Now here's a multi-platform title that I couldn't even imagine enjoying on any other console than the Dreamcast. I haven't even seen the PSX or N64 versions of this game, but I can tell you right now that the DC version really shows what the console is capable of.

Ready 2 Rumble is a boxing sim with comical characters. They've got goofy names, voices, animations, and even hair. Each boxer (21 in all) has his/her own character, just like a fighter. For example, there's Afro Thunder, a boxer out of the 60's, complete with fro, funky dance beats, and moves to match his attitude- his entire boxing style looks like he's breaking a rhythm on the dance floor. Then there's Angel "Raging" Rivera, a guy from South America that has dramatic, leaping uppercuts (Sho-ryu-ken!) and awesome combos. Then there's Jet "Iron" Chin, an oriental Bruce Lee type character, complete with annoying high-pitched voice, backflips, and rapid-fire punching (ala Fei Long)- I think you get the picture. Each character is completely different, and damn there's a lot of characters to choose from. Not only is there variety in style, but there's hundreds of moves to learn, with just as many combos to memorize. Ready 2 Rumble could be considered a fighter more than a boxer, in many respects.

That's not to say Ready 2 Rumble disappoints as a boxing sim. Bobbing and weaving, "left-left-right" rhythm, uppercuts, and body shots must all be used properly to come out on top. This game reminds me a lot of the old 3DO boxer "Foes of Ali", in that it's very realistic- except about 10x more fluid and speedy than any other boxer to date.

Pod 5 also threw in a concept out of a Capcom fighter: everytime you land a powerful blow, you get one letter from the word "Rumble." When you get all 6 letters, you can press both shift buttons to go into a sort of hyper mode, best used by pummeling your opponent relentlessly before it wears off.

But when it comes down to it, Ready 2 Rumble is a boxing game. And an excellent boxing sim it is, accurate down to every detail. Except unlike other boxing sims, Ready 2 Rumble is also very comical, really a lot of fun, even to casual/non boxing fans. Pick it up for some laughs, some intense 2-player action, and, beyond the superficial, some very realistic boxing action.