Fight Night Round 4 GI Preview/Features

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:00 am

sportdan30 wrote:The commentary is a lot better than in versions past.

It's Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas from ESPN's "Friday Night Fights," isn't it? If so, what a treat. They're the best boxing commentary team in the business.

Take care,
PK

GameSeven · Post by **GameSeven** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:03 am

sportdan30 wrote: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.

This concerned me from the demo as well. I'm still eager to pick this one up, but I'm hoping that this part of the game gets better with practice. It seemed inordinately difficult to get up from knockdowns. On the other hand, this is no Punch Out and it may be an incentive to stay off the canvas.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:06 am

sportdan30 wrote: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.

Exactly. That's how Tyson did it even though he was shorter than nearly all of his opponents, and it's how nearly every current opponent attacks the 7-1 Russian heavyweight, Nikolai Valuev. Continue to advance, using head movement to avoid jabs that the bigger guy will use to create space. Then move inside, work the body, and nail the taller dude with an uppercut when he drops his hands to protect his ribs and belly.

sportdan30 wrote: 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.

As Teddy Atlas always says Friday nights on ESPN, big fighters shouldn't fight small. If you have a height and reach advantage, use your jab to measure distance and space and don't repeatedly bang inside against the smaller man.

You'll wear the belt soon, Dan! This game sounds really, really good. Wish there was a Wii or PC version!

Take care,
PK

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:46 am

I'm sitting here at work wishing I was at home playing right now. Maybe it's because I didn't play FN3, but as it stands is the best boxing game I think I've ever played. It's funny because at the time of the first FN, I thought it was amazing. This game takes it to an all new level because of the strategy involved.

I can't think of the announcers off hand, but I believe you are correct with the names mentioned. What's cool is that in my first pro fight, the main announcer asked what must be going through head in between the first and second round. The color commentary guy said something to the extent "He probably didn't sleep last night, probably didn't eat much either today. This is also his first true fight without head gear, so we'll find out soon enough if he can take it physically...not many can, blah blah blah". A lot of what they say during the fight is right on key. They will also raise their excitment when it's a wild round of punching. What I love is hearing the corner guys yell out advice. You can really hear them when you're fighting in a small arena. And what they too say is pretty much accurate. And then you have the crowd. They'll go crazy if there's a flurry of punches thrown. Of course, they'll boo you if the round doesn't provide much excitement.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:59 am

Dan, you're doing a nice job of making me want to pick this one up over the weekend.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:35 am

I will say after a night of using the sticks, I honestly don't think it would have made that big of difference if they had included buttons. It's a shame EA intentionally decided to alienate some gamers. The sticks are much more responsive and fluid than they were in the past. You can throw great combos using the sticks. I love throwing the jab or a cross followed up by a couple punches to the side of the body. It's still hard for me least to throw an upper cut at times, so a button would have been nice.

I'm looking forward to advancing in my career because others have said you can get an ESPN fight with all the theatrics. So far, I've only fought in some Mexican arena as well as what looked like a sparring gym. The venues themselves are very cool and there's a large variety of them.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 10:56 am

sportdan30 wrote:I can't think of the announcers off hand, but I believe you are correct with the names mentioned. What's cool is that in my first pro fight, the main announcer asked what must be going through head in between the first and second round. The color commentary guy said something to the extent "He probably didn't sleep last night, probably didn't eat much either today. This is also his first true fight without head gear, so we'll find out soon enough if he can take it physically...not many can, blah blah blah". A lot of what they say during the fight is right on key. They will also raise their excitment when it's a wild round of punching. What I love is hearing the corner guys yell out advice. You can really hear them when you're fighting in a small arena. And what they too say is pretty much accurate. And then you have the crowd. They'll go crazy if there's a flurry of punches thrown. Of course, they'll boo you if the round doesn't provide much excitement.

You owe it to yourself to hear Joe and Teddy in action on "Friday Night Fights" some Friday night on ESPN2. They are incredible. Great chemistry, and Teddy Atlas arguably is the best analyst of any sport on TV today. You will learn things from Teddy that will help you in the game; I guarantee it. Especially during his "Fight Plan" segment before the main event.

Teddy also takes you into the mind of a fighter and into the ring without being preachy or arrogant. Has strong opinions and amazing insight, but he's still a guy you'd want to have many beers with at a bar on his native Staten Island.

Take care,
PK

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:00 am

Great advice Pk. I'm definitely interested in taking in some fights on television. Any idea when they might be broadcasting next?

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:25 am

sportdan30 wrote:Great advice Pk. I'm definitely interested in taking in some fights on television. Any idea when they might be broadcasting next?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Friday.

I have to say I'm a little concerned that there is no ability to use the buttons if I want to but it's not going to stop me from getting this one.

webdanzer · Post by **webdanzer** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:26 am

ScoopBrady wrote:
sportdan30 wrote:Great advice Pk. I'm definitely interested in taking in some fights on television. Any idea when they might be broadcasting next?
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Friday.

I have to say I'm a little concerned that there is no ability to use the buttons if I want to but it's not going to stop me from getting this one.

I'd definitely like to hear how you compare it against Undisputed, Scoop.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 11:38 am

sportdan30 wrote:Great advice Pk. I'm definitely interested in taking in some fights on television. Any idea when they might be broadcasting next?

Friday Night Fights, ESPN2, 10 p.m. (ET) this Friday. That show is preceded by a one-hour collection of Mike Tyson's Greatest Hits at 9 (ET).

My DVR is set for both, of course.

ESPN Classic shows a ton of great old fights. Had an 80s marathon last weekend, and I watched two Tyson fights and the classic Arguello-Pryor rematch.

VERSUS also is starting to show more and more quality bouts, including the Jean Pascal-Adrian Diaconu light heavyweight title fight last weekend at a packed, raucous Bell Centre in Montreal, which was a superb fight. Very cool, coming on the heels of the excellent Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey welterweight bout the previous weekend at a rockin' Madison Square Garden, which was on PPV. But I have a way of getting those PPV fights for nothing just hours after they finish ...

Enjoy Joe and Teddy this Friday night on Friday Night Fights. You'll see some guys very close to title shots, you'll see some bums, and you'll see some promising prospects whose names you'll remember in a few years when they're wearing belts.

FNF continues to be a superb, entertaining series of boxing after 10 years on the air. I criticize ESPN a lot, but the network does treat one of my absolute favorite sports -- the sweet science of boxing -- with care and respect.

Take care,
PK

tjung0831 · Post by **tjung0831** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:07 pm

I'm going to give Dan three more days before he posts a "FN4 for sale...PM for details"

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:13 pm

tjung0831 wrote:I'm going to give Dan three more days before he posts a "FN4 for sale...PM for details"

Give me at least a week! This game has captivated me as much as The Show did on it's release. If that's any indication, it'll be in my rotation for a long time to come. The game isn't perfect, but it's a ***t load of fun to play! Plus, with the promised DLC, this game has lots of replay value. I just hope EA doesn't try and nickel and dime us.

I'm looking forward to see how this game plays when playing against a friend who's sitting right beside me.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:23 pm

sportdan30 wrote:
tjung0831 wrote:I'm going to give Dan three more days before he posts a "FN4 for sale...PM for details"
Give me at least a week! This game has captivated me as much as The Show did on it's release. If that's any indication, it'll be in my rotation for a long time to come. The game isn't perfect, but it's a ***t load of fun to play! Plus, with the promised DLC, this game has lots of replay value. I just hope EA doesn't try and nickel and dime us.

I'm looking forward to see how this game plays when playing against a friend who's sitting right beside me.

I can see it now. For $4.99 or 400 MS Points you can unlock "the advanced boxing gloves. It's sure to be a hit with the ever expanding sweet spot".

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

ScoopBrady wrote:
sportdan30 wrote:Great advice Pk. I'm definitely interested in taking in some fights on television. Any idea when they might be broadcasting next?
I'm going to go out on a limb and say Friday.

I have to say I'm a little concerned that there is no ability to use the buttons if I want to but it's not going to stop me from getting this one.

Smart guy, eh? FNF are always on Friday. I get that. I didn't realize those two announcers always are on the broadcast on Fridays however.

Regarding your other concern, it's legit. However, I really think by going with a different camera angle it just might make a difference. The referee cam swings around a lot, and it's disorienting imo. Thus, it doesn't allow you complete control because it swings on dime. Besides the upper cut, which will come with practice, I can throw whatever punch I want. It's more immersive to me at least than using the buttons. But I can certainly understand the aprehensiveness.

Thanks Paul for the info by the way!

RallyMonkey · Post by **RallyMonkey** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:55 pm

Well after a few Fight Now matches as well as creating my fighter, winning the amateur tourney, and rolling through the first three tomata cans in the rankings, two things have become abundantly clear:

1) The game is fantastic. I liken the satisfaction in a good fight/good punch to the same enjoyment that comes from scoring in NHL and hitting one deep in MLB.

2) I was, am, and always will be a street fighter. No matter how many times the game (and some of you in your posts) encourage being a tactician, i just can't do it. I've easily out-thrown every oppponent i've faced...and by a LARGE margin. Thankfully i created a brawling heavyweight so it's getting me through right now, but i have no doubt i will punch myself out in later fights and get killed. Looking forward to that.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:35 pm

Rally,

Glad to hear your enjoying the game thus far.

It is true you can out swing your opponent, but to what effect? Meaning, you will see your stamina fall fairly quickly. Also, if you keep HUD on, you will notice that it takes a lot longer for you to recover your stamina, and your punches will have little or damage. I've done and still do the same as you. I come out swinging, especially when I know I've hurt my opponent. But more times than not, especially in the later rounds, I find myself trying to survive the last 45 seconds because my fighter is gassed.

I think there are those at OS who are already playing with the sliders in order to make the computer opponent throw more punches. I'm not messing with it at all. I'll wait. IMO, the computer opponent is being smart to a certain degree. They still land enough damaging punches that equalizes our stamina and health.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 2:43 pm

Is their a first person camera in the game? At least I thought I read something about it during the previews.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 3:31 pm

Rodster wrote:Is their a first person camera in the game? At least I thought I read something about it during the previews.

I'm pretty certain that's an almost definite no.

GTHobbes · Post by **GTHobbes** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 3:38 pm

Rodster wrote:Is their a first person camera in the game? At least I thought I read something about it during the previews.

Could you be thinking about NHL 10, which does have a first person camera for fights?

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:10 pm

I am on the fence so far based on the demo. EB has a trade 2 games and pay $20 bucks for the game which I may get tempted to. I keep wanting to use more tactics on this game but I end up always throwing more punches than what I need to, wasting my energy level. But keep the impressions coming, anyone played online yet?

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 4:16 pm

GTHobbes wrote:
Rodster wrote:Is their a first person camera in the game? At least I thought I read something about it during the previews.
Could you be thinking about NHL 10, which does have a first person camera for fights?

I thought it was FN4 but could be wrong. I thought I read about a FP camera and no health bars. Anyway the default camera in the demo is solid.

Sport73 · Post by **Sport73** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 7:00 pm

Just adding my two cents that this game is AMAZING. Bottom line, if you even like boxing games a little bit, you need to pick this up.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:05 pm

I've only delved very little into it, but it seems like great stuff so far. I did however seem to find that one cannot use created boxers online, which I think is a shame for us DSP types for potential online tourneys. But hey, with the roster of real boxers available, we can surely put together some good online DSP tourneys anyway.

There are already some crazy created boxers to download from EA servers. Who knows what they are really all about, but it's a neat feature, and apparently you can add d/l'ed boxers to your Legend mode. I doubt I will d/l any of them, but it's a neat feature that you can disperse your creations.

I really like the gameplay so far. Everything that I have disliked about boxing games from before Victorious Fighters and beyond is gone. It's quick, responsive, endlessly full of variety, and frankly just plain fun from moment to moment.

I started a created Legend boxer - the game lets you load up the points on your created boxers, but then for Legend mode nerfs all the numbers to the low to mid-50s, so I guess even if you choose a real life legend there is still some challenge to the process.

But from the little I've seen, there is a tremendous degree of attention to the details among the real life boxers, and of course plenty of breadth to the stable as well. And the gameplay really feels like the real deal. Maybe as time goes on it will be revealed that there are a handful of successful tactics, but somehow I don't see it. So far I feel like this game engine is well designed to provide for nothing but unique fights.

Who's up for a DSP online tourney, quick and early? Online seems to be limited as to weight classes (not sure how limited as to boxers compared to offline), so shall we say Middleweight? Heavyweight? Lightweight? Those are the options. Mid seems to have the most choices, but I haven't actually counted.

First time through, I think taking our favorite choice of boxer is the best idea, until online touneys demonstrate that we have to ban some characters or limit the selection. Until then, I'm all for pick-as-you-choose and see what happens online.

Talk to me.

PS: I'm still waiting and wondering what found Spooky so 'thoroughly disappointed with the demo.' Really? Thoroughly?

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:48 pm

Zep,

I imagine you're on the 360, correct? Is there anyone who got this game on the PS3?

To be honest, I wasn't fully impressed with the demo either. I didn't like the camera as I've stated. But also, I thought many of the punches lacked some oomph. They still to a degree in the retail version, but it's not as noticeable.