Fight Night Round 4 [Xbox 360/PS3]

[jimtendo]

In a word. Great.

Expect Round 3, but with more bells and whistles, due to more convincing hit connections, excellent boxer visuals with muscles flexing and better face wobbling.
I've not delved too much into the 'Legacy' mode yet, since i hate these type of grinding modes. I'm looking at you Virtua Tennis 2009 ?_?

Just really been messing about with quick fights, and getting to grips with the various boxers at different weight divisions.

Some videos i've uploaded:
What the Hitman should've done

What the Hitman should've done #2

Marvellous Marvin Hagler's knockdown

Roy Jones jnr. signature shot

Calzaghe signature shot

[nonny]

No button control config this time?

How is online play/modes?

[jimtendo]

Nah, no button control system this time (which is causing a stink over at kiddyfaqs) so, unless you've adapted to the total control fightstick method, you're going to have to lump it.

Not tried online with this yet nonny, as i'm really waiting for guys on my friends list to get this, as i'd rather not play randoms for the time being.

[Phar]

I got the PS3 version today, haven't really delved into anything other than the exhibition mode, just been playing as Tyson against the other heavyweights, playing through on pro at the minute, fights seem a decent challenge on this setting, can beat everyone in this weight category except for Lewis, his jabs are a right pain in the arse, he's really hard to get near, the whole inside outside fight engine makes makes a big difference compared to FN3 as I thought most boxers played pretty similar in that one regardless of any real life height or reach.

Did have a quick go with create a boxer, you can use the PS Eye to create your likeness, it doesn't place your photo over the character model like in pro evo, it takes the points from your eyes, mouth length, nose, jaw, chin and cheek bone positions as well as your side profile and renders a likeness, was quite impressed with how close it looked after a bit of tweaking.

Only thing I don't like so far is the end of round bit where you go back to your corner which seem less involved, you just apply points earned to recover health and stamina, I preferred how you did it in FN3 although I'm sure most won't care that it's gone, oh and no Floyd Mayweather, although I'd imagine he'll probably be DLC at some point.

I did like the sports update bar along the bottom giving real sports news and espn radio cuts in sometimes on the menu's, gave some wimbledon news, is this new to EA sports games or was it included in the previous years games from them, this is the first EA sports game i've bought this gen, played FN3 on the original xbox so don't know if it's standard, pretty cool though.

nonny I'm sure I read theres a patch due within the next week or so that adds button controls.

[nonny]

Yeh I've heard there is a patch looming for the additional button configs.

I didnt mind the total punch control system in FN3 but I always preferred a mix of the two options (it was config 3) so I could jab/hook combos with the buttons if I wished or go for more damaging blows with the stick. To me it was the best overall config and I never found using just TPC alone to be anywhere near as precise.

In the demo for this I was slightly un-nerved to see they'd changed the analog control further. To me its now less intuitive than it was in FN3? Though I note they still have the FN3 controls in there is you preferred that TPC method.

Thats the only thing Im dubious about at the moment. I am more than happy to perservere with analog control only but really the lack of precision I personally find with it is putting me off.

Im asking about the online options because I've noticed IGN, Teamxbox etc... have mentioned a few things but very little. FN3 has an absolutely crap online implementation but since then EA Sports games have been superb in this area so Im hoping FN4 has some additional love and care. I know there is a world championship mode online now that lets you use custom boxers but its a bit strange online is restricted to 3 weight classes (light/medium/heavy) which surely is going to throw up some weird match-ups?

Interested to hear more anyway... and can someone comment on how representative the demo is compared to the final game?

[jimtendo]

I did like the sports update bar along the bottom giving real sports news and espn radio cuts in sometimes on the menu's, gave some wimbledon news, is this new to EA sports games or was it included in the previous years games from them

It's kinda recent, if you count last years iteration of Fifa's/ NBA Lives etc.

Although i'm quite impressed that the news is updated very quick, as not long into Andy Murrays match (where he went up a set against Gulbis) the ESPN news update mentioned it, and that Shaq has been traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On Fifa and NBA Live, the ESPN live news is not as updated. Mainly the night after the sports event.

Interested to hear more anyway... and can someone comment on how representative the demo is compared to the final game?

I felt that it has been slightly slowed down from the demo (could just be me) since the jabs/ hooks from Hatton come out slower.

[mikewl]

lol, was not expecting Tommy Morrison to be included in the roster, I guess they couldn't get the Klitschko's in and had to find a white HW to put in.

[merf]

can somebody comment please on how this feels compared to the demo. I'd read that the demo has been tweaked quite significantly to make punches feel a lot more solid and connect better, in comparison to UFC the demo for this felt really lightweight and pitter-patter so I'd be interested to hear views of whether this has been corrected or not.

thanks

[112]

What is the training like on this thing? Is there an all new routine, or is it pretty much the same as last time?

Im imagining the create a fighter mode has been beefed up with all kinds of craziness.......

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[NemesiS]

It looks excellent going off the videos. If only Hatton found it that easy in real life, lol.

As above, is the control the same or has it been changed for FN4.

[analog dog]

I used the config 3 which was a mix of buttons and sticks so it's a no buy until the patch,why on earth did they drop it from the release version?
Silly decision.

[merf]

I'm less concerned by buttons, I want to know if its all been beefed up and made to feel more solid from the light feeling demo

[SuperBeatBoy]

I am, couldn't stand the analog controls on Round 3 let alone this. Bah.

[Myth]

Does anyone know if either version of the game is superior?

Gonna go buy it in a bit but don't know which to go for.

[112]

If in doubt do what i do and buy for the PS3! (because i don't own a 360 )

But its generally 360 which out shines PS3 versions......... as its the main platform multi format games are done on. Plus achievements sound better than trophies

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