Evander Holyfield's "Real Deal" Boxing Overview
Evander Holyfield's "Real Deal" Boxing is a strategic simulation for the Sega Genesis, contrasting with more arcade-style boxing titles. The primary goal involves guiding a custom boxer through a career to eventually challenge the licensed Evander Holyfield, who is the sole real-world fighter among a roster of fictional opponents.
Fighters are viewed from a side perspective with a scrolling ring, supplemented by a small overhead camera. Combat allows for jabs, hooks, and uppercuts directed at the head or torso, with a taunt function available. The game monitors damage through separate meters for the head and torso, which fill with grey to indicate injury; a fully grey, blinking meter signals an imminent TKO if that area is struck again. A knockdown occurring three times within a single round also results in a technical knockout.
Player engagement is required to satisfy the in-game audience, as spectators will hiss if the action stalls. Between rounds, a ring card girl's passage allows fighters to recover some energy. Career progression is built around a ranking list of thirty boxers and includes a character creation system where appearance, stance, and initial attribute focus can be selected. Stat improvement between matches is managed by assigning the boxer to various training exercises.
