Black & Bruised

GamePro

With plenty of gameplay modes, secret fighters, and varied styles, there’s a good chunk of replay value here.

GameCube Europe

If you enjoy arcade style boxing games where simplicity is a major priority then Black & Bruised is definitely for you. It's certainly enjoyable and the characters that populate the game look wonderful and ooze personality.

Game Informer

If boxing's your thing, you'll most likely dig it; and at least it's a new direction for the tired sport. Just don't expect the next "Punch Out." [Mar 2003, p.85]

Nintendo Power

Boxer's Life mode follows a story line with scenes that clue you in to the weakness of your next opponent - a cool feature for a fun game. [Mar 2003, p.136]

Game Chronicles

Don’t be fooled by the charming graphics. There is a fairly complex boxing model and elaborate combo system that requires timing, reflexes, and intuition if you ever hope to complete this lengthy and comprehensive boxing game.

Cheat Code Central

The game will have you mashing buttons but it somehow feels right within the context... It's fun without being too cute.

Play Magazine

While each individual boxer's signature music is entirely in tune with their caricature, the stage music is mostly limp and repetitive, a strange turn of events in an otherwise nicely polished game. [Mar 2003, p.50]

Gamezilla!

Although entertaining enough initially, it becomes repetitive rather quickly and once the story lines are finished, the bulk of the game’s appeal will be too.

GameZone

Certainly some nice eye candy, but under the surface is a pretty boring, simplistic boxer.

TotalGames.net

On one hand the characters and art endear you towards it, but when it comes down to it, the fighting is just too shallow to recommend this over any other boxing game out there.

GameSpy

But while there may be an uneven touch to it, the various game modes and a well-executed cel-shading technique save it from being a dud.

Nintendojo

While the game has a bunch of play modes and a lot of cool things to learn, the ultimate experience of the game is one of a button masher.

GameSpot

A fun arcade-style boxing game that casual gamers will find entertaining for awhile.

IGN

The gameplay is strongly rooted in quick and shallow action, and won't hook you beyond the various story and tournament modes that were wisely included.

G4 TV

Feels shallow and uninspired. As a result, button mashing will get players farther than it probably should.

GamerWeb Nintendo

The sound and music aren't awful but are definitely below average.

Operation Sports

There is not enough here to really make this a great or even a good 2-player game, unless just beating each other senseless for no reason is your thing, but the single player modes are plenty and have some longevity to them.

Cinescape

While the game is visually stunning, the gameplay and sound really bring Black & Bruised down for the count.

GMR Magazine

Bruised offers a motley band of pugilists (a pry Irishman, a fat convict, etc.) and the opportunity to win every brawl by randomly jamming on buttons. [Apr 2003, p.72]

GameNow

For all their visual individuality, the 14 fighters play exactly the same. [Apr 2003, p.42]