Fight Night Round 4 GI Preview/Features

vader29 · Post by **vader29** » Thu May 28, 2009 6:11 pm

XBL Demo available for download:
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/games ... 0894/?of=1

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:19 pm

Anyone picking up this game today?

Personally, I can't wait!

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:22 pm

Not too many reviews yet..... I've only found a couple brief excerpts.

90 LEVEL (Czech Republic)
Most realistic sport game to date. From graphics to physics – you can see and feel every punch given or taken. Best game with half-naked men on the market! [June 2009]

90 Official Xbox Magazine UK
Ironically, Fight Night Round 4 may be the best argument for banning boxing yet. After all, when a game can get this close to the fluid, organic technicality of the real thing, why does anyone need to get hit in the face?... Solid, satisfying and totally revolutionary. [July 2009, p.81]

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:25 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Anyone picking up this game today?

Personally, I can't wait!

Look forward to hearing what you think, Dan. I haven't liked a boxer in awhile (too much punch-fest for my tastes), but after playing the demo I'm curious to see what people think of the final.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:30 pm

I hear ya GT. Punchout wasn't my cup of tea. It was more nostalgic than anything. While FN4 is still borderline arcade, it seems like they've made significant improvements to make it more realistic. Plus, because this game is on a two year cycle, plans of DLC is being promised. The previous versions kept me entertained for months.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 12:40 pm

TRU has a deal going this week. Buy FN4 and get 60% off on the second game. Street Fighter IV is one of those on the list. This deal works online as well at the store.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:27 pm

Rodster wrote:TRU has a deal going this week. Buy FN4 and get 60% off on the second game. Street Fighter IV is one of those on the list. This deal works online as well at the store.

That is a very good deal. Do you know what other games are on the list?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:29 pm

More reviews.....

Gamepro - 4.5/5

http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/ ... und-4-ps3/

1UP - A-

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3174901&p=4

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 1:51 pm

sportdan30 wrote:
Rodster wrote:TRU has a deal going this week. Buy FN4 and get 60% off on the second game. Street Fighter IV is one of those on the list. This deal works online as well at the store.
That is a very good deal. Do you know what other games are on the list?

http://www.dealrush.com/article3174.html

Fight Night Round 4 FREE* with 3 trade ins Gamestop/EB Games

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 2:10 pm

This game would be a release day purchase for me if I was still a member of Console Nation. Have fun with it, Dan. Looking forward to your impressions!

Take care,
PK

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 4:54 pm

I went ahead and put my order in at TRU. I got FN4 and Street Fighter 4 for the 360.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:03 pm

Was thoroughly disappointed in the demo. Cancelled my pre-order.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:38 pm

Spooky wrote:Was thoroughly disappointed in the demo. Cancelled my pre-order.

Really? Thoroughly? Wow. I haven't played much of the series, but this one has me very intrigued. The whole physics-based thing looks like it really is a revolutionary step in boxing games, and I enjoyed the demo a heck of a lot the few times I tried it. I can't wait for this game, and I'm looking forward to some good DSP tournaments online.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 5:48 pm

I'm downloading now. So far all of the reviews have been solid. It got Best Sports Game at E3. I've been playing the series since the PS1.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:56 pm

I'm getting it but not until Friday. I enjoyed the demo and couldn't pass up with Tyson being in it. I know I won't enjoy it as much as I enjoy Undisputed but the demo was definitely fun. It should be a good online game too.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 6:58 pm

Got a chance to play the demo and while it's a refined FN3 there are some changes I like that's better than FN3. First off the speed of the punches, flurries and counters are so much better. It doesn't feel like you are throwing punches in a molasses vat. The controls offer a few change ups but feel better and a little more intuitive.

I also like when you start to get hit your boxer doesn't have the quick feet movement to get out of the way. The haymaker seems to be better with this addition. I remember in FN3 if you didn't time it right you would get pummeled. This time around because of the speed of the punches your boxer has a better chance of resetting and can go on defense to offset a counter punch.

I don't know but graphically this game looks better and is a helluva lot smoother than FN3. The colors are more vivid and brighter. The announcing is also better and sounds more natural than in FN3.

I'm definitely glad I ordered a copy.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:33 pm

No Game Stops, Targets, TRU, etc. has gotten this game in yet. The sales reps at GS sound very discouraged. I don't think I'll be able to land a copy this evening as I have both kids and the wife is working. Frustrating.

Edit: Of course, I just get home and get the kids in their pj's and call GS. They got the game in 20 minutes ago...******s!

macsomjrr · Post by **macsomjrr** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 8:12 pm

Oops. I guess the embed link for the IGN review was broken...

Anyway, IGN review is up.

http://xbox360.ign.com/dor/objects/1423 ... 62309.html

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 9:17 pm

Bribed the kids with ice cream from McDonalds and was able to grab my pre order copy from Game Stop.

I played briefly...very briefly. Maybe I am the new tjung.

So far.....

I've done the training and I'm having trouble registering some of my intended punches. For instance, to throw a right upper cut, you have you press the right stick at angle to the bottom right and swing it up. It works and it doesn't. Part of that might have been my impatience to get in to a real fight.

I started up a fight with Tyson (me) against Lennox Lewis. Early in the first round, I stunned Lewis badly. He was clearly shaken and I smelled blood. I tried to finish him off to no avail. He came back and got in a few shots to my head as I was flailing Mike Tyson style. The next round, Lewis started to take over. He would not let me move to the inside. He kept backing away and landing his punches. I was wiffing badly on some punches. Here and there, I landed a few body shots. He clearly owned rounds 2, 3, and 4. I was literally punching myself out while Lewis still had plenty of strength and stamina. That's when.....

my daughter said she was so tired she couldn't move. I abruptly...ok, a little hesitantly turned off the PS3. Got the kids in bed and am now in the process of making dinner. I can't wait to get back downstairs and start a career!

By the way, this game looks absolutely stunning!

I switched to wide camera and it's soo much better than the referee camera that was in the demo. There's four camera angles in all.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:00 pm

sportdan30 wrote:I've done the training and I'm having trouble registering some of my intended punches. For instance, to throw a right upper cut, you have you press the right stick at angle to the bottom right and swing it up. It works and it doesn't. Part of that might have been my impatience to get in to a real fight.

That was my biggest complaint with the demo. I was hoping there would be a control option that didn't require the right analog stick. Is there?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:01 pm

No, unfortunately not but I'm getting more acclimated to it with each and every fight. I do prefer TPC to the buttons.

Started a career and I can't stop playing. The presentation is very very nice. The commentary is a lot better than in versions past. Then again, I didn't play FN3. This is such an improvement than the original and FN2.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:42 pm

Dan, stupid question, but does Iron Mike look like Iron Mike in the game? I remember seeing some early screen shots and thinking I wouldn't have known it was Tyson if the captions hadn't said it was him...

Keep the impressions coming..

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:57 pm

Well I'm spent after three hours. Started a career and won a some small semi-pro tournament with full head gear. All my fights went the distance.

I was finally ready to start up a pro career. By the way, I'm a heavy weight standing at 6'4, 200 pounds (my actual weight). You get the opportunity to schedule a fight against one of three opponents all ranked just ahead of you. I'm taking my time by gradually moving up the ranks by challenging the number 49 and 47 fighters. Before each fight, you choose a training exercise. As has been stated, they're rather monotonous, but they definitely help you refine your skills.

One guy I fought was 6'8, 253 pounds and he towered over me. I was able to get inside and expose his weakness for the body. He was unable to throw high percentage punches because I was working his body. His arms would flail past my head and I'd take full advantage. The other fighter was a bit smaller than me and his strategy was to attack and throw crosses and uppercuts, and it worked for a couple rounds. I was able to create some space and attack his mid section and follow that up with a couple punches to the head. The combos feel smooth and fast.

I've only played for a short time, but already this is the most fun I've had playing a video game in a long while. I'd put it right there with MLB The Show '09 with regards to sports games I've played recently. I'm sure there are going to be flaws here and there that rear their ugly head, but so far I have very little to complain about. There are several things that I'd love to see included, but it still doesn't ruin the experience.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:05 am

GTHobbes wrote:Dan, stupid question, but does Iron Mike look like Iron Mike in the game? I remember seeing some early screen shots and thinking I wouldn't have known it was Tyson if the captions hadn't said it was him...

Keep the impressions coming..

Well, I think it does. It's far better than any Tyson any gamer has created in the past for the game. Definitely, his body and the way he moves and throws his punches are eerily similar to the real Tyson.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:25 am

Last few impressions.

This game really is all about strategy. Counter punching plays a huge factor in this game. The game rewards you for being patient and reacting quickly with a punch after the opponent has missed. Throw too many punches and you'll be caught with a cross or a huge punch to your mid section.

Every so often, you can stun your opponent with a big punch. He'll drop his gloves momentarily and then try and cover up as if he doesn't know exactly where he is. If you have your stamina, you can throw combos and try and knock him out. However, you have to be careful. You can quickly drain all your energy trying to end the fight. Your opponent will eventually regain his bearings and try and punch his way through the round. Or he'll clinch or move back until he feels like his head is on straight again.

Many times during my fights did my stamina go all the way down. It takes a good 10-15 seconds at least for it to fill up. At that point, your punches don't mean much as they have very little effect. Plus, you obviously leave yourself open to get clocked. This game is without a doubt no rock em sock em robots. IMO, they nailed stamina pretty damn well. I do think I will eventually turn HUD off as it'll create a more strategic game.

I can't stress enough how much better the wide camera is than the referee camera. Why they decided to only give you option for the referee cam in the demo is way beyond me. It's the very reason I only played the demo a couple times. It was much too dizzying for me. As another poster at OS stated, I'm sure it turned a lot of people off.

On a negative, I do not like the knockdown mini game. I've only practiced it in training, but it's really really difficult. Others have complained about it as well.