EA Sports attempted to answer the question "Who is the greatest boxer of all time" at a recent event in San Francisco, showcasing the latest build of its upcoming boxing game Fight Night Round 4. In one corner, the ferocious "Iron" Mike Tyson, wearing his half muscle shirt and a menacing look. In the other, Muhammad Ali jumped around, doing his little foot shuffle and enticing the crowd with his manic energy.
Both Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali resemble their real-life counterparts, right down to their individual builds, facial details and hairstyles (and the game looks better than its predecessor, Round 3). Each boxer's moves look like the real deal, with Tyson's sudden bursts of energy and Ali's swagger. Even the animation on the smaller things, like how boxer shorts sway back and forth, is ridiculously good.
A camera angle, positioned on the side, keeps both boxers in focus. The game also moves faster than the prequels at a blistering 60 frames per second. While out fight was limited to one venue, a traditional boxing ring in an MGM Grand-like setting – it looks very good.
In addition to Tyson and Ali, Fight Night Round 4 includes over 40 boxers divided across eight weight classes (Featherweight to Heavyweight) with a slew of familiar faces from the boxing world, including Oscar de la Hoya and Sugar Ray Leonard. You can also create your own boxer, fighting through the ranks and becoming the next boxing legend through the game's new Legacy Mode. Here, you'll practice drills, drum up popularity and face off against a number of rivals. Although EA didn't show this mode, it sounds like it's worth waiting for.
As far as gameplay goes, Fight Night Round 4 works similar to previous games in the series. You execute punches using the right analog stick, while also using the left analog stick and buttons on the pad for movement and defensive counters.
Like in real boxing, you have to time your punches. If you throw too many, your stamina suffers and you could leave yourself wide open for counter punches. You're able to keep watch over your boxer's stamina, so you can see what kind of power he has left. In between rounds, you rest your fighter and fix cuts to rebuild their energy.
Everything that worked so well for Round 3 is coming back for Round 4, and the new additions in Legacy Mode and visual touch-ups should make it even better. Not to mention the fact you'll be able to see which boxer really is the greatest, Tyson or Ali. We'll find out when the bell rings for Fight Night Round 4 this July.
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