I've played Fight night 2004 and it was a solid game with a few little
minor things that kept it from really being a great experience. one of
my complaints was that the game didn't really reward you for using the
analog sticks to punch with. Most of my friends would use the buttons
saying that it just wasn't practical. So I'm very happy to say that
Fight Night Round 2 delivers everything it says and also helps fix more
of the stuff that 2004 needed.
Gameplay:
For gameplay, there is nothing more satisfying then
landing the new haymakers on your opponent. The gameplay is much faster
and better, making your punches seem more powerful and more useful then
before. Its solid, good gameplay that very addictive. Using the sticks
is much more difficult then just mashing buttons, but once you get the
hang of it then it really is awesome. Doing the haymakers is pretty
easy, though doing them in a combo is much trickier. One of the things
I hate is that the AI can do a 3 combo haymaker it about 2 seconds,
which to me is ridiculous. if the player can't do this kind of thing,
neither should the AI.
Graphics:
The graphics are pretty awesome as far as pulling the last out of the
xbox before the new consoles come around. The devs have definately
taken away from the background to help boost the poly count of the
fighters. However, they've taken a little too much away in my opinion,
because you'll definately notice the difference when they play the
opening acts as your fighters come to the ring.
Sound:
Sound effects are pretty good, even though there really aren't that
many... but I suppose that real to the sport. The sounds they DO have
are really good and spot on and the commentary is a lot better then the
previous MC. One complaint I have is that the soundtrack is quite
limited, showing almost no diversity and becoming quite bland after a
few hours of listening to them. One really big complaint I have is that
they didn't allow custom soundtracks for the xbox! What is wrong with
EA for missing this feature?
Overal:
This game is highly addictive to play and it really is a lot of fun.
Its challenging, its enganging and it has all the right ingredients for
a great game. The minor set backs are hardly a reason to not give this
game a spin.
