Discussion Continues About FNR4 Controls

by pastapadre
Posted May 17th, 2009 at 1:56 pm

fnr50517a

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.

Tags:

AD28

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.
AD28

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.
Atom1

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."

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Hopefully is the case but HHG is not a reliable source.

Atom1

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."

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

Hopefully is the case but HHG is not a reliable source.

Dre

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.
Dre

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.
Josh

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!
Josh

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!
nobuttons noservice

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

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

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.

nobuttons noservice

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

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

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.

EALOVERMAN

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.
EALOVERMAN

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.
JZee

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.
JZee

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.
aaron

so true this is lame EA gives us the buttons back!
aaron

so true this is lame EA gives us the buttons back!
TekMypounces

"Like it or move on" How arrogant are these mother fuckers at EA?

Smokez4Dayz

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.

TekMypounces

"Like it or move on" How arrogant are these mother fuckers at EA?

Smokez4Dayz

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.

BYB

Controls of a game are a personal preference, not a gameplay direction!
BYB

Controls of a game are a personal preference, not a gameplay direction!
Nate

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
Nate

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
tee

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
tee

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
James

"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
James

"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
rondoman

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?
rondoman

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?
shogunoflive

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.
shogunoflive

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/BleedGreen BleedGreen

first loser…
http://intensedebate.com/people/BleedGreen BleedGreen

first loser…
adam

UFC game owns fight night owns TPC owns.
adam

UFC game owns fight night owns TPC owns.
NELL86

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

http://intensedebate.com/people/Dre2778 Dre2778

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.

t. daley

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!

rondoman

Any comments or questions can be directed to:

tdaley@easports.com
http://intensedebate.com/people/Dre2778 Dre2778

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.

Cheif

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

NELL86

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

http://intensedebate.com/people/Dre2778 Dre2778

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.

t. daley

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!

rondoman

Any comments or questions can be directed to:

tdaley@easports.com
http://intensedebate.com/people/Dre2778 Dre2778

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.

Cheif

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

scdb12

Please stop comparing UFC to FNR4
scdb12

Please stop comparing UFC to FNR4
t. daley

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.

Josh

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?
rondoman

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?

t. daley

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.

Josh

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?
rondoman

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?

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

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….
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

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….

tee

ssshh! dont say that too loud……..lol!!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

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….
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Skihawks Skihawks

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….

tee

ssshh! dont say that too loud……..lol!!!!

http://intensedebate.com/people/xbdamsx xbdamsx

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.
http://intensedebate.com/people/xbdamsx xbdamsx

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.
Squabby Rick

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!
Squabby Rick

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!
Brandon

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
Brandon

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