LADYDRAGON.COM - Contender

Developed by Victor Interactive Software and published by Sony, Contender is the second boxing game to arrive on the Playstation. After the very good Knockout Kings (EA Sport), Sony proposes a game less centered on simulation and more on arcade action, a good thing? Hmm, not really!

Contender contains three play modes, Tournaments (vs 30 computers), Exhibition (against the computer or another player) and a mode where you must climb the levels to become the best boxer (Main Event). In this last mode it is also possible to gain points which will be added with your statistics. The game includes more than 30 different boxers each one with its own statistics.

Until there, all is fine, its when the combat begins that Contender loses all its points. First of all, when they presents the players, the graphics comprise several errors (seeing your arm disappear through your body is rather worrying). Once the combat starts you have the choice between several camera angles,

"In middle of a fight ! "

"Yeah, one win is for you"

but the default one is more than sufficient.

The fight then starts and it can be easily summarized in one thing: press the buttons as quickly as possible. If you are a button smasher you will have an advantage here, press as quickly as possible to put the other player KO, smash very quickly to get up after you fall to the floor. The game will become quickly annoying and you will soon seek an other activity with more depth.

The music is not Contender strong point either, but the sounds are interesting and they contribute to the experience (like the noise of camera flashes).

On paper Contender is an excellent idea, but something went wrong in the development which made the game less interesting than they plan. Contender can be fun for some time but it quickly becomes repetitive. Definitively rent before buying.

Company :
Sony
www.playstation.com

Category :
Sport / Boxing

NOTES:

Interest : 65 %
Control : 60 %
Graphics : 70 %
Sound : 65 %
Originality : 70 %

TOTAL : 68 %

Requirements

Console:
Playstation

Accessories :
Carte Mémoire
Compatible Manette Analogue
Compatible Vibration

Simon Larouche
Aka: Valianor