When it comes to
boxing, EA Sports Fight Night franchise has not failed to bring us a game
that not only delivers a realistic simulator but a game fun enough to hook even
the most casual of fight fans. While the past games in the series have been
getting better and better each year, the introduction of the Xbox 360 demands a
next-generation game that sets itself apart from the other versions. While the
series does make the leap to the 360, the game plays exactly like the other
console versions only with graphics that will not fail to knock your socks off.
Welcome to Fight Night Round 3, an Xbox 360 game that will surely be the
definitive version you will be playing repeatedly.
Graphics aren’t
everything, you might say to yourself and an extra 10 bucks for the same game
you can play on your original Xbox for a lower price might sway you into
overlooking this version. However, those who have gone HD and want a truly
high-definition look to their game will not be disappointed by this game that,
visually, sets itself apart from both the Xbox and PlayStation 2 version. This
is, hands down, the version that will make you glad you bought a 360.
Round 3
places you
back into the ring with the familiar style and gameplay of last year’s second
round. You’ll still be able to quickly hop into the ring using the assortment of
already available fighters from most weight divisions (from featherweight to
heavyweight) and this year’s crop of fighters include everyone from Bernard
Hopkins to the “Golden Boy,” Oscar De La Hoya. You’ll even notice some classic
fighters such as LaMotta and Sugar Ray Leonard just to name a few (there’s a
reason for this but we’ll get to that a bit later).
This year’s game
brings us a Career Mode that can be played two different ways. First there’s a
Create A New Career, a mode that has you creating your own boxer (the same
designing tools are back but with the 360’s graphics your fighter will not fail
to amaze) and take him through various fights that will take him to the top.
You’ll get to purchase various extras including the ability to purchase
different fighting styles (want to throw a fancy punch like Sugar Ray, well now
your created boxer can). You can even hire an expert trainer if you wish.
Training, once again, is handled in a series of mini-games that have you
punching a heavy bag or weight lifting. While Career mode isn’t incredibly deep,
rising above the ranks while upgrading your fighter is still good fun. The
second Career Mode game type is Rebuild A Legend, a mode that uses an already
created boxer (say, Haggler, for example) and stage a comeback.
There’s even a
Hard Hits mode that is an arcade-styled where the object is to knock your
opponent down as many times as possible for 15 rounds. It’s a fun mode, indeed,
but when it comes to sheering boxing bliss nothing beats ESPN Classic. Using the
ESPN brand, this mode allows you to relive or change the outcome of a few of
memorable classic bouts. From the classic Ali versus Frazier fight to the Roy
Jones Junior fight against Bernard Hopkins there’s some great moments here
including some unlockable fights boxing fans will love.
The game’s
controls haven’t changed much either, which can be a good thing for both
returning fans and gamers new to the series. Personally, I still enjoy the feel
of the Total Punch Control by way the right analog stick and the dodging and
parrying can still seem a bit stiff but it’s still wonderfully responsive. This
year we see three new impact punches like the ESPN Haymaker, the Flash KO and
the Stun Punch. All three bring more flash and style to each round and they’re
nicely effective when executed correctly. You’ll be glad these new impact
punches are available because even in the medium setting the opponent AI is
sharp … then again they can also make some truly boneheaded blunders.
As I mentioned
before, Round 3 for the Xbox 360 might not play any different from the
other versions of the game but it certainly looks far better than the original
Xbox version. In fact, when it comes to graphics this game is by far better
looking than anything available on the new system. For starters, it strays from
the plasticky look of most Xbox 360 games. The boxers, even your created
fighter, sport some realistic muscle tone and you’ll even see each pore during
close-ups. The lighting is exquisite and makes each venue, whether you’re
fighting in a gym in Chicago or Madison Square Garden, smoky and thusly look
real. The true visual treat comes from replays of a knockdown and you will not
help but admire the bone crunching haymaker across your opponent’s face (watch
those cheeks). Even the wavering camera and soft blur effects make each
knockdown a delight. Really, if you want to show off the 360’s graphical power,
this is the game that delivers on that front.
While not as
impressive as the game’s visuals, the sound does play a role in adding to the
game’s realistic feel. Fight fans will cheer more enthusiastically when the
round gets more intense and will let you know what they think of your illegal
head butt. Add Joe Tessitore and you have commentary that actually makes it feel
like a televised fight. He’s often on the spot but oftentimes he does repeat
himself. You’ll even hear from your trainer, who, in my opinion, makes comments
that do a better job of telling you how a round went and what you can do to
improve the next round. The soundtrack is pure hip-hop but you’ll hear most of
the tunes one too many times.
The sweet
science just got a whole lot sweeter thanks to the power of the Xbox 360. While
the improvements in this edition are minor, Fight Night Round 3 for the
360 is by far the best boxing game you will play this year. It’s not only one of
the most visually stunning games on the new console but it’s a sports game that
packs a mean punch without losing its style. If you’re the proud owner of the
Xbox 360, I suggest you buy this one over the Xbox version.
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Gameplay: 8.5
Whether you’re
unleashing a mean uppercut or flattening the face of your opponent with a nicely
timed haymaker, Round 3’s gameplay hasn’t changed very much and that’s
some very good news for returning fans. Career Mode isn’t incredibly deep but
it’s still fun to play through. ESPN Classic is a boxing fan’s dream come true.
Graphics: 9.5
Holy guacamole
does this game look gorgeous … and I’m not just referring to the fantastic
replays of the knockdowns or the brief cutscenes of each fighter’s corner. The
boxers look realistic and the venues practically breathe with life. If you want
to show of the 360’s true graphical power at a party just pop this disc into
your console.
Sound: 8.5
Joe
Tessitore’s commentary gives each fight its televised feel despite the fact that
his remarks can get a bit repetitive in certain spots. The voice acting is
solid, though, and it’s great hearing your trainer make some surprisingly
informative comments in your corner or during training. The fight venue even
sounds like you’re among a crowd of fight fans. The soundtrack is just decent.
Difficulty:
Medium/Hard
The opponent
AI can go from having a good sense of strategy to making some head-scratching
decisions in the next round. This makes each fight realistically challenging in
the best possible way. It’s all about learning how to adapt, baby.
Concept: 9.0
ESPN Classic
will melt the heart of any fight fan and the collection of boxers is impressive
enough to set up your fantasy bout without having to deal with Don King. While
Career Mode could have been a lot deeper, it’s great creating your own boxer and
taking him to the top. There are some unlockable goodies, including having that
creepy Burger King mascot as your trainer.
Multiplayer:
8.0
You can fight
against a friend using a single Xbox 360 but the real fun is fighting against
gamers online. On Xbox Live there are Leaderboards so you can challenge the top
contenders.
Overall: 8.8
Fight Night
Round 3 is
hands down the new undisputed champion and even more so on the Xbox 360. It,
much like Oscar De La Hoya, not only looks really good but also puts up quite a
memorable fight well worth your time and money. EA Sports has outdone itself
with what is sure to be the franchise’s best game yet. Go out and buy this one,
fight fans, you will not be sorry.
