Having never played any of the other versions of Fight Night, I was not sure what to expect. But like the most of us, having seen some of the amazing graphics this game puts out I said, “I must check this out!” My first impression of the game... jaw dropping! Especially during the knock out in the opening scene when it enters an almost "Matrix-like" state. Watching the sweat fly off the head of someone about to go down for the count was thrilling to say the least. Once the opening scene ended and I finally closed my mouth, I felt like a little kid on my birthday ready to play with my new toy.
In Fight Night: Round 3 you have a few different game options. The first being a “Play Now” mode which you pick your fighters and just have your normal slug fest. The next mode is “ESPN Classics” which is a great mode that takes all of the classic fights like Ali & Frazier, Gatti & Ward, Robinson & Lamotta and lets you recreate them as if you where there. Before each fight you also get to see a recreation of the original fight which I found entertaining to say the least.
"Career Mode," though, had the most potential. First you create your own fighter which you can mold and shape anyway you see fit. Things like body size, hair, eyes, tattoos, and almost anything else you can think of can be modified. After that, you set out as an amateur and you must fight your way up the ranks to turn pro and so on and so forth. One nice touch is that the game allows you to pick who you want to fight and train for your next opponent. During training you’re allowed to try to build up your power, speed, and stamina, all of which will help you as you move up the ranks. This mode was bad ass!
One aspect of this game which is sure to give some people problems is the controls. I know I had trouble until I was able to get the hang of it. The controls are like nothing I have used before. For example, you use the right analog stick to throw your punches. So as you push the stick up you throw a jab. If you move the stick in a quarter-circle motion towards any side you end up throwing a hook. I know it sounds tough but once you get the hang of it, you will never want to go back to just pressing buttons.
Last but not least the graphics... they're just outstanding! The fighters look great! Iin fact, you can see the sweat dripping down their faces during the fight, how amazing is that? Watching knock outs in slow motion just makes me giggle, there's almost nothing better.
Bottom line... the game is great from the minute you turn it on, but if you’re looking for a button smasher this is not the game for you. Remember this is a boxing game. You’re going to have to learn to box with style in order to win fights. Enough said!
