By Fair Means or Foul

By Fair Means or Foul is a boxing game that can be played in single-player mode against the computer or as a two-player versus match. In the one-player challenge, you must defeat six progressively tougher opponents to become World Champion, then defend the title against difficult challengers.

Boxing Gameplay

The game includes fair moves such as punches, jabs, and uppercuts, alongside foul moves including kicks, knees, head butts, and groin punches. Blocks and dodges provide additional defensive options.

Foul moves can be attempted when the referee is not looking, but being caught costs a chance. On-screen indicators show when the referee is likely to notice. Successful attacks lower an opponent's energy bar; reaching zero causes a knockout and ends the round. At the end of the round, the boxer with the lowest energy loses a chance.

Audience members react during matches, displaying their comments in speech bubbles.

Platforms: Amstrad CPC, BBC Microcomputer System, Commodore C64/128/MAX
Release date: December 31, 1987
Developer: Michael Simpson
Publishers: Codemasters, Superior Software