So after about 10 fights here are my thoughts (I played Fight Night Champion prior to playing so it would be fresh and so I’m not being nostalgic):
The good: The graphics are pretty good. Fighter models look like their counterparts, the lighting is good, the frame rate is a smooth 60fps. If you’re familiar with the FN series, the controls are pretty similar. Only main difference is the body punch modifier is on the left bumper and not tied to the left trigger where the weave is. Footwork is a lot better than Fight Night. It’s a fun game overall.
The bad: Some of the punches are still weird. The commentary is pretty generic and bad. Despite not being as arcadey ad FN, still not as simulation as it was marketed. Impossible to make a Floyd Mayweather, not simply because of the facial hair options and nickname, but there’s a cap on how good you can be, even on offline play. The menus are pretty amateur. For example, when changing cameras, every venue is listed, so unless you remember the name of the venue you picked, you’ll he hard pressed to change the camera to your liking. Presentation is mediocre. I get most people skip that stuff, but I want the fights to mimic what it looks like on television without the “Undisputed” wipes.
My wishes:
- Ref in ring that actually matters. Maybe even more than one ref. As it stands, Kenny Bayless is pointless
- Clinching. I know why they said they removed it and I think it was mentioned they wanted to get it right before bringing it back. Can’t have boxing without clinching
- More camera angles. Definitely need something with more of a broadcast feel. Maybe an overhead camera angle or a fixed camera option as well
- Customizable HUD. When I first played, I put it on simulation as opposed to casual. I didn’t realize simulation simply meant no HUD. Unfortunately, that means no clock and no scorecard updates after every 3 rounds. Also, you can’t change this through the pause menu.
- Improve some gameplay elements to make it more simulation. Not just the punching, but let’s say someone throws a wild punch. I want to be able to punch them and cause a knockdown (without them being hurt). I want to be able to punch someone after the bell and be penalized for it.
- Not so much a wish, but what happened to the filters? I remember seeing old builds of fighters in black and white.
I know they’re a small indie company and the budget is why some things are missing (which is why I didn’t mention music and lack of robes), but if this game is successful, and they continue to make improvements like they have been doing, I’m hopeful about how it’ll look a year from now.