🔊 Tap Play, then press “Play Now”
Knockout Kings (USA, Europe)
Knockout Kings (USA, Europe) on GBC
Knockout Kings on Game Boy Color is a boxing game that originally came out for the PlayStation in 1998. Developed by Press Start and published by EA Sports on the big console, this version brings the sport to Nintendo's handheld. It landed in both USA and Europe regions, offering a portable take on the boxing simulation genre. If you were into sports games on the Game Boy, this was one of the more serious boxing titles available.
In Knockout Kings you take control of a boxer and work your way up through the ranks. The core loop involves training, managing your stamina, and stepping into the ring for three‑round fights. You throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts while trying to block or dodge your opponent's punches. There's a career mode where you fight a series of increasingly tough opponents, and you can also jump into quick matches. The controls are simple enough for the Game Boy's two‑button setup, but landing combos and timing your defenses takes practice.
For a Game Boy Color boxing game, Knockout Kings does a decent job of capturing the sport's feel despite the limited hardware. The sprites are clear and the animation is smooth enough to make the punches look satisfying. It's not as deep as the PlayStation original, but for a quick fight on the go it holds up. If you enjoy retro sports titles or want to see how boxing translated to handhelds in the late 90s, this is worth a few rounds. Just don't expect the complexity of modern boxing games.
In Knockout Kings you take control of a boxer and work your way up through the ranks. The core loop involves training, managing your stamina, and stepping into the ring for three‑round fights. You throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts while trying to block or dodge your opponent's punches. There's a career mode where you fight a series of increasingly tough opponents, and you can also jump into quick matches. The controls are simple enough for the Game Boy's two‑button setup, but landing combos and timing your defenses takes practice.
For a Game Boy Color boxing game, Knockout Kings does a decent job of capturing the sport's feel despite the limited hardware. The sprites are clear and the animation is smooth enough to make the punches look satisfying. It's not as deep as the PlayStation original, but for a quick fight on the go it holds up. If you enjoy retro sports titles or want to see how boxing translated to handhelds in the late 90s, this is worth a few rounds. Just don't expect the complexity of modern boxing games.
How to Play Knockout Kings (USA, Europe) Online
Getting Started
When you start Knockout Kings on Game Boy Color, you will land on a title screen. Press Start to go into the main menu. Here you can choose between a quick fight or the career mode. For your first try, pick a quick fight to get a feel for the controls. Use the D‑pad to move your boxer around the ring. Press S (B button) to throw a punch; press X (A button) to jump or to do a special move if the game allows it. Block by staying still or pressing a direction away from the opponent.
The core loop in career mode is fight, train, fight again. Between bouts you might get a chance to boost your stats or rest. Match the rhythm of your opponent - some are aggressive, others counter‑punch. Pay attention to stamina; throwing wild punches leaves you tired and open. Try to land clean shots to wear down the opponent's health. Winning fights earns you money to upgrade your boxer.
There is no tutorial inside the cartridge, so learning happens by doing. The game keeps things simple: two buttons for attack, movement with the pad, and timing is everything. If you played any arcade boxing game from the 90s, you will pick this up quickly. Remember that each fight lasts only three rounds - pace yourself.
Knockout Kings (USA, Europe) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button (jump / confirm)
- S: B button (run / attack / cancel)
- Enter: Start / Pause
- V: Select
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knockout Kings an official release, a fan hack, a prototype, or another kind of build?
Knockout Kings is an official licensed release for the Game Boy Color. It is a portable port of the PlayStation boxing game from 1998, brought over by EA Sports. No evidence suggests it is a hack or prototype.
What makes Knockout Kings stand out among Game Boy Color titles of its era?
It was one of the few serious boxing simulations on the handheld, offering a career mode with training and upgrades. The sprite work and animation were solid for the time, giving satisfying feedback on punches. It brought a console‑style sports experience to the small screen without stripping too much of the core gameplay.
Does Knockout Kings have a multiplayer or co-op mode?
The Game Boy Color version does not include any multiplayer or co-op functionality. All modes are single‑player only, focusing on career fights and quick bouts against AI opponents. This was typical for sports games on the system, as link cable support was not common.
Comments (0)