Foes of Ali

Lore & Background

Foes of Ali includes three game modes: exhibition, tournament, and career. In career mode, the player plays as Ali, fighting each opponent in the same order as his real career, with Ali initially known as Cassius Clay. Before each fight, a photo of the original bout is displayed with audio narration by Tim Gammon. The game was also announced for PlayStation and Sega Saturn but never released on those platforms. It was followed by Knockout Kings in 1998.

Reader's Guide

Foes of Ali is significant as an early 3D boxing game that attempted realistic movement and damage effects. It simulates a variety of punches and defensive techniques, though fatigue is not simulated; instead, receiving punishment slows a boxer down, and throwing many punches makes a fighter easier to knock out. The game includes visible damage like bloody noses and black eyes, with blood decals remaining on the ring floor. Players can choose from 21 camera angles, including first-person views where eye damage affects vision. The game received mostly mediocre reviews, with critics citing poor control, dull gameplay, and lifeless graphics, though GameSpot in 2006 described it as the most accurate representation of boxing for its time. Its legacy lies in its technical ambition and its role as a precursor to later boxing titles.

Did You Know?

• The game features nine of Ali's real opponents, but notably excludes Larry Holmes and Antonio Inoki, though George Foreman is included as a playable opponent.
• George Chuvalo can be knocked down in the game, despite his real-life reputation for never being knocked down.