Fight Night 2004 (Xbox)

You can choose from many characters such as the famous Roy Jones and Muhammad Ali. But as a downside they are missing some big names like Henry Cooper and Mike Tyson. With stuff to keep you going such as create 'a' boxer, career mode and EA sports bio. Its going to keep you going for a while, its a tough pig of a game.

I hope this review hs been helpful to you.


Top Game   October 1, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Despite the previously mentioned, dodgy comentating and soundtrack this game was peachy. I played it from rank 50 to 1 in 4-5 hours. I realise it doesnt offer much in the way of long term gaming but neither did Prince of Persia and what a great game that was. If you feel like youve achived something in a game, for me thats all that matters. Anyone who has finished the discworld series will know what i mean.

The only real challange for me personally was Mohammed Ali that went to 10 rounds before i managed to knock him out all the rest were 1st 2nd or 3rd round knockouts.

Maybe it was me but i had a few problems getting my lazers and fire balls to go off on my entrance but no doubt this was my unwillingness to sit and wait to watch them but hey.

Definately worth a play, pick it up 2nd hand for 16.99 or so.


Very good but could do better!   June 16, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Again like all the other boixng games by EA, it does leave you feeling satisfied but also feeling it could do more. The control system is the new total punch control, which at first does what is says, making you want to punch the guy who invented it! After a few butt whippings and a few tantrums, and possibly a broken controller or two it does become a very interesting and enjoyable way of fighting. Now having siad this it is still possible to use the old style button bashing techinque if that suits your fighting style, but you would be missing out not trying this first.

I do agree with some of the other comments I have read on the Hip Hop style of the game with the presenter and backgrond music. Now although this is ok it does become very repetitive as there are only a few limited tracks. The ability to incorparate custom soundtracks would really help game play, it would also sound better for my mates boxer a certain Mr R Balboa. The ability to create your own boxer not just through the career mode but also by creating one just for fighting in exibition matches is a good feature, which somewhat goes towards the lack of authentic boxers available to fight. I have added a few of the greats to my available boxers, i.e. Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, George Forman, Henry Copper, Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa, Ivan Drago etc. Should I be worried the charater the missues created was a 6"+ ginger guy wih an affro, and a seriously dodgy nose?!?

All in all a good game, even though it is limited in some areas! If you like boxing I think you will enjoy this.


Flawed Gem   May 21, 2004
 0 out of 2 found this review helpful

That EA sports have come up with a good little game here is beyond doubt. The control system feels innovative and lends the game a feeling of skill and consideration lacking from many fighting games. Just plough in and the ability to block, swerve and counter means that you just get pummelled.
The use of Roy Jones Jr gives the game an edge of authority that is lacking from many EA games. Being able to pitch old masters against each other is also interesting.
Dodging a blow rocking in and countering big both looks and feels great.

Career mode wise the training mini games are a good way of advancing your fighters stats whilst.

In the career mode is where the niggling little problems that afflict most EA sports games kick in though. Opposition fighters are very samey in both looks and approach meaning that the only variation in fight comes from whether they have good stats, providing a challenge, or are weak, making them easy knockout fodder. (an EA game with dodgy opponent AI? never! I hear you say sarcastically)

Further taking away from the authenticity of the game are:
1) The careless ranking system - I was overtaken by a guy who'd lost his last 5 boughts, a situation made more ludicrous by the fact I'd sparked him in the first round of his his last fight and 4 times in my career.
2) Dubious judging - 1 of the judges will only score rounds for you if you really, really dominate, if you haven't dropped your opponent you probably lose the round. This leads to a few inexplicable losses on your career. Floor Gatti or lose? hiding to nothing.
3)No Ref in the ring - minor point I know but lets do it properly eh?
4)The Hip Hop styling - Who on earth is the announcer? Why not get some boxing commentators in and do a proper job? Or failing that some vintage 30s - 40s or 60s - 70s Golden age style commentary? The soundtracks awful and being able to add your own entry music would have been a great idea.
5) There isn't enough to spend your money on. A flaw correctd between tiger woods 2003 and 2004 but a lesson it would appear not to have been fully learned.

What your left with is the best boxing game i've played, It's entertaining, a quite good spectator game, and well worth a go. But! whilst the controls hint at a honest simulation lots of bits and pieces in the presentation make it feel like it's trying and failing to be cool. I hope 2005 is an improvement but having traded in FIFA 2004 to get this I'm not holding my breath.