Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

[DaveDQ]

I'm having a really good experience with Fight Night 4. It has been a while since a sports game had me thinking during the day about when I can play later that night.

I'm wondering though if the game reflects what many claim a 2 year cycle would do for sports games. The implication is that with more time comes a more refined, feature rich game. I don't think I can say that's the case for Round 4. It's polished. For instance, the online stability and network performance is excellent. However, things like announcing the winner with more emotion and more than one cut scene are missing. In some cases, the game seems to go so far and then stops there, without adding another creative layer.

I love the game, and maybe the addition of the new physics system took the bulk of time (it truly is a great improvement), but I can't say that the 2 years off gave the game THAT much more.

[parker002]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

I'm having a really good experience with Fight Night 4. It has been a while since a sports game had me thinking during the day about when I can play later that night.

I'm wondering though if the game reflects what many claim a 2 year cycle would do for sports games. The implication is that with more time comes a more refined, feature rich game. I don't think I can say that's the case for Round 4. It's polished. For instance, the online stability and network performance is excellent. However, things like announcing the winner with more emotion and more than one cut scene are missing. In some cases, the game seems to go so far and then stops there, without adding another creative layer.

I love the game, and maybe the addition of the new physics system took the bulk of time (it truly is a great improvement), but I can't say that the 2 years off gave the game THAT much more.

I have to agree on almost every point. I love this game and can't wait every day until I get a chance to play some more.

But it definitely doesn't SHOW a 2-year cycle at all.

[BSanders]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

I think it does because between the career mode depth and the gameplay it makes FN2 and FN3 seem like they were made for the last gen. I know one thing I love it and I finally stop playing Holyfield.

[mr_president]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

not even close...it's fight night round 2 with a new coat of paint.

[teambayern]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

From my early impressions, it definitely looks like a 2-year development cycle.

The game handles completely differently as far as I can tell. It may not be a step forward in some peoples' minds, but there were certainly some big changes made. Compare it to the annual iteration we get in most sports games (see Madden) and it looks like a 3 year cycle. If it were 1-year, we probably would have been left with tweaked graphics and a gimmicky title for the countering system and that's it.

[Wesman]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

From my early impressions, it definitely looks like a 2-year development cycle.

The game handles completely differently as far as I can tell. It may not be a step forward in some peoples' minds, but there were certainly some big changes made. Compare it to the annual iteration we get in most sports games (see Madden) and it looks like a 3 year cycle. If it were 1-year, we probably would have been left with tweaked graphics and a gimmicky title for the countering system and that's it.

I agree. I think its the best thing they could have done - this is the boxing game I wanted. Yes, lots could be added - lots is left to be desired, but at its core, Its a game that is not inherantly broken or scripted like round 3 and I CAN & Will play it for years to come.

Hopefully people will stop playing though - so I have a chance at the online world title

[cjallure24]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

I am a huge boxing fan, and I believe I haven't even scratch the surface of this game. I still play All-Pro Football 2K8 to this very day because of the two things, Gameplay and Customization. And FN4 has both of those, as well as a deep Legacy Mode. Plus we get even more Fighters in the future and more equipment.This will never leave my shelves just like my All-Pro Football and of course the holy grail its self....NFL.2K5

Good sports games don't come around often gentleman,enjoy it. I know there are pieces missing, but there aren't any glaring holes like previous sports titles. Bbut sometimes we are hard on even the good games which make it impossible for us to enjoy. But definitely a 2 year title for me.

[game20ver]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

not even close...it's fight night round 2 with a new coat of paint.

You nailed it. I played the hell out of FN2 and I'll play the hell out of this one, as good as the game is it, with the improvements they've made over FN3, it's the best boxing game I've played but it still feels like something is missing. This was my most anticipated game for the last few years, but sadly it will collect dust once NHL 10 drops. Boxing is my #1 sport but this game just can't hold it's own when compared to other sports titles.

[TheCreep]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

I am a huge boxing fan, and I believe I haven't even scratch the surface of this game. I still play All-Pro Football 2K8 to this very day because of the two things, Gameplay and Customization. And FN4 has both of those, as well as a deep Legacy Mode. Plus we get even more Fighters in the future and more equipment.This will never leave my shelves just like my All-Pro Football and of course the holy grail its self....NFL.2K5

Good sports games don't come around often gentleman,enjoy it. I know there are pieces missing, but there aren't any glaring holes like previous sports titles. Bbut sometimes we are hard on even the good games which make it impossible for us to enjoy. But definitely a 2 year title for me.

Thats it in a nutshell.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Do You Think This Game Shows a 2 Year Cycle?

You nailed it. I played the hell out of FN2 and I'll play the hell out of this one, as good as the game is it, with the improvements they've made over FN3, it's the best boxing game I've played but it still feels like something is missing. This was my most anticipated game for the last few years, but sadly it will collect dust once NHL 10 drops. Boxing is my #1 sport but this game just can't hold it's own when compared to other sports titles.

I wouldn't say it can't hold its own against other titles. It's a very complete game, with much to do, and when you do it it works right. I just don't think this game says, "See what two years can do instead of an annual release?"