508Matt StollSuper K.O. Boxing is the name of the game and if you’ve been holding out for just the right mobile title to spend your cash on, this is it. It’s an excellent blend of inviting casual play with one-handed controls that features plenty of action, lots of fun and just the right amount of challenge to keep you “Glued” to your phone.
Inspired by the classic Super Punch Out!, you are an underdog fighter looking to become the next boxing champ. Taking on fifteen colorful fighters with names such as 15 Cent, Sake Bomb and The Punisher, you’ll punch your way through three circuits to deliver knockout blows and win the belt. Three other modes have also been included for more playing time and they are Versus (take on your favorite opponent), Challenge (fight bouts with specific goals and difficulties), and Endurance (last as long as you can against all opponents).
Your boxer will have access to high and low punches, a super punch and a block. He can also sway left and right to avoid hits. All of these are controlled through the D-pad but to use the super punch you’ll have to fill a gauge by connecting consecutive blows, dodging attacks, or using the Taunt. With the Taunt, your boxer will strike a pose to tease the opposing fighter and it can be called on at anytime, as many times as you want. This could be your key to success or your downfall since it’ll leave you open to a big hit.
When fighting, you’ll notice that each opponent has a unique pattern of attack. You’ll have to figure it out and counterattack correctly. At times, only by instigating them will you be able to get them to fight as well. The opponents also have special moves up their sleeves and though they’ll give you a hint as to when it’s coming, your reflexes will have to be on the ball to avoid being punished and possibly go down for the count, which in itself, is also turned into another challenge.
Before, when you were sent down to the mat, you’d have to mash buttons to raise your fighter back up. Now, it’s basically an extra mini-game. If you’ve been knocked down, hitting the correct buttons when the countdown numbers converge in the middle of the screen will eliminate the “birdies” floating around your head. One correct button press means one bird eliminated and you must continue this for all of them to fly away, however many there are. Sometimes you’ll have one, sometimes you’ll have 10. This rule follows suit for when the opponent is down and if you happen to be pressing the button for the heck of it, you’ll notice that it also replenishes some of your health. That’s a nice way to get some strength back! You’ll need it against the tougher opponents.
Super K.O. Boxing is a shot in the arm for mobile games because of its light-hearted sports theme that many will enjoy. It’s quick to understand and play while having a very good learning curve. The characters are large and filled with even larger personalities, the controls are perfect and it’s a game you can play continuously. Give Glu a championship belt for this one because it’s one of the “Must-have” titles for this year.