Fight Night Round 3

"Float Like a Butterfly..... Well you know the rest"

Here it comes again......

The third game in the Fight Night series finds its way to the next gen console. Being a huge fan of the first two game I was anticipating this game more then any game on the 360. Was I disappointed, no. Was I blown away, not in the way I was expecting. This game is just what I thought it would be, no more no less.

Controls:
The Total Punch Control is back and better then ever. Fans of the first two game will feel right at home and the others will pick it up quickly. The stick is as quick as ever and it feels like you are in control. One new button exists and it is the new switching style button. By hitting the left bumper (default controls) you can now switch from regular (right handed) to southpaw (left handed). Though its there I'll be honest, I never really had to use it. Another new move would be the Impact Punches by pulling your hay makers back even further you can turn the fight around in one punch, or you can finish off a fight in on punch. It works well against the computer but bad for experienced players on line. All around great controls though.
Score: 9

Game play:
Though not exactly like real boxing, I believe this is as close as you can get. The tempo of most fights is great. You can really control the tempo and the way the fight shapes up. Only complaint would have to be the games difficulty, once you learn the basics of the game, you can take the computer to town. Though it is a little disappointing that the offline mode gets so easy, you can take it on line now! On line though is tough, real tough, you never really have a stroll in the park unless you are fighting first time fighters (which you will be when you start on line). Still though it is a blast on line.
Score:9

Modes:
The modes of Fight Night Round 3 are about the same as other Fight Night games. There is quick fight, career mode and training mode. Also joining in the boxing frenzy is the new ESPN Classic mode. You can replay great fights like Ali and Frazier but now you can change the endings. Fun mode but basically quick fight with a harder AI. Career mode seems stripped down some but it doesn't subtract from the value of the game. A new feature is the rivalry feature. Basically there will be opponents you will face many times in your belt run. They are your rivals, and when it is a belt fight/important fight you do a weigh in mini game. It just feels tacked on though because no matter what the rival fights end up being a squash fight for a seasoned boxer. Also returning is the Create a Boxer mode, with all new features and sliders everywhere. So many sliders that it kinda discourages you but oh well.
Score:8

Visuals:
Though this is everyones high point in the game, in my eyes it is just average. Don't get me wrong the visuals are great but not in the way people have been harping about them. It is basically once you have seen a knockdown you zone out the graphics. They are superb but not as "visually stunning" as people are saying. Still, you have sweat flying off boxers, gruntting and panting when tired, and cuts and bruising (bruising which isn't that noticeable this year around) when you get hit. Even the cuts though are lack luster, they never really "develop" they are just there. Still good graphics though.
Score:8

Rent or Buy: If you are a boxing fan you already have this game but if you are a casual gamer I suggest you seriously check this game out. It is the type of game that draws you in once you start playing it. Who knows you might become a boxing fan after playing this game.

Final Score:
8.5 but we'll round up for some of its re playability so 9

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/14/06