Boxing Champions

Now and then, it's charming to see a game that wants to deliver a blast from the past. Boxing Champions is one of those browser games reminiscent of our break-time gaming prowess. There are no complications behind gameplay and drive to make it unique or any aesthetics that touch on the artsy side - just pure, simple entertainment.

But it's one thing to say that is what Boxing Champions is trying to achieve. It's another to see it in action. After all, browser games aren't the most prominent forms of media these days, and there could be fundamental flaws in their delivery. However, retro gaming nostalgia is still rife, and it's enough to give Boxing Champions at least a try!

Box Cutter

When we say that Boxing Champions is straightforward, we mean it. The whole game is one of those arcade classics that you'd find in a mid-90s game center. It's one of those things where the game is driven purely by the idea of testing your might and achieving a high score - nothing more and nothing less. There's no fluff around any of the gameplay.

In that respect, the narrative is sacrificed for fine-tuning the elementary fighting mechanics. Players will be given standard boxing abilities, including uppercuts, punches, jabs, and dodges. The game's premise is that you have endless takes on all the challenging boxers on the street. There is no end or outlined objectives; it's a simple fight until you can't fight anymore.

So yes, Boxing Champions is elemental in nearly every respect - graphics, mechanics, controls, and objectives. Does that mean that the game runs its course pretty quickly? Not necessarily. You'll find yourself more challenging for a high score than expected. There's an actual art form to executing the right moves against the randomized foes that continue to appear on the screen.

However, that doesn't mean you'll engage with the game for too long. Boxing Champions still has the stereotype of a browser game, meaning it's one you'll probably play for around 10-15 minutes and leave it. Either forever or to play in increments down the line. There is unlikely to be any hours of immersion because it's simply not that game style.

The Rocky Road to Eternity

So the only question that remains to be answered is if Boxing Champions is any good? The only way to answer that is that it is average - you'd have to enter the game with some key factors to enjoy it. One, you'd have to be patient. It was a browser game, two, you'd need arcade gaming nostalgia; and three, you'd need to be competitive with yourself.

Round-Up - Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to pick up and play
• Players can get a thrill from arcade gaming nostalgia
• Fighting mechanics can become competitive

Cons:

• Not much gameplay beyond the standard mechanics
• Players may not enjoy the lack of objectives
• You won't spend a long time playing