed with the smooth animation and good rendering. All the detail was put into the ring and the boxers, but who cares about the crowd and the arena? Okay, well I would like to see more extensive graphical detail, but at least it has it where it counts - in the ring.

I found that there really weren't many options. There is a Slugfest mode for a more arcade-style boxing match. For the normal boxing simulation, the modes are Exhibition, Career, and Classic Fights. You can also create a boxer. Basically, that's all. You can play around with the options a bit, but not much there either.

While in the game, your health bar and stamina meters are always in view. Also, the round number and time is in the bottom corner. Between rounds, they even have a scorecard to let you know how you're doing. The only real complaint I have with the game is the fact that it just runs slow. I understand with the detailed graphics and the smooth animations it can't run full speed, but it's boxing. It's supposed to be fast and furious. I think the game would be much more enjoyable if things were sped up a bit.

Perhaps to make up for the lack of realistic speed, they were careful to put in plenty of punches. Most boxing games put in the jab, cross, uppercut, and hook, but Knockout Kings 2000 goes the extra mile. There are dozens of combinations you can do. You can punch out of defense and even pull out some clutch punches. And of course, EA added some taunts and illegal moves (there is a head-butt, but no bite). Perhaps my favorite addition is the signature moves - the special moves that each boxer has. This adds a little variety to the match, as well as makes a name for your boxer.

I found the game to be difficult. Although the rules can be modified and the difficulty setting can be adjusted, I found the game to be hard. Even on the lowest settings I struggled. Once I got the hang of it I got better, but still, it's not an easy game.

Although I felt the game ran very slow, the mechanics were solid. When you hit the button, the boxer did the corresponding move immediately and accurately. The combos got a little tricky, but it was all there. The only problem I had was the game speed. The controls were great, and everything was easy enough to learn. It's a typical sports sim. Each button has a unique function. The game is light on the memory card and it is vibration compatible (although I played with it turned off). All in all, this is a pretty good game, and with out a doubt, the best boxing game for the PlayStation game console.