After their success with the Knockout Kings series, EA Sports have tried something new with Fight Night 2004. Still maintaining the EA Sports style, Fight Night 2004 is a deeply technical game with amazing gameplay and graphics that are out of this world.
EA has completely overhauled the punch-control system. This feature allows you to use your right analogue stick to throw both left and right punches. Although the first few tries are awkward, you finally begin to feel more comfortable with the controls, performing numerous combos with precision.
Wisely, they left the traditional button pushing technique in as an alternative for all those button mashers that just cannot get into the swing of things.
What can be said about the gameplay, apart from that it is identical to real boxing. Players can choose from three types of punches; a jab, hook and an uppercut that can be used on upper as well as lower part of the opponent`s body.
Each of the punches does a certain amount of damage to your opponent, but it also takes away a certain amount of your stamina. This is a particularly interesting detail, which makes your character slower and less effective as you get to the later rounds in the match.
Another great feature is the power punch. Each of the characters in the game can perform two different types of power punches, which even though they take some time to perform are fatal for the opponent if successful.
However these punches also take away your stamina, and are not to be used as a common thing, but rather as a powerful tool when the time is right. Let us not forget the well known "below the belt" shots, or even the occasional head-but. These punches are to be used strategically, and only at a time when it is really necessary, to avoid unwanted point deductions.
Fight Night`s captivating career mode should be an example for other boxing games. Being given a choice between an existing fighter and a fully customisable one, you can pretty much do anything.
You start at the deep end, ranked 50th in the world, working your way up to becoming a champion. Another interesting feature is that instead of getting drawn in random fights, you get to choose between lower- or higher-ranked boxers and even different venues.
While on your way to a successful career, you are also introduced to intense training sessions between the fights. This enables you to boost your fighter`s stats, and not only that, but it also gives you the opportunity to improve your skills, as well as get use to the analogue controls.
Cuts and bruises are visible after a couple of rounds in the ring. Fight Night`s visual package is an extravagant display of detailed design. It seems that EA has again found a better way to project old and new fighters, with life-like details and unbelievable realism.
All in all, if you are into boxing, this should be the only game to pick up. Fight Night 2004 definitely sets a distinctive new standard for boxing games.
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