Discussion Continues About FNR4 Controls
by 
Ever since it was revealed that the button control scheme was removed completely for Fight Night Round 4, in turn forcing Total Punch Control with the right analog, it has been a hot topic of discussion.Yesterday the EA Canada community manager responded basically stating that that the button controls wouldn’t be returning and to learn to like TPC or move on. The posting has since been deleted from the EA Forum.
I still don’t understand the thinking behind this decision or the way in which they’ve addressed the topic with the community. Personally I prefer TPC for Fight Night and have found it to feel natural. However removing the button controls as an OPTION was still a baffling decision. If the issue was unbalanced online play then lock TPC for the ranked fights. Removing the control options for offine does a disservice to everyone who preferred that method of playing the game.
In a time where community interaction and feedback have become prominent with EA it is surprising that they would tell those concerned about this move to basically just get over it. It seems as though the community is split about 50/50 on which they prefer. In fact in the poll I had up on the topic back in March it was 54% who felt the button controls should still be in as an option. So upsetting about half of the consumers and ignoring their pleas to simply have a control scheme from the previous games as an option remains unsettling.
There is still the possibility that the button controls will be added in, though at this point it would need to be via patch if it hadn’t been planned already. Maybe the deletion of that forum post is a sign of that. Regardless this doesn’t appear to be a topic that is going to fade away quietly.
May 17, 2009 at 10:11 pm
first! and i like TPC. It's always felt more natural to me than the face buttons, but removing the face buttons completely is puzzling. maybe they just should have had it for offline? something to ponder.
May 17, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Fight Night Controls Are Getting Updated Says EA
http://www.hiphopgamershow.com
FROM AN EA PRODUCER:
"Thanks for this, man. Appreciate honest feedback. The team is aware of the concerns, and though we can’t make any official comment on the button issue, rest assured it is being addressed. The good thing about our current gaming landscape is the ability to patch a game on day one. I will keep you posted. Thanks again for reaching out."
May 18, 2009 at 12:51 am
Hopefully is the case but HHG is not a reliable source.
May 17, 2009 at 11:02 pm
They should have never taken it out for offline play but had it an option like they done in the past. Of course it should be TPC for online ranked matches. But if EA is truly trying to pull in even casual gamers then what they did and the statement shows that they are only out to futher alienate fans and customers.
May 17, 2009 at 11:19 pm
I just don't understand what the harm is in giving us an option? It can only help & increase sales. It can't possibly hurt sales. Forcing us to play one way is a travesty! It would benefit EA to add button puching back via patch because it would increase sales. Why are they so bent on forcing us to play with TPC? Like you said Pasta, they could lock TPC for ranked games online if they want to but at least give us the option offline. The genius at EA who decided to go this route should be fired!
May 18, 2009 at 12:24 am
54% of the ppl want it 2 be an option… does he really want 2 lose half of his sales? i mean its really stupid 2 tell half the consumers to move on especially when youre trying 2 sell a videogame dat is as hyped up as this game… smh sad to see that theyre going this route
May 18, 2009 at 12:54 am
Well truly the vast majority aren't going to avoid buying the game because of it. I think how it will affect people is they may not enjoy it as much. More likely to trade it in if the controls frustrate them. And then a FNR5 sees the effect of upsetting fans.
Its the same way in how MLB 2K9 sales dropped after 2K8's controls change. Though that would be more attributed to the glitches and terrible online play but it could also be a factor. You see response more in the *next* versions of games when consumers are upset about a current one. Many people are going to get FNR4 and won't know they're forced to use TPC. Some will be okay with it, others may not.
May 18, 2009 at 12:54 am
Good old EA. You tell those 2k fans to play their own game if they like using buttons. Seriously, Just remove all buttons from controllers and we are good. bye bye.
May 18, 2009 at 12:58 am
this is arrogance from the fight night devs that we havent seen from devs of the other games. seems like theyre on a high horse about their game since round 3 sold so well.
the ea forum is on fire about the button controls and all they are doing now is locking the threads. people are canceling their preorders.
May 18, 2009 at 3:07 am
so true this is lame EA gives us the buttons back!
May 18, 2009 at 3:21 am
"Like it or move on" How arrogant are these mother fuckers at EA?
May 19, 2009 at 9:47 am
arrogant enough to have billion dollar company. good job EA, force change. they don't like it, they can ignore the release of the game. I like that kind of strong balls thinking. Its a niche title, it should have a dedicated boxing control scheme, not button mashing.
May 18, 2009 at 3:23 am
Controls of a game are a personal preference, not a gameplay direction!
May 18, 2009 at 4:44 am
I dont play FIGHT NIGHT online i who gives a fvck about an advantage for button….i dont even play head to head…i play career mode, what advantage can i have on the CPU? these dumb a-holes at EA need to realize not everyone gives a sh?t about online play….give me my config 5 or fvck off….. i must have missed the day when TAKING AWAY FEATURES IN A GAME was a good thing…the whole "button mashing" arguments is retarded, how bout some of you get your FAT A$$es off the couch we meet and punch each other in the face if you want realism. with KIDS and a wife who the hell has time to differentiate the jab and straight on the analog stick. …..if you think you are "tougher" than a next gamer because you use the analog stick, then you should take a bubble bath with a plugged in RADIO.
EA I have a DUMB ASS idea you might like for madden how bout we bring back the power pad and you have to actually run around ya house to make your controlled player move on madden
May 18, 2009 at 4:55 am
it should be an option…just not for ranked games online…. they should also try and figure a fair way for both configs to match up gameplay wise……..
i think people should just get over it and move on …the game works perfect analog wise….
…..and thats alot of steam nate…calm down..lol
May 18, 2009 at 5:42 am
"Yesterday the EA Canada community manager responded basically stating that that the button controls wouldn’t be returning and to learn to like TPC or move on."
Well I'm one of those guys who's moving on… this is just a 1 day $1 rental for me, hell I might not even rent it and just play the demo when it comes out. I hate to compare fighting games, but it seems like this years going to be a UFC year for me.
I don't see how the devs got together and said "taking away the buttons will help this game in a positive way"… I just don't get it, but hey… if they want to lose customers and sales this is a great way to do it
May 18, 2009 at 5:59 am
There is NEVER anything wrong with a game having more options. It appeals to more people and cannot hurt anything whatsoever.
That is what boggles my mind.
What if in other games you just had to "do it their way?"
What if in Madden 06 you had to play with the vision cone? Or in the Show you had to have guess pitch on?
I am kinda confused why EA would not have this as an option, and then on top of that, kinda act like an ass in telling the consumers that they should move on?
May 18, 2009 at 6:06 am
I agree with the community manager…GET OVER IT… When EA came out with Fight Night they introduced with heavy focus on TPC. Only leaving in the buttons back then cause at the time it was a big shift, now that the game has had 3 versions they feel its fine to ditch the buttons all together. If people want buttons they can play that crappy Prize Fighter. Play the game how it was intended to be played, how it was designed to be played and stop complaining.
May 18, 2009 at 7:05 am
first loser…
May 18, 2009 at 12:04 pm
UFC game owns fight night owns TPC owns.
May 18, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Quit complaining step yo game up or just dont play the game i feel like button mashing makes it unreal thats just like having auto aim on a first person shooter weak
May 18, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Only for people who want to play online. But what about a young kid who just wants to play the game for fun and he or she can't grasp the analog control set-up then its a waste of money for the parent and if it were my child I'll take the game back get my money back and never buy another EA game again.
May 18, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Are you a retard. What little kid can't grasp the controls. Perhaps you haven't actually seen little kids today. They are better gamers at a younger age than we could ever hoped to have been when we were at that age.
Stop making excuses, and perhaps if the the kid is that little, he shouldn't be playing a violent game such as boxing. Hmm!
May 18, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Any comments or questions can be directed to:
tdaley@easports.com
May 18, 2009 at 9:48 pm
No but apparently you are with the comment you just posted. Not all kids can grasp the concept as you say. And you just contradicted yourself by saying kids these days are better at games at a younger age when almost all the games now a days are violent. Look at the Wii boxing even though its kiddie in a way it's still violent in the fact that they are beating someone.
Think before you try an criticize someone on someithing you clearly have little knowledge on. I have a 5 year old nephew and I doubt he could play FNR4 with the current control layout because he isn't a regulare gamer but plays to pass time. So not all people share in your narcissistic opinion.
June 2, 2009 at 8:20 am
itz a fuckin video game loser people have livez unlike yo sorry ass lls
"IT MAKES THE GAME MORE REALER" get a fuckin life
itz a game you play juz 2 have fun, and if you take it any serious then dat u need 2 c a fuckin doctor LOL
May 18, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Please stop comparing UFC to FNR4
May 18, 2009 at 4:54 pm
I agree with the devs. Either like it or move on. Gamers are always complaining how a company could have added this and could of added that to placate the few dinosaurs that remain, refusing to change with the times.
Its not as simple as just adding button controls. They would have had to reprogram the whole game to compensate for that. What you seem to lack an understanding in is that TPC is the selling point of the game. Its the game mechanic which is being touted here. Keeping the button controls would make this game just like any other FN boxing game.
People complain when companies dont change contols and when one does they complain about that too. As far as games like boxing and golf, for example, stick usage is a must to capture a somewhat realistic feel.
May 18, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Not giving people an option on controls is flat out stupid. Every other sports game gives you an option so what would it hurt to give an option in FN4?
May 18, 2009 at 7:49 pm
Seriously, you are an idiot.
They would have to reprogram the entire game??? Ummm, ok genious. That was a comment we are now dumber for having read.
Wasn't the vision cone the selling point of Madden a few years ago? So what? They gave people the option to turn it off.
Options cannot hurt!!! Lack of them can hurt sales, so why not have more options?
May 18, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I believe that alternate controls should always be an option. A good example is Killzone 2. The default control system is much different than Call of Duty 4 however there is an option to make the game control similar to COD 4 so those people don't have to take the time to learn an entirely new control scheme.
I like using the right stick for FN but why eliminate options and give gamers the choice? I agree that it alienates a number of gamers.
I will say that a number of people complaining about the right stick controls in FN4 also mention how UFC is way better. I find this somewhat ironic since UFC also utilizes the right stick….Weird….
May 18, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I believe that alternate controls should always be an option. A good example is Killzone 2. The default control system is much different than Call of Duty 4 however there is an option to make the game control similar to COD 4 so those people don't have to take the time to learn an entirely new control scheme.
I like using the right stick for FN but why eliminate options and give gamers the choice? I agree that it alienates a number of gamers.
I will say that a number of people complaining about the right stick controls in FN4 also mention how UFC will be better. I find this somewhat ironic since UFC also utilizes the right stick….Weird….
May 18, 2009 at 6:48 pm
ssshh! dont say that too loud……..lol!!!!
May 18, 2009 at 9:10 pm
The boxing viewers are going down, while UFC's are soaring. Everybody wants to see the UFC game be better. And its really their first try with the next generation gaming. FN has been out for a while and they have had time to fix the things that needed to be fixed.
May 18, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Its all about geeks, and their online records, and how they don't want anyone who uses buttons to have an advantage over them. its all fucking ridiculous. PUT THE BUTTONS IN!
May 19, 2009 at 1:46 am
It's wack. People I've talked to have already said they don't plan on getting the game if the buttons aren't in. I mean people say people would take advantage of the buttons in online play. If you were using the TPC knowing damn well they buttons allowed you to throw punches and combos quicker who's fault is that? I won plenty of fights without even throwing a haymaker because the TPC takes too long to react. I agree with Sqabby Rick. PUT THE DAMN BUTTONS IN
May 19, 2009 at 2:03 am
its just a shame that its come down to this kind of argument…some of yall bashed bash other boxing games for the button usage saying fn has the tpc..now ya get a better version of the tpc and opinions change…
to all the button mashers i say …enjoy UFC……but it uses the right stick and left stick along with buttons…way much more thinking if you ask me….
May 19, 2009 at 4:11 am
PUT BACK THE BUTTON OPTIONS!!!!!!!!!
May 19, 2009 at 9:42 am
not important at all. not worth a post. button mashing was knocked in PF. And not everybody who plays sports video games visit your site or any sports site. When these developers make choices to move on from the old school, you guys cry and bitch. So, sony is right, you lames only want the same old games and controls but with new improved graphics…thats whats wrong with the industry. Innovation keeps things fresh. You guys wanna spend the next two years button mashing this so called great boxing game? New controls. Learn them or go play FN3.
May 19, 2009 at 6:47 pm
HA next up is "joystick twirling"…People will always find a way to gain an advantage in video games so all of you idiots talking about "button mashing" and how it needs to be taken out need to get a grip.
May 19, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Oh and can anyone tell me how effective that joystick BS is? I feel like (at some point during a fight) I would want to throw a right jab and end up throwing a right hook or something.
June 4, 2009 at 11:02 am
everyone buy prizefighter just so they change their minds . dont even but FNR3 coz they still get the profits.
June 8, 2009 at 12:05 am
To all those people saying that it's better this way because "button mashers are gay" and "it's more realistic". Those are stupid comments, since both the face buttons and the analog do the same thing. It's just a matter of preference how you want to tell the PS3 what you want your character to do.
Button mashing, people who button mash are people who usually don't understand the mechanics of the game, as any skilled player should be able to always win against a button masher. Whether a player chooses to spam punches with the buttons, or spam them with the analog doesn't matter, you still have "button mashers" just because they're not actually using buttons doesn't change their concept of how the game is played and doesn't change the fact that they're still button mashers.
For people saying it's more realisitc… It's not. Both actions are being done with the movement of your thumb. If you're pretending your analog is an arm and you're using your thumb to swing that arm at your opponent on the big screen, then yes, it's more realistic.
If there is no layout 3 I will not buy it. And it's not even because I refuse to learn TPC, it's just been the way this whole thing has been handled. EA never ceases to surprise me though, they could fuck up toast.
June 9, 2009 at 3:41 pm
THQ's UFC 2009 has the button + analog stick combination right. EA's FN3 has the combination right.
After playing the FNR4 demo for a couple of weeks I've decided to cancel my pre-order of FNR4. if the new TPC
scheme is the future of the FN franchise, then EA has lost a customer permanently.
June 10, 2009 at 12:24 am
i was so excited about Round 4 to be release but ever since i played the demo and i can't even regularly use my face button smashing. Im so use to playing the face button smashing ever since the first fight night game . But now they are telling us to get over it and move on. definitly for sure your not getting my money. Im moving on to UFC UNDISPUTED
June 14, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I was on the fence with this game, I've played the demo a few times and always played the previous games with buttons. But like a non gaming mate said to me the other night " Your a gamer, You learn the moves etc as you go, what's different? treat it like a new game you haven't played before ". He has a point! Thats what we all do, Buy a game, learn the moves and stuff and get on with it. I understand its a big change for a game to have a diff control system we are used too, but i'll be giving the game a bash and getting on with it. As with TPC and buttons online, it doesn't make a difference if your good, only the losers look to blame something like that..
June 18, 2009 at 1:55 am
stupid decision from EA