There are many fighting games on the market, but K-1 World Grand Prix is based on the incredible actual athletes who take part in the K-1 kickboxing/karate style of sports.

You get a 'fighter's museum' where the actual stats, titles and background information of each fighter is shown. You can cycle through actual photos of each player to learn more about them.

There are a number of ways to play. You can replay historic matches, play against the clock, or work to move a characater throughout a season and reach the championship. You can choose from any of the characters in your quest.

The graphics on this game are just amazing. It makes you wonder why other PS2 games have trouble making human bodies. Their moves are incredibly fluid, and were all done with motion-capture technology. They really do look like the people they represent, down to the musculature and tattoos. When they fight, you really get a sense for their different styles and moves.

Players used to the over-the-top moves and combos of fantasy fighting games might be disappointed by the 'realistic' moves here, but this is about real fighting, real people. Each character does have his own style and his own taunts and knockout methods.

If I have a complaint about this game, it's that it's on the difficult side. If you head into the campaign mode, you really have to learn up about your character's style, your enemy's defenses, how to watch for weakness and how to balance your attacks with defense before you can hope to win - even on the very first fight. There isn't any 'training mode' or easy ramp up. So expect to put in your time learning to fight before you win any matches.

A great game for any fan of boxing, kickboxing or karate!

Buy K-1 World Grand Prix from Amazon.com
Win a free copy of K-1 from BellaOnline