"The latest game on the latest manga"

The latest of the Hajime no Ippo games finally came out. It also came out around the same time volumes 70 and 71 came out so the game itself goes up to that point of the manga so you're in for a game with 70+ avaliable characters from the manga.

Set Up: If you're familiar with the last two games (more specifically the first one), then you will have no problems adjusting to this one. It pretty much follows the same format as the first Hajime no Ippo game. It is seperated into different acts that follows the manga and at times, you will be alternating between using members of the Kamogawa gym and outside characters such as Miyata and Sendo. But this time, the pep talk in the locker room and corner man instructions from the first game are back again so you will know how you are progressing in the course of your match and how you should approach yoru opponent.

In addition to new characters, cut scenes are also added in between matches. Though not graphically impressive and lacks the use of voice actors, it gives the match a back story and keeps things interesting. Controls are pretty much the same but this time with a block button.

Other new features is the ability to choose difficulty modes. It's pretty much basic; there's easy, normal, and hard. On hard, your opponent' style will emulate their manga counter part. For example, Ozuma will rely more on hooks and Miyata and Sawamura are more counter based, and Sendo will be more offensive than defensive. The hard mode is a must play for fans of the manga. However, good news for people who had trouble with Martinez in VB2, have no worry, Martinez even on hard is just mere shell of what he was in VB2 so don't worry about having to fight him 60+ times :lol:.

Versus mode will allow you to adjust your speed, power, stamina for your boxer so it will be pretty cool to have your boxer either emulate their manga counterpart of make him a completley different (ie, Ippo more speed based and Miyata more power based).

With the absence of boxer's road from VB2, this game is merely a step away from being the perfect boxing game.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/22/05