K-1 World Grand Prix

Cheat Code Central

It's not a button masher. Energy and strength must be conserved. The key to good gameplay is looking for and finding openings. Taking advantage of your opponent's weakness is the strategy that will separate the men from the boys.

GamingTrend

The game has a lot of atmosphere and more options than a typical fighter. However, some may be put off by the pace of the game the unknown format.

IGN

It's the leader of the pack for K-1 games and easily ranks among the best realistic fighting games on any platform.

Gamer's Pulse

While you won’t have to bring your driving wheel to play the game, you will have to bring your thinking cap, as K-1 features precise, simulated fighting modeled on real K-1 fighters.

PSM Magazine

With a solid control scheme, good presentation, and a well-balanced roster of fighters, Konami's K-1 is an excellent way to launch the franchise. [Aug 2003, p.26]

GMR Magazine

K-1 packs fluid, responsive controls of the "Tekken" variety (left punch, right punch, kicks, etc.) combined with trouble-free 360-degree movement. [July 2003, p.76]

GamePro

The graphic and sound departments could have used just as much depth. Instead, the visuals are reminiscent of how the first-generation PS2 games look—not refined with average detail.

GameZone

The graphics are great and the hits are believable. The action can get really intense making for edge-of-your-seat fights.

Operation Sports

There is not really anything groundbreaking here, but the element it provides does the sport justice and brings an entertaining time to the gamer. However, the lack of seeing anything new affects the amount of time you'll spend.

Gamers' Temple

An attempt to bring a new and realistic fighting game to a market that isn’t into the sport. This game is not going to win over any new fans for the K-1 world.

Game Chronicles

My current favorite fighting game on any system. It's realistic, but more importantly, it’s fun, and you won’t find a better game to pop in your PS2 the next time you have friends over.

Adrenaline Vault

Even if the visuals and sound aren't quite cutting edge, the gameplay is still solid, and that’s all that truly matters. K-1 is an absolute must for fans of the sport.

GameSpy

It takes a fan to look past K-1's visual and technical shortcomings to find the rewarding game within.

Gaming Age

This game is for the hardcore fans, and they are the ones who will enjoy what K1 offers the most. It’s very real, very authentic.

GameSpot

Can provide an entertaining experience, not necessarily because of its gameplay mechanics, but rather because it offers a wide variety of different modes that will keep you interested in this strategic fighter that successfully captures some of the nuances of the sport.

Game Informer

Its graphics are merely average and the fighting is uninspired. [July 2003, p.107]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

In the end, K-1's pared-down approach is forgivable, but its bland execution is not. [Aug 2003, p.113]

PSX Nation

A sports game on par with Crave's UFC-licensed fighting games. Konami's alternative fighting endeavor will be welcomed by gamers patient-enough to see past the K-1's awkward graphics/sounds and simplistic gameplay.

G4 TV

The action comes up a little short when it comes to the visceral sense of combat. The game is devoid of blood, which can either be good or bad depending on your taste in such things. The lack of the red stuff is just one example of how the game comes across as overly sanitized and not quite as brutal as it could be.

Play Magazine

The experience comes across as rather dry, and while I don't need sizzle when I have steak, the boxing-like gameplay is also pretty drab. [July 2003, p.79]

GamingWorld X

The game loses its appeal quickly, as there is only so many times you can knock out a member of the same small roster before it gets old.

GameNow

This game may be deep and technical, but playing it is almost as fun as getting beat up. [Aug 2003, p.34]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

This game is so stupid. It also lacks any kind of cool. What a combo! [Aug 2003, p.99]

Game Revolution

It's just not hard enough. I beat the Grand Prix mode in about an hour and a half on my first try. I completed Champion's Revolution in the same time without losing one fight. I beat 21 straight opponents in my first shot at the Ironman endurance mode.