Game review: Real Boxing Manny Pacquiao lacks freshness

Boxing fans looking for a new smartphone game have something to rejoice. Vivid Games SA, known for the Real Boxing franchise, has released a new game with boxing champion Manny Pacquiao. A free download, like the rest of the games in the series, Real Boxing Manny Pacquiao involves in-app purchases of Rs70 to Rs7,000. However, it works offline and takes up just 365MB after installation.

The player has to progress through career mode and make enough coins to unlock the renowned boxer, his jersey, shoes and boxing gloves.

Gameplay: Interesting but a little repetitive

The gameplay is restricted to a few modes. The career mode is the main highlight where the player gets to fight against AI-controlled opponents. The online multiplayer mode is where you can compete with human controlled players. There is an arcade mode which is basically a series of short games with fixed objectives.

Players can choose one of the imaginary boxers, customise them by changing their name, physical appearance and kits. The game’s star attraction, Manny Pacquiao, is not available from the beginning, though. The player has to progress through career mode and make enough coins to unlock the renowned boxer, his jersey, shoes and boxing gloves. One can also access them by paying real cash in the in-game store.

The game controls are touch based and easy to remember. Swiping up lands an uppercut, a single tap throws a jab, and a left to right swipe performs a hook. The game provides special powers which can make your punches deadlier. However, these are limited and are meant to be used occasionally.

You can decide the length of the matches by increasing/decreasing game duration and the duration of a round. You can also upgrade your player’s stamina, strength and speed in the game’s virtual gym. However, upgrading skill levels requires in-game currency, which can be acquired by playing and winning matches or by paying up with real cash in the in-game store.

The game offers a single camera mode which shows a side-facing view of the fight.

Graphics: Well detailed

The game offers a single camera mode which shows a side-facing view of the fight. A few more options here could have added some freshness to the game. Players look well detailed and the overall game environment looks as rich as a PC game.

The game is fun to play but for those who have played the earlier games in the series, it is bound to feel repetitive. The presence of a legendary boxer is the main attraction, but instead of making him available from the beginning, the game uses him as a prized possession to get money out of users.

Real Boxing Manny Pacquiao

Free (In-app purchases Rs70 to Rs7,000)

Vivid Games SR

Android, iOS

Tested on OnePlus One (Qualcomm Snapdragon 801, 3GB RAM, 64GB)