While this might sound like it has been simplified to the point where an ape might get the hang of it at first glance, it actually stimulates the idea of clever boxing. Though it might be much easier to block than before, it has also become much easier to find those gaps and make your opponent pay for not moving his feet or his head. Combine these ideas with the fact that in Fight Night Champion your stamina is everything and ultimately you have a more cautious boxer with a game plan, as apposed to just violently destroying anything in your path with the habitual left, right or high, low combinations. Sadly, even though the game has taken a huge leap forward in an attempt to replicate the boxing experience as closely as possible, it seems as though the boxers have almost become immune to the damage, resulting in some pretty long bouts that come down to decision more often than they should, even with the ever looming possibility of a flash K.O.
Fight Night Champion not only boasts some pretty significant changes, but also some damn fine looking visuals. Besides the fact that the character models in champion mode lip sync as if they were created by Jim Henson, they are near perfect and surrounded by equally impressive environments and textures which complement the tone of the story well. Likewise, inside the ring the visuals are just as impressive with all the trimmings looking and behaving like they should. The boxer’s models are well executed and will sweat, bruise, cut and bleed quite convincingly as the bouts progress, giving you that front row experience to the sweet science in action.
The game has a decent musical backing with some good tracks from artists like the roots, Aloe Blacc, the black keys and Shad, which are all pretty well chosen for their respective duties along side a well assembled dialogue during champion mode. Disappointingly, many of the other sound effects in the game sound a bit flat, and although the commentators (Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas) seem to be fairly responsive to what is going on in the ring, the level of repetition in the commentary becomes annoying rather quickly.
Like Legacy mode, the online play resembles Fight Night Round 4 closely, with the typical options of competing in a one-on-one bout, or having a jab at the world championships where a large amount of trophies and belts are up for grabs. Alternatively you are now able to create or join a gym with friends and battle it out for bragging rights and the title of gym champion. If you are not really enthusiastic about rearranging a friend’s face, you are able to compete against rival gyms as a team.
Conclusion
Overall, I have a few small issues with the game but Fight night Champion is without a doubt the best game in the series by far. It has phenomenal graphics, a good dialogue, and a well developed online allure. The addition of champion mode has added a knock out punch to this game, and while the story might be a bit of a cliché, it is just so much fun to be involved in.
There are a few minor changes to the legacy mode but overall it seemed like much of the same thing, and though I usually subscribe to the idea that “if it aint broke, why fix itâ€, there is room for improvement in this case. Personally, I felt that the new Full Spectrum Punch Control system is a definite step forward but I have the suspicion that it will not necessarily be accepted by all the hardcore fans of the previous titles.
Scoring
Gameplay: 8.0
The new additions really brought this game to life for me. I am definitely a fan of the Full Spectrum Punch Control way of dishing out punishment, and I was absolutely riveted to the story while playing the champion mode addition. Regrettably, where the overall experience may be edging closer to a more realistic representation of the art, I do miss the occasional opponent who is not bulletproof.
Design and Presentation: 8.8
Apart from the characters mouthing of entire sentences while their mouths stay open, and the annoying commentary, Fight Night champion is a spectacular looking game with a soundtrack and dialogue that are consistent throughout the experience.
Value: 8.0
While Legacy mode may not have changed all that much from the last Fight Night title, it still has the potential to keep you busy for a long time. This combined with the newly added online modes will ensure that you get value for money and that this game sticks around for a while, Providing you can find some people to play with online.
Overall: 8.4 (not an average)
I thoroughly enjoyed this game and I would recommend it to just about anyone who has even the slightest interest in boxing.
[Reviewed on the Xbox 360]
Last Updated: March 14, 2011
| Fight Night Champion | |
|
|
|
|---|---|
