The more things change, the more they stay the same. Over the years, EA Sports has crafted its boxing series Fight Night into a true contender, adding little innovations along the way, including analog stick controls to make it feel like you’re pulling off every punch with some kind of effort. (The Mike Tyson/Muhammad Ali match-up was a nice touch as well.) However, with Fight Night Champion, the company’s trying out a different approach – the Mature rated kind. EA Sports is pulling no punches this time around (ha!), as it intends to bring every bit of intensity of boxing to the game, from the spectacular slo-mo knockouts to the massive facial injuries boxers can endure during a match. And there’s no better place to start working through the game than Champion mode. You control a young up-and-comer trying to find his place in the boxing world, only to find opposition from every corner. A shady promoter wants to put you in your place; his daughter wants nothing more than to make the moves on you; and your own brother doesn’t want you to suffer the same fate that he did. Furthermore, there’s a cocky boxer out there who thinks he’s the hotshot in this town. All of them are simply asking for a taste of what kind of boxer you truly are.
For Fight Night Champion, EA Sports is introducing a new Full Spectrum Punch Control system. It’s not entirely based on the analog play that previous versions had, nor is it straight up button control. It’s a combination that enables you to pull off everything from overhand punches to strategic counter jabs to one-punch knockouts, using a little bit of strategy and a whole lot of survival skills. You’ll need every bit of them too, as the game comes packed with 50 official boxers, ranging from the powerhouse Butterbean to the too-damn-quick-for-his-own-good Manny Pacquiao. You’ve got your work cut out for you. Fight Night Champion is definitely looking like a contender based on what we’ve seen so far. The player models are nothing short of fantastic, especially when you lay into one with a well-timed uppercut or right hook. Their facial reaction is beyond belief, and being a Mature-rated game, you can expect the blood to flow if you’re taking a beating. The venues are also very realistic, and the official boxers look just like their true selves, right down to Butterbean’s red-white-and-blue trunks. You can expect body deformation as well, so if you bust someone’s ribs, it’ll show it in the game. (Tape those up when you get a chance, bud.)
Along with Champion Mode, Fight Night Champion also features a Legacy Mode, where you create your own boxing legend and put them against past champions, both young and old. Work your way through these ranks and you’ll be able to establish yourself as a boxing champion. Exhibition matches are also available, and you can try your luck in the gym if you feel you need a little brushing-up. And like EA Sports MMA before it, Fight Night Champion will make fine use of online gyms. Here, you’ll be able to create your own fighting arena, or visit others made by your friends, and battle it out to see who’s the real champ. Taking on others in Rival Matches and winning will earn you rewards, including trophies, accessories, gear and more. There’s a lot of ground to cover here, and plenty of legends that will stand in your way – including Muhammad Ali. You didn’t expect him to bow out of this series, did you? Fight Night Champion is looking extremely promising, and with a March 1 date on the docket, we won’t have to wait long for it. Be sure to check back with PlanetXbox360 to see if this edition can perform like Mike Tyson in his prime.
