Fight Night Round 4
Review
Never before has punching people looked this good
by Keaton Arksey
reviewed on X360
Controls
The right analog stick is used exclusively for punches, and while the learning curve is fairly steep and there are some issues when it comes to using specific punches, it is definitely the best way to play the game. Moving the stick diagonally up to the right unleashes a jab with the right hand, while doing the same move to the left does a left jab. Hooks are done by doing a quarter circles, while jabs are done by going down diagonally and going up. Stronger punches are enabled by holding the right bumper, but take longer and give your opponent more time to defend. The Right Trigger is used to block with your fists, while the Left Trigger along with the Left Stick can move the body while standing still. The possibility of button controls has been discussed as a patch-in, but the game is meant to be played using the right stick.
Along with the standard “Fight Now” mode, Round 4 includes a brand new Legacy Mode. Here, you take either a selected boxer or created one, journey through the ranks from amateur to champion, with the eventual goal of becoming the Greatest of All Time. Of course, you can retire at any time before you hit that point, but that seems slightly anti-climactic. You can schedule your fights for whenever you want, and challenge anyone near your rank in a chosen class. Between bouts you train to increase your stats, though the option to train is usually restricted to once before a fight if you stick to a bout every month or two. It does feel like there are a bit too many menus to get through and you will have to simulate often to get to your fight. Still, the mode is a welcome new addition and the ability to call it quits whenever you want to is appreciated.
Online modes
Like other EA Sports games, Fight Night Round 4 features ESPN integration, with a ticker at the bottom during non-gameplay moments giving you up to date scores and news. Every so often you get a clip from ESPN radio which recaps information. The announcing in the game is well done, and often gives you tips and ideas on what you should be doing to do better in the fight, but after ten or so fights they will begin to repeat themselves.
No EA Sports game would be complete without some online modes, and Round 4 includes several. The standard custom and create a match modes are available, as well as leaderboards and the previously mentioned ability to share boxers with other players. The biggest mode is World Championship mode, where you choose a weight class with a created character and face off against other players for rank, and eventually fight for worldwide belts, but only if you’re good enough.
Makes boxing fun
What Fight Night Round 4 does, it does extremely well. The game is visually one of the most impressive games today; the gameplay is deep and extensive, allowing for a variety of play styles. The controls do take some getting used to, and they might not be for everyone, but once you get some fights in you will appreciate what they bring to the ring. The online modes are great, as is the new Legacy single player mode. What Fight Night Round 4 manages to do is make boxing a fun game even to those who have never had an interest in the sport.
9.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
