Review
While games based on movie licenses are always a risky proposition, it's clear the developers did more than just slap Sylvester Stallone's face on a generic boxing title and call it "Rocky." There is an attention to detail not normally found in games based on movies, and it's apparent from the moment the fighters strut toward the ring that this is something a bit different, something that will at the very least be memorable. From the inspiring "Gonna Fly Now" that begins each fight, to the clothing, conditioning, and hairstyles that marked Rocky's unlikely rise from loan shark to Heavyweight Champion of the World, the game seems to understand the five films making up the series and helps re-create the same spirit, the same look, and to a lesser extent, the same drama surrounding each fight.
The heart of the game is obviously the Movie Mode, where players advance exclusively as Rocky through the storylines of each of the five films. While players never get to feed Cuff and Link, take Adrian ice skating, or run up the steps leading to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, they will get to fight Rocky's most memorable opponents throughout the years in a series of 25 bouts, five of which span one "movie." Between fights players can train to improve Rocky's skills in a number of areas, and cut-scenes before each main event help clue players in on the world happening outside the ring. Interestingly enough, these clips were created from the graphics engine and not actual film footage. This is surprising since many cut-scenes attempt to re-create the same shots as filmed in the movies (and actual dialogue is even sampled from the films).
In another interesting twist, players don't use the same Rocky throughout the game but rather graduate to newer versions of the Italian Stallion with slightly different hairstyles and facial features from each of the films. Players begin with a hungry and inexperienced fighter wearing the same white trunks with red trim as exhibited in Rocky, advance to poofy '80s hair and black-and-yellow trunks from Rocky III, and so on. Tom Conti's "Gonna Fly Now" opens every fight, and while it is a great addition, the problem is it opens every fight. It would have been more powerful had it played once for each of the five fights against the boss characters instead of wasting it on such palookas as Spider Rico. It also would have been interesting to have snippets play during the fights, especially when players string together powerful combos or tip the scales in their favor.
This is offset somewhat by loud chants of "Rocky, Rocky!" after you knock an opponent to the canvas, but the crowd never cheers the opponent -- even when the match is set in Russia. The crowds are also rendered in 3D and help make up some of the most impressive venues seen in a boxing title to date. Such minute details as the incorrect poster of Rocky hanging from the rafters in his first fight with Apollo Creed are present, as is Creed's famous opening atop a red, white, and blue float with "Yankee Doodle Dandy" playing in the background. Excellent use of lighting effects is evident in areas like the bar, which is filled with neon signs, candles on tables, and wisps of smoke. Other venues include gyms, outdoor rings, stadiums, and more, each looking more impressive than the last.
The boxing engine is generally solid, though it definitely leans toward arcade-style fighting than a simulation, which is to be expected given the unrealistic nature of the movies (at least the last three movies). Combos are very easy to perform and players will immediately see the changes in attributes once inside the ring. Character models are good but not exceptional, and look more like plastic than human. Animation is also awkward for certain punches and the transitions between swings are not always smooth. Each punch feels solid however, and you really start to "feel" their power when pummeling an opponent in the corner. While faces don't appear to show much damage, there will be blood sprays that remain on the mat for the duration of the fight.
Playing the Movie Mode in Novice setting will take roughly two or three hours to complete, so players looking to unlock all of the boxers as quickly as possible will want to breeze through this setting. This also has the added benefit of opening up the Knockout Tournament, which is a fun albeit limited diversion for multiplayer contests. Those expecting a challenge during solo play will find it by bumping up the difficulty level, which transform bouts the way they should be played with the need to move, bob, and weave and to think about punches before throwing them. Rocky is at an immediate disadvantage the moment the bell rings, since each fighter he goes up against is statistically rated much higher. The most important attribute is strength, followed by speed and then stamina.
Once Movie Mode is finished on each of the three difficulty settings -- which players don't really need to do unless they want to unlock two additional characters -- there's not much left to milk out of the game. For example, players can't box as anyone but Rocky, so they can't alter destiny as Clubber Lang, Apollo Creed, or Ivan Drago. The lack of prizefights means Rocky can't earn money and watch Paulie fritter it away on gambling debts and poor management. It's simply 25 fights in total, five per "movie" with the fifth boxer being the boss character or chief villain from the films. As a result, this mode gets tiresome much sooner than later.
Sparring mode is a great place to learn combos, but it is doubtful players will ever revisit it again after playing it once or twice. Even the Knockout Tournament is a bit disappointing after awhile. Unfortunately you can't defend each of the three belts you can win, nor are detailed won-loss records or stats kept for each of the fighters and their users. Rocky is a solid boxing title that does justice to the license it's based on, but it's lacking in a number of key areas. With improved animation, a more robust career, and a better choice of modes, it could have easily been a knockout instead of a contender. Rocky the game certainly has the heart of a champion, just not the tools needed to go the distance.
Graphics 
No matter which console version is selected, all of the boxers from the films look like their counterparts and have the same signature moves. Real-time damage is present but difficult to see, and the character models are somewhat stiff and plastic-like. Crowds are animated and in 3D, but at times they look like they are signaling traffic rather than cheering.
Sound 
Absent features include Mick yelling from the corner during the fight, the use of key songs like "Eye of the Tiger," and banter between fighters inside the ring. There's also no ringside announcer, but most players won't miss it.
Enjoyment
The boxing action is solid, and it's fun to pummel Ivan Drago and Clubber Lang. A few more modes would have gone a long way into making this a must-have title. Some of the training exercises are insanely difficult, while others are easily mastered.
Replay Value
While players can enter the Movie Mode on one of three difficulty settings, they can only select to play as Rocky. The only other mode worth mentioning is the Knockout Tournament, which can be played by a group of friends.
Documentation
The black-and-white manual isn't flashy but explains each mode, training option, and type of punch available. There are also some brief hints offered to improve play.
