November 29, 1999 Web posted at: 1:08 p.m. EST (1808 GMT) by Lou Grobious

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(IDG) -- Boxing, that sweetest of sciences, requires a seamless combination of strength, speed, stamina, and skill. Knockout Kings 2000 might require finger strength and stamina, but it doesn't call for a whole lot of skill.

Mash and smash

Unfortunately, all your expectations come crashing to the canvas once the fighting actually starts. As you quickly discover, there will be no floating like a butterfly. It's more like trudging through molasses. The boxers move slowly, so weaving and bobbing aren't strategy options. Once the fists start flying, you'll discover that this is Button-Mashers' Paradise.

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You can jab and throw some quick body blows to set up your haymaker. That's really more technique than you need. Furiously pushing buttons will get you a KO just as easily as a more measured approach. You might be less accurate, but you won't be any less bruising.

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If you want a little more variety than simple button pounding, you can throw in a signature combo using one of the C buttons. Ali's, when used properly, does some nice damage. However, the special combos take a little of your own health. It's nice to see some good combos thrown in among the jabs and crosses, but the bulk of the punishment is best handed out the old-fashioned way.

Unfortunately, the sound suffers from the same problem as the gameplay. The promising intros don't translate into good play-by-play. Crowd noise and forgettable music create some ambiance, but the sound is underwhelming overall.

Sweeter than Sugar

For those who think getting there is half the fun, you can create your own boxer and pit him against the 25 greats. Assign characteristics and fighting styles, train, and slug your way to the top. Trying to beat the best provides a little incentive and challenge.

Knockout Kings 2000 really shines when you fight a friend. Without the computer AI, button-mashing becomes a sport of champions. You get pummeled just as much as you dish it out, and the punches come fast and furious. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is only hours away, but you won't mind.

Good, but not great

Graphics: 4.0
The faces are nice, but the boxers' animations are too slow. Decent backgrounds keep the fights interesting.

Sound: 3.5
Middle of the road. It's mostly just crowd noise, grunts, and gloves meeting faces. Nothing stands out, but nothing interferes with the game, either.

Control: 2.5
You only need to press buttons quickly. But getting out of your opponent's way is nearly impossible. Even Sugar Ray Leonard moves slowly.

Fun Factor: 4.0
Playing on your own is pretty cool, but creating your own boxer or duking it out with a friend makes all the button mashing worthwhile.

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