'Fight Night 2004' a virtual knockout
By Stephen Ryan
CNN Headline News
 |  "Fight Night 2004" allows gamers to experience the virtual bumps and bruises a boxer can suffer in a bout. |
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(CNN) -- So you want to be a contender, but don't like getting walloped by the real deal?
Electronic Arts Sports' "Fight Night 2004" puts gamers in the ring but lets them leave without the bumps and bruises. It's a heavy hitter that takes boxing games to the next level.
"Fight Night" goes through all the punches. Gamers can launch a career, or if they're looking to vent some aggression, there's a "play now" mode.
The career mode works gamers over as if they're professional boxers paying their dues. Early fights can be frustrating because of a boxer's lack of skills.
A boxer begins with a "bank" of points assigned to different categories, including power, speed, agility and stamina. Gamers can't fill each category completely with the points allotted, but they can't forget any of them either. So the only way to climb the boxing ladder is to train and gain experience. And the only way to do that is by scheduling fights. A boxer is allowed one training camp before each bout. There are no other ways to condition the boxer.
"Fight Night" centers on Electronic Arts' cutting-edge system, Total Punch Control. The new control system uses PlayStation 2's right analog stick. Essentially, a player moves it as a boxer would move his arm. Push the stick up and to the right simultaneously, and the boxer unleashes a right jab.
For a right hook, a gamer pushes the analog stick directly to the right and arcs upward. A tactical gamble, but one of the most powerful punches, is an uppercut. To accomplish one, a gamer moves the analog stick down and to the right simultaneously, then arcs upward. The same maneuvers work respectively for left-handed punches.
One problem I encountered with the controls was that sometimes punches didn't register. My controller got confused unless I moved the right analog stick with absolute precision. Generally, the issue only came up in fast-paced hooks, uppercuts and follow-up punches. Instead of immediately recognizing the punch that was intended, the boxer sometimes paused.
It seems in some instances the computer-controlled opponent has the upper hand because his form is always right on the money. This disadvantage is remedied slightly by improving a boxer's speed.
However, don't give up on Total Punch Control. It is worth the payoff if gamers counteract the delays by honing their boxers' skills. Gamers also should take into account that they would hardly have perfect form if they were really in the ring.
 "Fight Night 2004" uses boxing figures that resemble actual professional fighters. | |
There were no holds barred in "Fight Night" when it comes to graphics. Gamers can choose to box using one of several figures that resemble actual professional fighters. For example, a gamer can go head-to-head with the spitting image of a young Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Evander Holyfield or Roy Jones Jr.
The bumps and bruises are also top-notch. A powerful hit will result in a spray of sweat and swollen features for the unlucky recipient.
All in all, "Fight Night" packs a serious punch, especially in two-player or online mode. Following tradition, it's generally a knockout when Electronic Arts produces a new sports game. The game is available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox gaming consoles.
