Fight Night 2004 ( Playstation 2) Review

Fight Night 2004 - So damn right! ( PS 2 - Review ) by Raunak Rai

Introduction:Fight Night 2004 is a boxing game by EA sports . Well, calling it a "boxing game" would certainly be an understatement. It is a great boxing game and there's no doubt about that. But then again , it isn't perfect , but all in all it is "so damn right ".

Gameplay:This is where this game differs from the competition . No button mashing here . The game uses " Total Punch Control " - which means you use the right analog stick for all your punches . The different ways you move it in gives you the different punches and the direction in which you move it decides whether its a right hand punch or a left hand punch . Now this takes some time to master and it is quite tough . But there are tutorial videos that teach you. Also, if you find it way too hard , you can change the configuration to a simpler one in which you use your buttons to punch . This is much simpler but not so much fun.
Also , you have to think and play . Non stop punching will get you nowhere . It just tires you down and then you have no power left to throw punches. You have to block , and evade punches. Also counter punching is the most effective . Throwing in a variety of punches using both hands is the most effective. Also , you have to mix it up with both head punches and body punches just like the actual sport .

Features:The "Play Now" section is where you select two boxers and get in the ring.
The "Career Mode" is definitely the best part of fight night 2004 . You start off using one of your created boxers .Your boxer is not only poor but also not all that good. You now have to schedule fights , and go to the training camp to train your boxer . This feature is very realistic . You train your boxer on the heavy bag , combo dummy , sparring and the target mitts . Each different training exercise helps you to improve a specific statistic like power and speed on the heavy bag ,etc. When you train your boxer , you can definitely feel the improvement . But , if you don't train your boxer , you cant defeat the better opponents and your ranking won't improve . When you win matches , your ranking improves and when you lose matches , your ranking gets worse. You have to slowly work your way up to the top and eventually become the champion. Once a champion , you have to continue defending it . Also, other than the championship belt , there are also many other titles to be won .
The "Fight Store" is where you buy all your gear for your boxer . These include trunks ,gloves ,shoes and protective gear . Also you can buy your entrance music,entourage and the different entrance effects. The entrance effects are ultra cool . They include pyro works , doves,etc. It really makes your boxers entrance look great . You can also buy tattoos,taunts and special signature punches. The biggest downside to the fight store is that you have to unlock almost everything before you buy it. Also , there is no specific method to unlock an item . Even after finishing the entire career mode , a lot of items are still locked . This is a little irritating.
There is a whole army of boxers to choose from . From Evander Holyfield to Joe Frazier . Its all there . If you don't find somebody , no sweat . Just create them with the create a boxer feature . There are also 6 different weight categories - from heavyweight to featherweight . The arenas are also very well made . And each is distinct from the other and the atmosphere in each arena is also very different . Also you have to unlock many arenas.
You can play online against gamers around the world.

Story:This is a pure boxing game and so there is no story line. However, in career mode you start off as a boxer with not much of cash and low on your stats. But you eventually work your way up, earning money and improving your boxer until eventually you become a champion.
Graphics:In one word - beautiful. The graphics are really amazing. Everything looks great. The boxers look exactly like they are in real lie. Also , in the create a boxer mode you can create a boxer with a lot o options. So , if you have something in mind , you will most probably be able to create him. Also everything happens nice and smoothly. You can actually see the sweat and blood. If a guy has got a bleed and you punch him - the blood flies off.
Also , you can progressively see a boxers ace change rom perfect to swollen to bloody. Also the sweat flowing down as the rounds go on is superb . The replays after each round and knockdowns are also superb - makes you satisfied - unless you've been knocked out.
The cut scenes are basically the entrances, between rounds and at the end of the match . These have all been done very nicely.

Sound:The sound effects are awesome . Each and every sound in the game is like the action is right in front of you. It really gets you feeling that you're a part of the game. Each and every punch sounds real. Just makes you feel that you were really there . Also the grunts and groans when the boxers get punched are also really good. The ring bell sound is also very good showing the attention to detail.
The crowd is good too . Throw in a good punch and they go crazy . Do nothing and they just sit bored . Also , when a boxer is about to get knocked out i.e. when his life meter is almost about to come to an end , you can,t hear the crowd . There is almost total silence and a heartbeat like sound . This is another nice feature.
The voices in the game are also very good. Everything from the ring entrance introductions to the actual in game commentary is really good. Also the coaches voice overs are great and the advice between rounds is not only useful but it also gets you fired up or the next round.Fight Night 2004 has some great music. From Puff Daddy to JR Ewing the music is amazing. It really helps to get into the mood of the game .

Replayability :You can play this game a couple of times but then it gets boring . This is where the 2 player mode is really useful . Grab a couple of your friends and you are never going to get bored with it . For this reason the replayability is good.
Final Recommendation :Fight Night - So damn right ! All in all its a great game. A definite must have . If you are a boxing fan then this is the game for you . Even otherwise it is really good. The attention to detail is amazing . Everything from the menus , entrances , individual boxers , music,etc. is nicely done . A classic without a doubt .

Score: 9/10

This review can be found on gamefaqs.com : http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/review/R105973.html