Review: Fight Night Champions

Step into the ring for this 2011 entry in the knockout king boxing franchise. Fight Night Champion sets out to define a new standard in sports videogames by delivering the most dynamic simulation fighting experience to date.

Release Date: TBA 2011
Also on: Xbox 360
M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Genre: Sports 
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA Canada

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Gameplay:
Fight Night Champion introduces an all-new control scheme to the series, called Full-Spectrum Punch Control[3]. This method works using flicks of the right stick to throw punches, eliminating the need of gestures and more complicated movement used in the Total-Punch Control. In addition, buttons can also be used to throw punches.
Along with the new punching system, several modifications have been made to the button modifiers. The "Haymaker modifier" has been replaced with a "power modifier", which is held simultaneously while punching to throw heavy punches. The blocking and dodging system has also been modified; there are now single buttons dedicated to blocking and dodging.

The general gameplay interface has also been improved, mainly to convey the brutality of the sport with more accuracy. When players are stunned, the camera's angle changes slightly and a faint whistling noise can be heard. Knockout replays are now much more detailed, with a close-up view of the knockout punch available in many different angles.

A refined physics animation system is in place. This includes flexing muscles, dynamic bruising and scarring, as well as rippling body effects.

The main new feature in Fight Night Champion is its new Champion Mode, a full story mode which follows the rise, fall and second rise of convicted boxer Andre Bishop who is constantly troubled by a crooked fight promoter and an arrogant heavyweight champion.

Final Thoughts:
Fight Night Champion gets the boxing right and adds a flawed but enjoyable story mode. But Legacy mode here is just downright bad. The mini-games are too tough and get boring fast. The entire concept just seems off. What should greatly extend Fight Night Champion's playtime, made me like the game a lot less. Avoid the career mode, enjoy the story mode, and spend a few hours creating some dream boxing matches.

Rating: 4.0 = Good
Recommendation: Its a must Buy