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Solid boxing game, improved in (almost) every way from FN 04

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 18 / 19
Date: March 28, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I loved Fight Night 2004. It was the best boxing game I'd ever played, with a rock-solid control scheme and very good graphics and sounds. The game was easy to learn and highly addictive.

With this direct sequel, several things have been improved over the already great original game. In this title, you take control of one of dozens of boxers or create your own and play exhibition fights, knockout contests, or the career mode. In the latter, you earn money and improve your stats and buy loads of ring gear along the way.

First things first: The career mode, while fun and at a decent length (about 40-90 fights and 20 hours long, depending on your performances), is deeper than the first game though not greatly. For example, this time your character starts in the amateur ranks and moves up to the professionals at either 10 fights or earlier if you choose. Your performance in the ring begins to deteriorate at around 40 years of age, and you can retire anytime while also trying to win the dozen or so trophies available. There's still training in between fights, except this time you choose between the three types and they cover a much broader area of skills so you can truly orient your fighter's abilities how you choose. The training seems much easier this time as well, though they weren't very difficult last time.

But the problem with the career mode is that it still doesn't go much deeper than this. It's interesting and more personally involving (details of your boxer's progress scroll under their portrait during the fight menu), but there's still not too much besides the amount of fights to differentiate it from the "play now" mode. While I wasn't expecting something as deep as some of the story path options from some wrestling games, I would have liked to see things such as choosing promoters, offers of switching to different leagues, throwing a fight, etc. While those are all real aspects of boxing, some would argue that it's unnecessary to what this game was trying to achieve, which was to recreate a solid boxing experience. And it definitely did despite my hopes for a little more variation. The career mode is also like last year's game in that you'll fight a lot of randomized fictional boxers. While I like this and think it's interesting and realistic, there does seem to be little interaction with real-life champs. Again, that's where I would have liked a deeper sort of option set for this mode. The game does get points however for offering extras here and there such as charity fights and the option to switch weight classes and unify belts, and choosing your fights offers a strategy of sorts since each one will have different preparation periods that will factor in to how long your boxer's overall career can last. Things such as half a dozen new and interesting venues spice things up along the way too. One last quibble: Missing is the end-of year wrapup, so no end of year awards (such as fighter of the year) and no list or retiring boxers. No way to see a boxer's fight history either, which were features that made the game, and boxing in general, more interesting).

There are lots of more important improvements, however. The street-style announcer of last year's game has been replaced with professional commentator Joe Tessitore, who can always be found on ESPN2's Tuesday Night Fights. His dialog is lively, descriptive, pretty much constant and almost always parallel to what's going on in the ring. He sounds completely believable and well acted to boot. While I personally didn't have a problem with "Tigger" in last year's game, there's a definite difference to hearing someone say "Oowee, there goes two peas and a biscuit, that had to hurt!" as opposed to "Kid Dynamite looks like he's got something to prove tonight with that aggressive right hand. I'm surprised Ali was able to get back up so quickly". The commentary is very professional and, as I said, manages to keep up with the action with little if any delay.

Another improvement is the create a boxer mode. The basics are still here such as hieght and color and so forth, but while you still can't pick from a variety of facial features, you can more precisely tweak them. Last year's game let you decide some shapes and depths for some facial parts, but this time you can do more deep altering of the head shape, jawline, eye height, cheekbone size, forehead size, and some things like that. While you still probably can't make a perfect you, you'll probably come closer. I did, with a few new options and better facial range, but I still wished for some more selection. There's some nice additions for things such as hair, but a couple things (like a full beard) are strangely missing this time.

There's another interesting feature, the cornerman control. Between rounds, you (slowly) move the right stick up and down to reduce the numerical swelling and cut indicator for your boxer. To me this seemed realistic and gave the fight a more strategic angle and also gave a clear indication of how much a fighter has been beaten down. Too much and the fight can actually be stopped, so this is important. The cool thing is, both the cutman option and fight stoppage can be turned off if you like.

Another detail is the award system. This time, everything you unlock (through easy sparring as well as won belts and contests) stays in your character profile which is shared between your boxers. If you unlock stuff and end a career, your next boxer can use that stuff too once he has the cash (no unlocking). One thing I found strange is that now most of the items carry a skill boost (such as in Fable, where this glove may give you +3 power but this one gives you +3 speed). Since everyone chooses ring gear based on style, this is odd and throws sort of unwelcome strategy into what should be picking an outfit based purely on your color and style needs. But, you can also just dress how you want and just accept any bonus as extra gravy. You'll just feel the NEED to give yourself the best bonuses, which I feel gets in the way. Lots of great (and much more complex) styles and color combos though.

Finally, the controls. Last year I only bought the game once I learned that I didn't HAVE to use the right stick to control my punches. I grew up on the control pad and I hate forced analog. I'm happy that I can still use the buttons to punch this time too. However you must use at least one stick, for either moving or punching, since there are so many commands. This bugged me at first until I realized how smoothly and easily I moved with the left stick, and I actually punched with the right stick anyway once in a while because it too was pretty easy. I've heard that the game sort of favors use of the stick for punching, but for those of you like me who prefer the buttons, don't worry. A couple things are easier with the stick, and vicious haymakers seem possible only with it, but I assure you that I still had no problem finishing a career (in easy mode) with a 54-0-0 record using the buttons almost exclusively. The right stick can make it easier sometimes, but I found button combos still easy and satisfying without.

One last thing- if you hated the music last time, this time it's even more irritating. If you liked it, then have fun.

So there you go. All said, I think this is a solid game, worthy on its own and improved enough over the original to warrant a purchase. Improved, but not too different. If you liked the first, I can't see why you wouldn't like this one too. If you're new to the game, this one's a more complete and professional package. But if you aren't satisfied with improved and want a whole new game that's nothing like Fight Night 04, rent it first. I did, but then I knew I had to go buy it right away.

And In This Corner, the Undisputed Champ!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 6 / 6
Date: June 07, 2005
Author: Amazon User

EA's Fight Night Round 2 does a great job of mixing simulation depth with arcade-style fun. As a result, you can decide how in-depth you want the game to be and play it to your tastes, giving it very broad appeal.

The depth shines most during career mode, where after signing on to an upcoming fight, you get to control your prep both in and out of the ring. For instance, you begin by picking your entourage, from trainer to cutman to even ring girl. Each one will provide different benefits to your performance during the big event, but as any pro knows, they also cut into your take of the prize money. You've got to budget yourself wisely or else you'll end up getting title shot with no money to hire much-needed help. Next, it's on to training, where you select from a menu of mini-games that can boost your attributes for that fight. It's a good idea, but the training itself isn't much fun. Finally, you can equip your fighter with new gear to help boost his abilities even further (and to just look cool) before stepping into the ring. You can even buy skills like new finishing punches, taunts, dances, etc. Of course if you just want to get on to the toe-to-toe action, you can also bypass all of this prep.

Once you're in the ring, you've got an unprecedented amount of control. The left analog stick controls your body movements while the right controls your punches. Many of the more devastating blows are triggered by a series of right-stick movements, i.e. pushing to the right then quickly rolling down and then up for a right-handed haymaker hook. So much was made of this punching scheme by other reviews, but I was completely frustrated by it for the first week or so. Then, just like riding a bike, I suddenly got the timing down and now I love it. The punch controls feel very natural and have a realistic sense of timing, i.e. they prevent you from just repeatedly hammering on your opponent like the old button-press setups too often allowed. Blocking and defense also uses the right-stick in conjunction with one of the shoulder buttons, and is just as deep - you can block, parry, counter and also sway/duck to make an opponent miss. And when you get him to miss, look out because he'll be wide open waiting for you to deliver the knockout blow.

Speaking of knockouts, the game adds a great touch when either you or your opponent are getting close to going down. The screen gets tunnel-vision and action starts to move a little bit slo-mo; the audio is muffled like you're underwater. It's meant to simulate being punch-drunk and it works. If you can clinch your opponent, you'll usually regain enough stamina to get back to normal, but if you time it poorly, he'll just level you as you approach.

Between the rounds, you have a set amount of time with your cutman (assuming you paid for one in your entourage). He can work on swelling and cuts to try to keep you on your feet for the next round. You've got complete control over what problems he fixes and what part of your face he works on. You've got to instruct him well, because the damage in the game is very realistic, i.e. as your left eye swells more and more, you'll be much easier to hit on that side and better opponents will absolutely take advantage of this.

Visually, the player models and action animations are very good. The overall look of the game is a bit dark, especially the background environments which sometimes seem fuzzy or murky. You're treated to slo-mo replays of the biggest hits throughout the entire fight, and they are extremely detailed - actually, possibly too detailed. I was surprised by how bloody a lot of the action can become. Coupled with the jiggly swagger of the ring girls, this game definitely earns the "Teen" rating.

The announcer is fine, with plenty of sound clips to mix in so that he doesn't get repetitive.

There are modes for quick fight, career mode and create-a-boxer. Many current and recent pros are represented. The create mode benefits from the same depth that EA put into the other aspects of the game, and you can create some really interesting characters.

Overall, this is an exceptionally deep game - far and away the most thought ever put into a boxing game. From the control in the ring to the mini-games in the training facility to the gear shop where you get decked out, you'll feel like you're vying for that undisputed belt.

PROS
* Once mastered, punch control allows for great action
* TOns of depth with career mode and create-a-boxer
* Good boxer models and very smooth animations

CONS
* Steep learning curve on punch and block controls will frustrate some
* Opponent AI is generally good, although most boxers will still fall victim to a "wild man" offensive strategy
* Bloody fight visuals and bikini-clad ring girls make this not the right choice for everyone's kids.

If it aint broke......dont fix it, right?

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 8 / 10
Date: March 03, 2005
Author: Amazon User

wrong...i shouldve rented this game before i went out and spent 50 of my hard earned dollars. Like everyone else, i am a huge fanboy of the original Fight Night, prolly the greatest boxing game ever made. So, i read some reviews in gaming magazines and saw nothing but praises for round 2. i was especially hyped over the new one punch knoockouts, the "haymakers". Alas, my greatest expectations have become my worst nightmare. The game focuses so much on the damn haymaker you might as well not even bother throwing any other punches. that is if you can figure out how to throw the damn thing to begin with, its like the same motion as ken and ryus rising uppercut from street fighter. and having to time that in between blocks and parrys is a pain in the A$$. i mean, i parry the other guys punches left and right, and then slam him with 4 or 5 regular hooks and uppercuts and he doesnt even stumble. But you get poked with 3 haymakers (which is all the computer throws) and your eating canvas. in the first fight night a counter regular uppercut sometimes floored the guy!
I also like using the buttons for my punches, i cant stand the Total Punch Control, but now you cant even win a fight without it, cuz thats the only way to throw a haymaker. i wish the would have integrated a button press for the haymaker. so if your used to the button punching scheme youll have a hard time winning the tougher fights.
Some of the good things i guess is that the graphis are top notch, and you can now punch on the move. the in fight commentary is alot better than big tigger. The creat boxer is a lot deeper this year.
oh wait, another thing that pisses me off....when you fight in career mode, and turn pro, you dont even get to fight the real pros that are in the game. Like I played as a middleweight, i turned pro and looked at the rankings, i was 50, i scrolled up and saw no hopkins, no winky or anyone, that was all the fun in the first one, being able to climb to the top and deck the real life pros with your creata boxer.
So, if you loved the first game, and prefer the button scheme over the Total punch control, i sugest you rent this one before buying!

This game should be called "Haymaker Boxing"

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: April 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

When I bought the new fight night round 2, I expected an even more realistic boxing experiance. I saw on the cover the new cut scenes, new fighters, better graphics. The problem is that the first fight night was more realistic. You could fight a smart technical fight, use your jab wisely etc.. The new fight night has totally ruined that experiance. The jab is useless.. all you do is try to avoid these huge haymakers that are more powerful than any uppercut. In the game, all they throw are haymaker combinations which are almost impossible to block. The person that gets hit by the most haymakers will win the fight. I'm a huge huge boxing fan but definately not a fan of this game. This game is definately not real boxing.

Fight Night Round 2

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: March 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I bought the game with high hopes that it would surpass the orignal. With the new features like Haymaker control, cutman, and new training modes, the game is brought to a whole new level. This year's installment is a lot more realistic, because you have to think about what to do and plan out what your next move is. Instead of knocking a guy out in the first round, this year it takes awhile to even knock someone down. Overall though the gameplay is slower, but other than that I really enjoyed the game.

I SECOND THAT

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: March 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

WHY, WHY, WHY I LOVED THE FIRST, THEY SHOULD OF JUST LEFT IT AL0NE. THE WORST PART ABOUT THE GAME IS THE STUPID ASS EARTHQUAKE THAT HAPPEN ASS SOON AS U PUNCH SOMEONE THE WHOLE SCREEN SHAKES, ?????????? DUMB! I GAVE IT TWO STARS JUST BECAUSE THE GRAPHICS ARE GOOD THATS IT.

Some Improvements, But glaring weaknesses

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: March 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Let me start by saying that I first got into videogames because of boxing games and have played almost everyone ever produced. That being said, I felt last year's version of Fight Night was awesome. The only weaknesses were that you could not clinch and also that you stopped on a dime when you punched or blocked. Hearing that those problems were fixed, I assumed that this version would be the ultimate boxing game. Well I was wrong. Like a previous reviewer said, why could they not have left well enough alone. My main problem with the game is: Parrying

In the old version, when you parried a punch, your opponents hands slipped upward leaving a very slight opening. It worked very well. In this years version, when you parry a punch, your opponent (or you if you are parried) literally drops his gloves and bends over exposing his face for a good second or two. It is literally like a dog gasping for air. At first I thought this was a defect in the game, but as I played I found out this literally was the parried punch reaction. So when you get into exchanges, you can expect at least one or two times an exchange to drop your hands and stick your face out. It is totally unrealistic and incredibly frustrating as you cannot prevent someone from parrying your punch (it is a defensive skill) and you cannot prevent yourself from being hit as your arms drop to your sides. I am amazed that they let this defect (and it is a defect) go through. It completely ruins the flow of the game. Whoever was responsible for the parrying effect ruined the work of all the other developers and much of the rest of the game is quite good.

My only other problem was the limited number of camera angles. There is NO long range camera so you cannot see the entire ring while you box. This is also a huge oversight as I like to see all the ring when I box.

So, despite the great reviews by mags and site, take it from a true fan that this game is actually an inferior game then last year's version (which I will continue to play simply due to the parrying defect).

Get ready, it's FIGHT NIGHT!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: March 08, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I'm 28 years old and play PS2 a few hours a day after work, therefore I consider myself a "part-time" gamer. So with said, this game is fun, frustrating and addicting. It took me a few days to get used to the controller. I'm much better than when I started but I still don't have it down. Before you go in and just "fight" I highly recommend that you go in and do some extensive training. Learn to jab, block, uppercut and most importantly, LEARN TO THROW A HAYMAKER. Without it, YOU WILL LOSE. The computer focuses on this haymaker more than anything, which is actually one flaw in this game. I mean, it's cool sometimes, but when every other punch is the haymaker, the game gets old. I'd love to just fight a whole match based on apt blocking, parrying and pure strategy. Also as I mentioned earlier, the controls take awhile to get used to. This is NOT just a "press x" game. You really need to learn to gracefully maneuver the analog stick for "total punch control". Once you can do that be prepared for some very exciting fighting. The graphics are great and there is an excellent selection of fighters. Also, the announcers work well in letting you know what you are doing right or wrong during the match. Overall, I recommend this game. Just prepared to train hard before you even think of entering this virtual ring.

This game rocks the house!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: July 08, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Fight Night Round 2 is pound for pound the best boxing game produced yet. The total punch control is very sensitive and one can control the boxers every move. The learning curve is steep, but opponent AI is excellent and the difficult moves like parrying and blocking combos is tough. It actually takes work to learn these skills, but is great fun. I love boxing and this game is a great pleasure. Only game I have ever played that made me sweat!!!! Go out and rent or buy this game. You will not be dissapointed and is typical of the EA sports genre.

THIS GAME IS A K.O.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: June 04, 2005
Author: Amazon User

im actually above 13.Anyway this game is awesome the graphics are perfect.they got classic players like Muhammad Ali,George Foreman,and some more classic players.They also got alot new school players.The sound is great.The gameplay is awesome.The controls are hard to learn at first...it took me like 1 or 2 hours to get a hang of the controls,but i got used to them.Its (...) its worth it all!I dident like boxing that much but now i love it after i played this game.Its improved alot sense the last fight night game.They got haymaker on this game its were a boxer puts all his power in a punch.When a round is over on this game your boxer probly will look beat up pretty bad so you can heal your boxer a little bit were you can lower the swelling and stop the bleeding.Also when you get knocked down in a fight you have the count to 10 to get back up so you have to stop the dizzyness somehow to get back up it gets more harder every time you get knoced down.The matches can get pretty intense,especially when the two players are about to go down.The story mode is fun you customize your own player and can buy new gear for him when you get the money.But when you get to like the age of 30 or 40 you will just start loosing and your whole career will go downhill and it hurts more when you have some titles and someone beats you and they take over.So BUY this game it rocks you will not regret it!

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