This game was great, I got it for my 13th birthday and I loved it. Using Rocky is hugely inspiring and just plain awesome and by going through movie mode you can acquire more boxers like Apollo Creed, Ivan Drago and more.
The boxing isn't that hard to get into, I suggest you start with sparring first just to get to know the controls and then move onto movie mode.
Training is another fun part of the game. In movie mode, after every match, you will have the opportunity to increase Rocky's fighting stats. The stats are: strength, determination, speed, stamina and movement. Each training method has its own way of getting Rocky stronger. You are only allowed two training sessions before each fight so make good use of them.
The graphics of the fighters are good, the boxing quality is good as with the blood each fighter receives after numerous blows; the only downfall is the voice overs of the boxers. Rocky, Apollo, Clubber, Drago and Tommy Gunn's voices are just mere recordings from the actual films or other actors and other characters like Mickey's voice don't sound all that accurate.
Despite that, really fun game. Rent it and then buy it.