Initial FNR4 Impressions

by pastapadre
Posted June 28th, 2009 at 5:57 pm

fnr40628

Fight Night Round 4 made its way out last week as one of the most anticipated sports releases of the year. Over the last couple days I’ve found myself trying to get a feel for the game and playing online. Some of the detrimental aspects and design decisions have stood out the most once getting past the fantastic visuals. Continue on for some general thoughts and leave yours in the comments!

Much has been made over the longer development cycle that the game had to benefit from. That is most seen in the physics engine which does a fantastic job with things like hit detection and grazing shots. The graphics exceed FNR3 and challenge UFC 2009 as maybe the best of the generation. Those things make it feel like a fresh experience despite being a bi-yearly franchise.

There are a few aspects of the game that have stood out so far as negatively affecting the experience. The camera spins around a great deal and throughout longer fights I’ve found that to be disorienting. I also feel like at times I’m drawn into the opponent and can’t get away from them…almost like the game pushes you into the inside fighting. Fatigue seems to be the biggest issue. It is most pronounced in online bouts but it is the fatigue system in general and not online that has been exposed as a problem.

Go anywhere that is discussing the game and there will be a debate about the button punching being removed. This continues to be a baffling decision as it has upset a large faction of consumers and dominated talk surrounding the game. I actually used the analog stick in FNR3 so my feeling that buttons still should have been included is based on offering options as being a positive thing. For whatever reason though, despite uproar from the community, EA remained stubborn and refused to consider it.

Now though I almost want to go back to the buttons. I’m finding the stick to be inconsistent and too mechanical in nature. Rarely am I able to counter and in many cases I’m having to think about the type of punch and motion involved instead of going off reaction. This is especially the case with haymakers where you’re required to hold the RB which is incredibly awkward. I pretty much have forgotten about attempting to put combinations together. Not to mention that frequently I’m making motions with the stick and no punch comes or the wrong one is thrown.

The ironic thing is that one of the main reasons for removing the buttons was due to imbalance vs the analog stick with online. What that actually means is the buttons were more effective and precise. Now you just have people online stick “mashing” basically meaning nothing has changed. A proper fatigue system could’ve balanced things regardless of the control scheme being used. However people are throwing punches like crazy and not having to pay for it. Against the wrong person online it makes for a very frustrating experience.

At least online runs much better than the last iteration which was plagued with lag issues. I’ve yet to encounter anything but very smooth fights. Against the right people online it could be an enjoyable experience.

The Photo Face feature is a nice addition but again it doesn’t do a great job with the rare exceptions. I’ve yet to create anything that looks at all like me or the celebrities I was attempting to recreate. There are still a lack of options which have plagued it in the past such as not enough variations of hair styles. There are some good created fighters available to download though. Also it’s cool that they have the replay highlight uploading but where is the screenshot feature? This seems like a game perfect for that but it wasn’t included.

Again this is a beautiful game that deserves accolades based on various techncial achievements such as the amazing graphics and physics system. However the enjoyment level is probably going to be more split than was seen with FNR3. I wasn’t get a whole lot out of that game but I respected what it did for being early in the console’s life cycle. Right now I remember having more fun with that than I am with FNR4 though so I don’t forsee playing this extensively. I expect a lot of people will love this game but I’m thinking there will be a larger faction that dislikes it also.

Tags:

ryan

nice. probably just gonna rent it first
ryan

nice. probably just gonna rent it first
http://intensedebate.com/people/HustlinOwl HustlinOwl

My early favorite for Sports game of the year. I passed on FNR3 as they all were the same simply button mash until your opponents health was down and win via knock out. With FNR4 no two fight seems the same and the AI is truly amazing. I could care less about those that continue to whine about buttons, seems like these are similar complaints year after year with sports games (Vision Cone) and people refuse to accept change and move on.

alan

the ppl who complain a lot arent good at the game the game is very good now with the quick movements and no invinsible force blocking u from getting from the clinch

http://intensedebate.com/people/HustlinOwl HustlinOwl

My early favorite for Sports game of the year. I passed on FNR3 as they all were the same simply button mash until your opponents health was down and win via knock out. With FNR4 no two fight seems the same and the AI is truly amazing. I could care less about those that continue to whine about buttons, seems like these are similar complaints year after year with sports games (Vision Cone) and people refuse to accept change and move on.

alan

the ppl who complain a lot arent good at the game the game is very good now with the quick movements and no invinsible force blocking u from getting from the clinch

michael

1st
michael

1st
Craig

You must have no idea what you're doing then Pasta because I'm finding the TPC VERY responsive and precise so maybe it's you who's not precise and moving the stick the wrong way. This game captures the true speed of the sport like it should be, fast and sharp, not slow as molasses like R3 was. Is the game perfect? No, but damn close. R3 does not even compare to this.

alan

lol why comment if its gonna be a douche comment
http://intensedebate.com/people/TruJruss TruJruss

Yea to be honest i havent had any problems with the tpc… i havent gone online yet but with my 30 fights or so ive had no issues

Craig

You must have no idea what you're doing then Pasta because I'm finding the TPC VERY responsive and precise so maybe it's you who's not precise and moving the stick the wrong way. This game captures the true speed of the sport like it should be, fast and sharp, not slow as molasses like R3 was. Is the game perfect? No, but damn close. R3 does not even compare to this.

alan

lol why comment if its gonna be a douche comment
http://intensedebate.com/people/TruJruss TruJruss

Yea to be honest i havent had any problems with the tpc… i havent gone online yet but with my 30 fights or so ive had no issues

x SilvaBullit x

This why I didn't buy it after playing the demo a 100 times! "'''I’m finding the stick to be inconsistent and too mechanical in nature. Rarely am I able to counter and in many cases I’m having to think about the type of punch and motion involved instead of going off reaction. Not to mention that frequently I’m making motions with the stick and no punch comes or the wrong one is thrown.''''''

Good Finds Pasta!!!!
x SilvaBullit x

This why I didn't buy it after playing the demo a 100 times! "'''I’m finding the stick to be inconsistent and too mechanical in nature. Rarely am I able to counter and in many cases I’m having to think about the type of punch and motion involved instead of going off reaction. Not to mention that frequently I’m making motions with the stick and no punch comes or the wrong one is thrown.''''''

Good Finds Pasta!!!!
Genes

agree completely. i already traded the game back in should never have bought it

heisman988

why cause you want button mashing? geez get used to the changes…..if you want a patch or something for it, you and everybody else should complain enough to get it…..
http://intensedebate.com/people/TruJruss TruJruss

button mashing baby

Johnny

Gotta agree with Hustlin, this is easily gonna win Sports Game of the Year. I was a button user myself but this new TPC is pretty good once you get it down. The AI is smart and extremely challenging on the higher levels and I find myself feeling like I've been in a real fight after I play this game. This game is a MUST buy for anyone that loves boxing and gaming! Don't listen to all the button cry babies, play the game yourselves and try it out. It's a great game.
Genes

agree completely. i already traded the game back in should never have bought it

heisman988

why cause you want button mashing? geez get used to the changes…..if you want a patch or something for it, you and everybody else should complain enough to get it…..
http://intensedebate.com/people/TruJruss TruJruss

button mashing baby

Johnny

Gotta agree with Hustlin, this is easily gonna win Sports Game of the Year. I was a button user myself but this new TPC is pretty good once you get it down. The AI is smart and extremely challenging on the higher levels and I find myself feeling like I've been in a real fight after I play this game. This game is a MUST buy for anyone that loves boxing and gaming! Don't listen to all the button cry babies, play the game yourselves and try it out. It's a great game.
ray

people online can throw a rediculous amount of punches and not get penalized for it. in a 5 rd fight my opponent threw like 885 punches. rediculous! and i lost
ray

people online can throw a rediculous amount of punches and not get penalized for it. in a 5 rd fight my opponent threw like 885 punches. rediculous! and i lost
http://intensedebate.com/people/HustlinOwl HustlinOwl

1. Don't waste your block trigger. Your block trigger can go down from just blocking up and down even if your opponent hasn't thrown punches.

2. Don't block until you've seen them punch. Another method of not wasting your block meter.

3. Time the block meter to do the block counter. I've actually become very very good at this. I can time the blocks much better with just a few games under my belt.

4. Counter and make them pay, but don't get too gusty. You should counter to their body to zap their stamina too. Also go for some hooks and uppercuts.

5. Be efficient while your enemy spams. I was playing Ali v Tyson on GOAT difficulty and I was doing the rope a dope very often. It's not difficult really. Time your blocks and don't block until you have to and be conscious of stamina. I actually countered Tyson easily and stunned him. We had an epic fight. In online most people spam punch and waste their punches. Be effective while he's inaccurate and he won't get as many points for the minigame. This will be costly for him.

6. You don't have to punch back much. If you time and pick your shots this can work. Be cautious of your stamina and block meter. He can't zap your stamina with a good block meter and if you time block and move/weave he will be in trouble.

7. Fight fire with fire. It always works to throw combos and be effective. Once you find yourself on the defense blocking his body blows you will notice that his stamina should be much lower than yours. Counter, block more, and then go into a body spamming frenzy. He won't know what hit him and he will deplete his stamina and you can kill him this way if you like.

8. Always be cautious and eyeful of your stamina.

9. Don't throw haymakers and waste stamina unless in complete desperate situations. The sig punch can be effective if you know how to use it and depending on who you're. Throwing haymakers is bad if you want to throw one throw the body hook because it goes the farthest.

10. IF you're a dancer master the clinch/push. Stick the jab and use the jump pivot on the left stick.

11. Learn to control the ring. Learn how to time things, punches, movements, and defense. Don't throw haymakers unless you think you can land them. A push and overhand haymaker can work against someone who is careless but be smart, generally it's not worth it.

12. Go for the kill when you daze your opponent.

13. Jabs and lead body hooks are your friend. Combinations are important too.

14. On the minigame stamina is always most important! This is important and stamina should be devoted 75% of the time. Always save your points and use them wisely.

A lot a font but a good way to beat spammers/body spammers. Really need to be careful with the block meter and learn to time the block punch. This can be effective. Counter some to the body as well for hooks/uppercuts to get them in a frenzy/daze. Don't waste unnecessary stamina. If your an Ali or Lewis get on your bicycle but you really don't need to but I recommend it. If your a Joe Frazier v Tyson then use defense, counter, and out-body them once they overexert themselves.

Hopefully this helps. I know it's a lot and a tad repetitive but trust me it works. I still believe that body work does a tad too much, however, I still think that the smart and more tactical fighter will win. And this is regardless of what type of fighter you pick. You have to very mindful of stamina especially if your a slow slugger and can't run away because of your low stamina.

Landon

Appreciate the detailed plan you laid out. But to me all that doesnt sound fun nor should it be necessary to plan on how to counter people who are exploiting the games problems.
jonathan

okay all of this still doesn't address the one aspect of the game thats broken FATIGUE. I don't no if people are so caught up in the bright lights they are refusing to see that fatigue is all wrong in the game. You should be punished for wasteful punches but it's not showing up in the game. I know i'm not the only one that's seeing this. You are actually being penalized in a sense for fighting smart to the guy thats just throwing as many punches as possible. in boxing you are supposed to be smart about picking your shots thats where the sweet science of it comes into play. Fix balance fatigue and we have a game close to being a 10.

http://intensedebate.com/people/HustlinOwl HustlinOwl

1. Don't waste your block trigger. Your block trigger can go down from just blocking up and down even if your opponent hasn't thrown punches.

2. Don't block until you've seen them punch. Another method of not wasting your block meter.

3. Time the block meter to do the block counter. I've actually become very very good at this. I can time the blocks much better with just a few games under my belt.

4. Counter and make them pay, but don't get too gusty. You should counter to their body to zap their stamina too. Also go for some hooks and uppercuts.

5. Be efficient while your enemy spams. I was playing Ali v Tyson on GOAT difficulty and I was doing the rope a dope very often. It's not difficult really. Time your blocks and don't block until you have to and be conscious of stamina. I actually countered Tyson easily and stunned him. We had an epic fight. In online most people spam punch and waste their punches. Be effective while he's inaccurate and he won't get as many points for the minigame. This will be costly for him.

6. You don't have to punch back much. If you time and pick your shots this can work. Be cautious of your stamina and block meter. He can't zap your stamina with a good block meter and if you time block and move/weave he will be in trouble.

7. Fight fire with fire. It always works to throw combos and be effective. Once you find yourself on the defense blocking his body blows you will notice that his stamina should be much lower than yours. Counter, block more, and then go into a body spamming frenzy. He won't know what hit him and he will deplete his stamina and you can kill him this way if you like.

8. Always be cautious and eyeful of your stamina.

9. Don't throw haymakers and waste stamina unless in complete desperate situations. The sig punch can be effective if you know how to use it and depending on who you're. Throwing haymakers is bad if you want to throw one throw the body hook because it goes the farthest.

10. IF you're a dancer master the clinch/push. Stick the jab and use the jump pivot on the left stick.

11. Learn to control the ring. Learn how to time things, punches, movements, and defense. Don't throw haymakers unless you think you can land them. A push and overhand haymaker can work against someone who is careless but be smart, generally it's not worth it.

12. Go for the kill when you daze your opponent.

13. Jabs and lead body hooks are your friend. Combinations are important too.

14. On the minigame stamina is always most important! This is important and stamina should be devoted 75% of the time. Always save your points and use them wisely.

A lot a font but a good way to beat spammers/body spammers. Really need to be careful with the block meter and learn to time the block punch. This can be effective. Counter some to the body as well for hooks/uppercuts to get them in a frenzy/daze. Don't waste unnecessary stamina. If your an Ali or Lewis get on your bicycle but you really don't need to but I recommend it. If your a Joe Frazier v Tyson then use defense, counter, and out-body them once they overexert themselves.

Hopefully this helps. I know it's a lot and a tad repetitive but trust me it works. I still believe that body work does a tad too much, however, I still think that the smart and more tactical fighter will win. And this is regardless of what type of fighter you pick. You have to very mindful of stamina especially if your a slow slugger and can't run away because of your low stamina.

Landon

Appreciate the detailed plan you laid out. But to me all that doesnt sound fun nor should it be necessary to plan on how to counter people who are exploiting the games problems.
jonathan

okay all of this still doesn't address the one aspect of the game thats broken FATIGUE. I don't no if people are so caught up in the bright lights they are refusing to see that fatigue is all wrong in the game. You should be punished for wasteful punches but it's not showing up in the game. I know i'm not the only one that's seeing this. You are actually being penalized in a sense for fighting smart to the guy thats just throwing as many punches as possible. in boxing you are supposed to be smart about picking your shots thats where the sweet science of it comes into play. Fix balance fatigue and we have a game close to being a 10.

Hawkeye4077

I've been waiting for reviews to come out before I go and throw $60 at another EA crap job as I've been doing like clockwork for the past few years. So far, the reviews I've read from the community have been overwhelmingly negative, can't say I'm surprised. I've played the demo and was impressed by the graphics, but I could easly see and feel the many holes in the gameplay. I didn't want to judge the game solely on the demo because that would be unfair, but reviews like the one above leads me to believe that it's another bells and whistles production courtesy of EA Sports.

I read somewhere that the counter punch is way too effective, to the point where you could be killing your opponent and one counter/lucky punch will send you lights out to the canvas. That makes no sense to me if that's true. In the demo, I did notice how I sometimes connected on clean ass knockout shots and nothing. I know that a lucky or well timed counter can turn a fight but that should be a rare occation and from what I've read about FNR4 it seems to be the rule and not the exception. True or untrue?

Josh

Counter punching is way too effective & they seriously need to tone it down. Hopefully someone at EA gets the memo & they patch it.

Hawkeye4077

I've been waiting for reviews to come out before I go and throw $60 at another EA crap job as I've been doing like clockwork for the past few years. So far, the reviews I've read from the community have been overwhelmingly negative, can't say I'm surprised. I've played the demo and was impressed by the graphics, but I could easly see and feel the many holes in the gameplay. I didn't want to judge the game solely on the demo because that would be unfair, but reviews like the one above leads me to believe that it's another bells and whistles production courtesy of EA Sports.

I read somewhere that the counter punch is way too effective, to the point where you could be killing your opponent and one counter/lucky punch will send you lights out to the canvas. That makes no sense to me if that's true. In the demo, I did notice how I sometimes connected on clean ass knockout shots and nothing. I know that a lucky or well timed counter can turn a fight but that should be a rare occation and from what I've read about FNR4 it seems to be the rule and not the exception. True or untrue?

Josh

Counter punching is way too effective & they seriously need to tone it down. Hopefully someone at EA gets the memo & they patch it.

sdot

it SEEMS 2 me PASTA is JUST BAD @ gms dat rely heavy on da analogs

ex: NBA 2K & now Fight Night
sdot

it SEEMS 2 me PASTA is JUST BAD @ gms dat rely heavy on da analogs

ex: NBA 2K & now Fight Night
sdot

it SEEMS 2 me PASTA is JUST BAD @ gms dat rely heavy on da analogs
sdot

it SEEMS 2 me PASTA is JUST BAD @ gms dat rely heavy on da analogs
EA Sports

Pasta is not much of a sim guy…HE is more of a " I hope I can just have fun being great at the game by just making the game easy" He is not a sim player he is a casual player that wants games to play for him and be easy for him…

If Fight Night 4 is to much for your enjoyment Pasta and other non sim ballers here then go buy Facebreaker…that seems like the game for you guys

Hawkeye4077

EA Sports huh, that doesn't seem biased at all…

EA Sports

Pasta is not much of a sim guy…HE is more of a " I hope I can just have fun being great at the game by just making the game easy" He is not a sim player he is a casual player that wants games to play for him and be easy for him…

If Fight Night 4 is to much for your enjoyment Pasta and other non sim ballers here then go buy Facebreaker…that seems like the game for you guys

Hawkeye4077

EA Sports huh, that doesn't seem biased at all…

adam

if you fix the sliders the game owns.

if you don't the game sucks.

also, the training games are awful.
adam

if you fix the sliders the game owns.

if you don't the game sucks.

also, the training games are awful.
http://www.jonathanglapion.com/ Jonathan

Yeah I have to agree with Padre. There is a problem with the game online when you can throw an unlimited amount of punches without being to fatigued, in this case whats the point of fatigue. It seems EA really has an issue with understanding how fatigue should affect a game, they got it wrong in NBA 09 live remember. I don't for the life of me understand how they keep messing this up. This promotes unrealistic fighting in the game [online]. I'm hoping EA can recognize this and fix it because it's really the only thing about the game for me thats killing it. I do think the buttons should be there as an option.
http://www.jonathanglapion.com Jonathan

Yeah I have to agree with Padre. There is a problem with the game online when you can throw an unlimited amount of punches without being to fatigued, in this case whats the point of fatigue. It seems EA really has an issue with understanding how fatigue should affect a game, they got it wrong in NBA 09 live remember. I don't for the life of me understand how they keep messing this up. This promotes unrealistic fighting in the game [online]. I'm hoping EA can recognize this and fix it because it's really the only thing about the game for me thats killing it. I do think the buttons should be there as an option.
william

i think people should stop looking for every little bad thing in every game that comes out…. no game that comes out will ever be perfect

Hawkeye4077

No game is perfect, but EA has become notorious for letting down their fans by producing good looking but bad playing games. A company like EA deserves to be held to a higher standard and people have the right to be critical.

william

yeah they do have good looking bad playing games i agree

william

i think people should stop looking for every little bad thing in every game that comes out…. no game that comes out will ever be perfect

Hawkeye4077

No game is perfect, but EA has become notorious for letting down their fans by producing good looking but bad playing games. A company like EA deserves to be held to a higher standard and people have the right to be critical.

william

yeah they do have good looking bad playing games i agree

john

the only ones are saying they love the new control system have apparently not been online yet

william

i love it and have been online…. WHAT!
Raider Nation

I agree. This game is flat out terrible online because of fatigue. I won my last fight but it wasn't fun at all. I through 687 punches in 10 rounds and my opponent though 1238!!!!! And he survived all 10 rounds. How is that even possible?

john

the only ones are saying they love the new control system have apparently not been online yet

william

i love it and have been online…. WHAT!
Raider Nation

I agree. This game is flat out terrible online because of fatigue. I won my last fight but it wasn't fun at all. I through 687 punches in 10 rounds and my opponent though 1238!!!!! And he survived all 10 rounds. How is that even possible?

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

I had a fight online that went I think 9 rounds. Anyway I was blocking and picking my spots hoping he'd wear out. Come the later rounds he had more stamina left than I did! Ridiculous.

william

no offense pasta but since i became a fan of your website i have seen you talk good about 2 games: Madden 10, UFC… stop hatin haha

jonathan

Ignorant statement, William. For $60 any creative team better expect some critics. I agree with Padre in the case of his experience online and I don't see how people can call the complaint nit picking. If guys like yourself had it your way games would never improve. You better believe it's the wholes in the game that we are talking about is what the EA team is listening to.
Bee Rockwell

By far, those two represent the two most fun sports games out now and in development. Besides, who honestly gives a fuck about boxing, anyway?

william

who gives a fuck about UFC that shit doesnt even make it on sportscenter

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

William you get bonus points for that one "that shit doesn't even make it on sportscenter" I'm a MMA fan but that was a funny comeback

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

I had a fight online that went I think 9 rounds. Anyway I was blocking and picking my spots hoping he'd wear out. Come the later rounds he had more stamina left than I did! Ridiculous.

william

no offense pasta but since i became a fan of your website i have seen you talk good about 2 games: Madden 10, UFC… stop hatin haha

jonathan

Ignorant statement, William. For $60 any creative team better expect some critics. I agree with Padre in the case of his experience online and I don't see how people can call the complaint nit picking. If guys like yourself had it your way games would never improve. You better believe it's the wholes in the game that we are talking about is what the EA team is listening to.
Bee Rockwell

By far, those two represent the two most fun sports games out now and in development. Besides, who honestly gives a fuck about boxing, anyway?

william

who gives a fuck about UFC that shit doesnt even make it on sportscenter

http://intensedebate.com/people/cabrillo24 cabrillo24

William you get bonus points for that one "that shit doesn't even make it on sportscenter" I'm a MMA fan but that was a funny comeback

Dcu

Fnr4 is a great game……
All the haters eat a DICK…
Lalalala heyheyhey gooooddd bye!

chato

shut your bitch ass up, hoe ass trick………….you pay 65 dollars to play as tyson………..your as stupid as your mom

Dcu

Fnr4 is a great game……
All the haters eat a DICK…
Lalalala heyheyhey gooooddd bye!

chato

shut your bitch ass up, hoe ass trick………….you pay 65 dollars to play as tyson………..your as stupid as your mom

Caezar

its simple punch him in the body and that will negate his punching ability. as for everything else, kindy seems bitchy and nitpicky but hey everyone has their own opinion. definitely recommend people try for themselves
Caezar

its simple punch him in the body and that will negate his punching ability. as for everything else, kindy seems bitchy and nitpicky but hey everyone has their own opinion. definitely recommend people try for themselves
Kmart2180

The game offline is simply Amazing! I dont even feel the need to go online to get a challenge. The CPU's AI is better than anyone you will face online. And I love how the Ai fights just like the way the person they are controlling should. Ali stays outside , Tyson rushes in close. Its a must buy if you are truely a boxing fan. IMO this game blows out UFC by miles, and its not even close (IMO)

Plus great thing is if there is any boxer out there that u feel got left out or should be in the game…..it can happen. Most of the big names are already created and ready to download like Mayweather jr, Joe Louis, Holyfield, ect…. and if they are not there you can get a picture of them and scan it on EAsportsworld.com and make a very close face off of it.

Simply put if you are on the fence jump off it as fast as possible and go get this game. *** (If u are a online only dont take my word for it , I have no idea how good/bad it plays)
Kmart2180

The game offline is simply Amazing! I dont even feel the need to go online to get a challenge. The CPU's AI is better than anyone you will face online. And I love how the Ai fights just like the way the person they are controlling should. Ali stays outside , Tyson rushes in close. Its a must buy if you are truely a boxing fan. IMO this game blows out UFC by miles, and its not even close (IMO)

Plus great thing is if there is any boxer out there that u feel got left out or should be in the game…..it can happen. Most of the big names are already created and ready to download like Mayweather jr, Joe Louis, Holyfield, ect…. and if they are not there you can get a picture of them and scan it on EAsportsworld.com and make a very close face off of it.

Simply put if you are on the fence jump off it as fast as possible and go get this game. *** (If u are a online only dont take my word for it , I have no idea how good/bad it plays)
weelzegy93

i have to say i really love this game. The graphics are amazing and no other game comes anywhere near it even UFC. The physics allow for some really smooth and realistic gameplay that no other game has ever shown before. Yes, alot of ppl just go stick smashing but if you try to actually take the time to try to block and counter effectively u can beat them. The demo didn't really show the "One clean punch away from victory" thing but the real game really does. One time when i was online it was only the second round and the other guy try to throw a jab to my body when i moved bak and then i threw a hook that hit him right on the temple and instantly knocked him out. The fatigue system is a little screwed up buy I don't even think about it when all of the other things come into play. This game is the SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
weelzegy93

i have to say i really love this game. The graphics are amazing and no other game comes anywhere near it even UFC. The physics allow for some really smooth and realistic gameplay that no other game has ever shown before. Yes, alot of ppl just go stick smashing but if you try to actually take the time to try to block and counter effectively u can beat them. The demo didn't really show the "One clean punch away from victory" thing but the real game really does. One time when i was online it was only the second round and the other guy try to throw a jab to my body when i moved bak and then i threw a hook that hit him right on the temple and instantly knocked him out. The fatigue system is a little screwed up buy I don't even think about it when all of the other things come into play. This game is the SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

Overall, I'm having fun with it but I am annoyed on how messed up the fatigue system works. Guys can go and flail around throwing a thousand punches and still not be as tired as the opponent who is blocking and being precise.

Again there are ways to counter it. Mostly it's guys throwing all body punches. If this happens I just keep on hooking one side of his face and open up a cut. Once the round ends I can just go back and focus on healing stamina.

Whenever you play against a legit opponent though, it's nothing less then great fun.
http://www.intensedebate.com/people/Sidewinder Sidewinder

Overall, I'm having fun with it but I am annoyed on how messed up the fatigue system works. Guys can go and flail around throwing a thousand punches and still not be as tired as the opponent who is blocking and being precise.

Again there are ways to counter it. Mostly it's guys throwing all body punches. If this happens I just keep on hooking one side of his face and open up a cut. Once the round ends I can just go back and focus on healing stamina.

Whenever you play against a legit opponent though, it's nothing less then great fun.
Josh

I have to admit that I was one who gave EA hell about removing the button punching but after spending 3 days with the game TPC isn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact I admit I find that I actually like TPC in FN4 though I never liked it in FN3. My biggest issues with the game are as follows:
1. The pause in action when counter punching needs to be reduced.
2. Stamina needs to be affected more when throwing too many punches.
3. There needs to be fainting punches. Why did they take this out?
4. Not enough hair styles in create a boxer.
5. There needs to be a 1st person view like in FN3.
Other than these issues I love the game. I think that you have to be a huge boxing fan to truely appreciate this game.
Josh

I have to admit that I was one who gave EA hell about removing the button punching but after spending 3 days with the game TPC isn't as bad as I thought it would be. In fact I admit I find that I actually like TPC in FN4 though I never liked it in FN3. My biggest issues with the game are as follows:
1. The pause in action when counter punching needs to be reduced.
2. Stamina needs to be affected more when throwing too many punches.
3. There needs to be fainting punches. Why did they take this out?
4. Not enough hair styles in create a boxer.
5. There needs to be a 1st person view like in FN3.
Other than these issues I love the game. I think that you have to be a huge boxing fan to truely appreciate this game.
Josh

Oh yea one more thing, they shouldn't limit the amout of points you get when creating a boxer. I created Floyd Mayweather Jr. & because the lack of points you get he is only rated an overall 86 which is the max you can have a created player rated. If I want to create a super boxer rated 100 in every catagory then I should be able to. EA's biggest mistake with this game is that they limit you with options. Hopefully a lot of these issues will be patched.
Josh

Oh yea one more thing, they shouldn't limit the amout of points you get when creating a boxer. I created Floyd Mayweather Jr. & because the lack of points you get he is only rated an overall 86 which is the max you can have a created player rated. If I want to create a super boxer rated 100 in every catagory then I should be able to. EA's biggest mistake with this game is that they limit you with options. Hopefully a lot of these issues will be patched.