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Platform: Ps4/ Xbox One/ Nintendo Switch
Release: 3rd September 2021
As gamers in the digital age, we're privileged to be given plenty of notice for big new releases. We can see them on the horizon sometimes years in advance. By the time they finally arrive, we've already seen gameplay footage, we have a general idea of plot/ story, and we can ascertain with some confidence whether the games will actually be any good.
Creed Champions, however, came from absolutely nowhere. Like a wiley Boxer's cleverly placed punch to the side of the head, it had no warning, no signposting whatsoever. I haven't seen anything from the Rocky franchise released to such little fanfare since the Director's cut of Rocky 5 (eugh- enough said).
What makes this even more shocking is the fact that many gamers have been clamouring for a new boxing game for what seems like an eternity. Ever since EA's Fight Night series was shelved following the last instalment Fight Night Champion in 2011, boxing fans have been left with nothing but a few gimmicky boxing/ MMA crossovers to contend with.
Hmmm...a new boxing game releases with zero hype, featuring characters from the Rocky franchise, and no one bats an eyelid? Safe to say this is rather suspicious, but nevertheless, being a huge fan of Rocky, boxing and gaming- i wasn't going to let that put me off.
So- is this the boxing game we've been patiently waiting for? Spoiler alert- no.
Loading this game up, it's extremely evident that it is much more of an Arcade game than a Boxing sim. Everything from the menu layout, the game modes, and character designs, screams 'ARCADE!'
The visuals are bright and vibrant, with the characters almost cartoon-like in design, even though they do still share a likeness with their movie counterparts.
Diving right into Arcade mode which is the main story mode, you are able to choose from a handful of characters to begin with. Adonis Creed, Rocky Balboa, 1 or 2 from the Creed movies- and more to unlock. You can unlock these either by playing through various characters' story modes, or alternatively, repeatedly fighting the CPU in Versus mode.
Each character gets their own story which plays out like a comic book with text and the odd sound effect but no cutscenes. In all honesty- these little segments in between fights serve no real purpose and just slow the action down. You are treated to 1 or 2 training levels throughout the 6 or so fight story mode- and these play out identically to other boxing game training segments. Hit the punch bag in a certain order, tap buttons repeatedly etc. Extremely lazy and unimaginative.... but more worryingly, completely pointless. You literally gain NOTHING from these training segments no matter how well you do.
Gameplay is one of the strongest parts of the game. It is very simple, but for the most part pretty fun. You have a light attack and a heavy one. You can dodge, block, and if you time the block right; counter. You also have a special move meter which fills up, and can then be unleashed. Again, all very 'Arcade', which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you're looking for tactical battles of skill like those in Fight Night, I'm afraid you're gonna have to keep looking. There's no judge's scorecards here either. The first fighter to be knocked down 4 times, loses. Simple as that.
The soundtrack is undoubtedly the game's high point. The iconic tracks from Rocky are put to good use here, playing over menu's, training montages and between fights. There is a good mix here of the classic Rocky themes combined with some of the newer themes from Creed (which also has an awesome soundtrack too).
The game's biggest issue is the fact that there is almost zero replayability. Apart from wanting to unlock and see each character's story's, which I cant imagine many will want to do- they're hardly thrilling- the game simply has no reason to keep going back. No online mode. No new game modes. Nothing.
If you get the opportunity to play this at a friend's house- give it a go. It will provide you with some light, fun entertainment- with flashes of greatness played out featuring boxing's most iconic soundtrack and characters. However- I hate to say this Boxing fans, but this is not what you've been waiting for.
Summary: Arcade style boxer featuring Rocky and Creed characters. Gameplay is fun and simple but gets boring quickly. Lack of replayability and game modes mean after an hour or 2 of playing, despite the soundtrack invoking nostalgia, you will tire quicker than Apollo Creed in Rocky IV. If he dies- he dies.
Verdict: 6/10
By @damoroso4
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