Its power is enough to let a pummeled boxer regain control of the fight. While such a punch adds a sense of unpredictability, it detracts from the true hard-nosed feel a boxing game should deliver. Furthering the arcade experience is Contender s choice of boxers. In addition, the game has no weight or gender restrictions, so it s not uncommon to see the bruiser facing the woman in the ring. The game s controls are easy enough to learn that you ll be throwing like a champ in no time.
Defense takes longer to learn and is a key ingredient to winning any fight.
Multiple camera angles add some flare to the game, though it won t take you long to discover that the default camera angle is the best for actual gameplay. But don t overlook the ability to change the view, if anything it s worth a laugh or two as you watch punches coming at you in the first person perspective. Contender is a solid fighter along the lines of Tekken or Mortal Kombat, but to call it a boxing simulation is too much. In the end, Contender seems more like a cruiser weight vying for the heavyweight belt. Though it tries hard, it can t overcome the fact that it s fighting in the wrong class.