Review: Fight Night Round 4 [360]
RDNx, 20-Jul-09 » 
EA Sports returns to the boxing ring with Fight Night Round 4 – no surprises for guessing this is the fourth version in their boxing franchise.
The game play engine for this version has been completely re-written and it shows with upgraded physics and AI capabilities that definitely make this as real a boxing experience as possible without pulling on some gloves. It is in the physics and AI that the game comes into it own with the ability to fully emulate seven different approaches to the ring. These range from the Good All Rounder to the Counter-puncher and Unconventional boxer
Fight Night Round 4 adds a variety of fighting styles and boxer approaches to authentically emulate the greatest fighters of all time.
There is a significant number of boxing characters to choose across eight weight divisions – these boxers include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frasier, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and recent champions like Briton’s Ricky Hatton and Australia’s own Anthony “the man” Mundine. You can also create you own “champion” by defining specific characteristics and fighting style. There are twelve fighting styles to choose from, ranging from Upright and Balance through to Hyper and the Crazy.
The console controls for this game are straight forward and easy to master with the right stick controlling the player movement and the left stick for Punch control. The triggers and buttons control stance and blocking manoeuvres.
Once in the ring, you have three status bars, Health which determines how much punishment you can take. When this reaches zero, you are going down for the count. Stamina determines how fatigued you are, which in turn effects your movement, and Damage is a gauge of how much of a beating you have taken. More damage leads to more cut stoppages and less getting up. When fighting you need to mix up your style as the AI adapts to your approach. Keep repeating yourself and the AI will work out how to “put you away”.
There are three basic modes, the Single Player, Single Bout mode – where you just get into the ring and go for in. Legacy Mode, where you build your character from basic bum to champion via a series of fights, and Online Mode via Xbox Live or the Playstation Network allowing you to play with your friends. Though be warned, playing online within strangers however is definitely not for the faint hearted!
When not in a fight, you can listen to live ESPN Sports Radio and ESPN Sports tickers scroll across your screen. However these sports news updates are in the most part US-based that mean little to Australian-based sports fans.
Not being a big boxing fan, I had some doubt as to how much I would enjoy this title, however after a few minutes of playing I found myself quite engaged. I think this is in large part because of the game physics and dynamic AI adds significantly to the overall gameplay, whilst the graphics and player animations make the whole visual package just work.
Overall rating for Fight Night Round 4: 4/5
The following is a good YouTube video providing insights into some of the features of this game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnT11wNQSE
EA Sports returns to the boxing ring with Fight Night Round 4 – no surprises for guessing this is the fourth version in their boxing franchise.
The game play engine for this version has been completely re-written and it shows with upgraded physics and AI capabilities that definitely make this as real a boxing experience as possible without pulling on some gloves. It is in the physics and AI that the game comes into it own with the ability to fully emulate seven different approaches to the ring. These range from the Good All Rounder to the Counter-puncher and Unconventional boxer
Fight Night Round 4 adds a variety of fighting styles and boxer approaches to authentically emulate the greatest fighters of all time.
There is a significant number of boxing characters to choose across eight weight divisions – these boxers include Muhammad Ali, Joe Frasier, Mike Tyson, Sugar Ray Leonard, and recent champions like Briton’s Ricky Hatton and Australia’s own Anthony “the man” Mundine. You can also create you own “champion” by defining specific characteristics and fighting style. There are twelve fighting styles to choose from, ranging from Upright and Balance through to Hyper and the Crazy.
The console controls for this game are straight forward and easy to master with the right stick controlling the player movement and the left stick for Punch control. The triggers and buttons control stance and blocking manoeuvres.
Once in the ring, you have three status bars, Health which determines how much punishment you can take. When this reaches zero, you are going down for the count. Stamina determines how fatigued you are, which in turn effects your movement, and Damage is a gauge of how much of a beating you have taken. More damage leads to more cut stoppages and less getting up. When fighting you need to mix up your style as the AI adapts to your approach. Keep repeating yourself and the AI will work out how to “put you away”.
There are three basic modes, the Single Player, Single Bout mode – where you just get into the ring and go for in. Legacy Mode, where you build your character from basic bum to champion via a series of fights, and Online Mode via Xbox Live or the Playstation Network allowing you to play with your friends. Though be warned, playing online within strangers however is definitely not for the faint hearted!
When not in a fight, you can listen to live ESPN Sports Radio and ESPN Sports tickers scroll across your screen. However these sports news updates are in the most part US-based that mean little to Australian-based sports fans.
Not being a big boxing fan, I had some doubt as to how much I would enjoy this title, however after a few minutes of playing I found myself quite engaged. I think this is in large part because of the game physics and dynamic AI adds significantly to the overall gameplay, whilst the graphics and player animations make the whole visual package just work.
Overall rating for Fight Night Round 4: 4/5
The following is a good YouTube video providing insights into some of the features of this game.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynnT11wNQSE
Related Articles
Image unavailable
Want more of the same? Check out these articles:
Want more of the same? Check out these articles:
| 28-Nov | Review: Call of Duty : Modern Warfare 3 [PC] |
| 26-Nov | Review: Batman : Arkham City [PS3] |
| 23-Nov | Saints Row: The Third |
| 30-Aug | From Dust Review |
| 3-Aug | Review: Fear 3 [PC] |
Articles by Author
Want to read more of RDNx's articles? Check out these:
| 2-Nov | Halo Show |
| 3-Aug | Review: Fear 3 [PC] |
| 21-Apr | EVE-Online ANZAC Day Special |
| 7-Feb | Elemental Trance Sessions |
| 22-Sep | Battle Arena Gaming Event |
| 16-Aug | Iron Maiden launch online game |
| 2-Aug | Battlefield 3 beta coming soonish! |
| 2-Aug | Linkin Park Sync Song with Game |
| 18-Jun | Paramore Touring Australia |
| 27-May | Halo Team of Frenetic Array off to MLG |
Article Stats
| Category: | Game Reviews |
| Posted: | 20-Jul-09 6:48:19 pm |
| Author: | RDNx |