Fight NIght Champion

Developed by EA Canada (3/1)
Multiplatform

EA Sports boxing franchise has once again changed their name and while it's not as significant a jump from Knockout Kings to Fight Night, it is now treading some new water.  For starters, Champion is the first major sports title to be given a Mature rating (major as in simulation unlike NFL Blitz) and it definitely shows the difference.  Also, the controls have been streamlined making it much more simpler to throw punches out and string combos together.  Is the changes justified or should should this retooling have been hung up like EA's NBA Elite franchise?

The controls are much more simpler this year and the developers even mapped punches to the face buttons again.  While this is great for newcomers and fans of button mashers, most will elect to use the right stick.  However, veterans of Fight Night may initially be turned off due to what some have deemed "over-simplication" due to the fact that most strikes are flicks instead of quarter-circles or 3/4 circles now.  While it took me a few fights to get used to, I quickly learned the new system and saw how much easier it was to cue up combos.  Also, blocking is now done automatically without the need to aim it using the right stick.  This may seem like unnecessary but since players don't have to hold down block and aim the right stick, this leaves the stick open for striking out of blocks.  By allowing this change, it ensures quicker striking and smarter boxing (in my opinion.)  While technically similar, EA changed enough to cause veterans to be turned off, but I commend EA for making these changes.  I do have some issues with combos being thrown due to some oversensitive controls, but overall it didn't really ruin my experience with the game.

Along with a change in control is the more mature feel of the title.  Immediately once you've booted up the disc you're thrown into a bare knuckle brawl in a ring located at a penitentiary.  This new story is called "Champion Mode" and stars fictional Middleweight Prospect Andre Bishop.  The story follows his fall from grace and the dirty corrupt business between boxing promotors.  The dialogue is much more adult then one would initially expect from a sports title but overall fit the story and was enjoyable.  While the story itself was pretty cliche, I enjoyed it and liked the way EA Canada handled certain story elements.  Whether fighting through a broken hand, engaging in a bare-knuckle brawl, or being wary of a left hook, EA incorporated them well into the story and it switched things up from the typical tournament fare of past Fight Nights.  I must admit though that some of these challenges were downright ridiculous with one fight in particular practically having me run for half the fight!  Overall, it was enjoyable and I look forward to improvements in future installments.

Aside from the main story, the in-ring action definitely wears it's Mature rating on it's sleeve.  The real-time damage caused by the fighters may not be apparent initially but once you see the blood gushing and the realistic bruising you'll quickly agree that the Mature rating was warranted.  Often times I was impressed at certain angles I was able to score the knockdowns with that I told my girlfriend to look and she immediately thought it looked too gross and realistic.  You'd think that after three installments, the super slow-mo KOs would lose their touch, but I still enjoy watching the fighters hit the canvas after a perfectly timed uppercut.  I have to admit that I wasn't in love with FNR4 but have grown to really enjoy FNC. 

Pathetic

Controls may be too simple for veterans of FNR4
Isaac Frost is RIDICULOUSLY CHEAP
Some story mode fights aren't fun at all
Combos sometimes thrown unintentionally due to sensitive controls
Locked promotional fighters? (Classic Foreman)

Very Nice!

Champion Mode is a lot of fun
Control changes are warranted and intuitive
Damage is painfully realistic
Fighter movement is much less robotic then FNR4
Controls are incredibly responsive
Bare-Knuckle Brawls were incredibly satisfying

FINAL GRADE: B

Champion Mode was enjoyable and the action seemed more quicker and fluid.  The controls took some getting used to but definitely add to the experience.  EA took a risk earning a Mature rating but it definitely paid off.  If you loved Round 3 but hated Round 4 (which was pretty good) Champion may rekindle your love for boxing games.