Physics Trailer is Out

EA Sports has released by way of Gamespot a short video highlighting the physics in their new game engine for Fight Night Round 4.  Here it is for your viewing pleasure:

As you can see it displays glancing blows, punches through blocks and, most impressively, inside fighting.  It seems this video has begun to dispel the air of doubt in fans minds concerning the game and it’s gameplay.

Fight Night Nation Podcast Live Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Satuday March 4, we will air the second episode of Fight Night Nation podcast live at 10:30 AM EST.  We will be talking live about the hottest topics on the forums and discuss our take on certain features in the game, mainly Create a Boxer.  Join us live by going to this link:

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/45321

In there you join the show, call by way of Gizmo, Skype or regular phone and enter the Show ID 45321#.  If you have a registered Talkshoe account you can enter your PIN number so we know who you are.  If not, you can just enter with a “guest” user account.  There will be a section dedicated to fan calls, so stick around.

Cotto in Fight Night Round 4?

This comes by way of a user on the Official EA Sports Fight Night forums.  Warp1432 found an uncanny resemblance between a Miguel Cotto picture and the silhouette on a promotional empty box for Fight Night Round 4:

Here is the link for the forum post: 

http://tinyurl.com/d7wm9e

What do you think?  Is Cotto in the game?

Fight Night Round 4 Out June 30th

EA Sports has finally confirmed June 30th as the release date for the next installment in the Fight Night series, Fight Night Round 4.  After much debate and speculation concerning the release date, EA has made proof that their Summer 2009 release period was correct and give something concrete for fans to look forward to.  We hope to see you online on June 30th!

This came by way of the new EA Sports Fight Night site:

http://fightnight.easports.com

Fight Night Nation Podcast-Episode 1

At last our long awaited podcast is out.  PRGUY85, Rooster and Zfarls give out discussions on Buttons vs TPC and the recently announced Heavyweight Roster.  Bear in mind this first episode has it’s share of recording errors that WILL be fixed for Episode 2.  That being said, enjoy!

Heavyweight Roster Revealed

EA Sports is finally giving the fans a sneak peek at what the Heavyweight roster will bring about in Fight Night Round 4.  Here is a short trailer video created by Rooster with pictures of the boxers already disclosed:

Fight Night Round 4 Video Analysis

I already posted the IGN Video up and talked about their First Look article.  However I am going to post now my thoughts on the video.  It is deeper than what it seems at first sight.  Here is the video if you missed it:

0:11- That definitely looks like the Boardwalk venue.  Great atmosphere.

0:13- Ringwalks are in, as reported before.  Tyson comes in with his famous towel and there are 3 detailed game models behind him as his entourage.  Game models look extremely detailed, including his crew.

0:14- Robes are in, as reported before.  Two more crew models behind Ali.  So that’s already 5 different corner men on the game.  They are all extremely detailed too.  Fireworks are in for rinwalks as seen behind Ali.

0:17- Must note that this is all ACTUAL GAMEPLAY FOOTAGE.  Now more upclose with boxer models.  Extremely detailed and realistic lighting contrary to Round 3’s more stylized lighting system.  Can definitely notice what they have been saying about each muscle being detailed into the models.

0:21- Notice how Tyson ducks and gets close to Ali’s gloves when walking toward him.  That is the Inside Fighting right there and presumably the way boxers will fight when in close proximities.

0:22- Notice how Tyson’s straight misses Ali and goes right to his back.  This is what EA Sports was talking about with punches can land and go everywhere.

0:23- Facial animations are considerably better, specially cheek bones muscles and mouth reactions to punches landed.

0:27- Notice the press taking pictures right up close on the ring.

0:28- The Ali Shuffle is in.  Notice the corner men on the right corner.  This adds to the real-life boxing vibe fans yearn for this year.

0:30- Body punches and punches over all seem to really connect the other model.  Also, notice how Tyson walked in to Ali.  It really does feel like Tyson’s style was properly recreated for the game.

0:32- Devastating uppercut.  Again another punch that looks more like real life boxing matches.  Boxer face reactions help in delivering the sense of strength that single punch had.

0:33- Loving Ali’s bounce on his feet.  Again, at least with Ali and Tyson, style seem to be spot on.

0:34- Notice how Tyson evades Ali’s right hook while moving and ducking at the same time.  I do not remember being able to do that on Round 3.  Now, it’s not the parry that opens the opportunity for big punches but your actual upper body movement.  Also, it looks (like everything so far) a lot more realistic than the previous game.

0:39- Notice how Ali can abuse of his reach and how Tyson’s punches cannot reach him.  I guess this was somewhat shown on Round 3 but it is good to see they are actually developing it even more as it plays a big part in boxing strategy.

0:42- Was that a punch off a “parry” or block?  If it was, this mechanic already looks a lot better when compared to Round 3.  IGN already confirmed parry sytem as we know it is not in the game.

0:52- Do not know if that was a haymaker or just a well timed shot.  Judging by coverage by IGN and ESPN, now well timed shots are the ones that will have an effect on boxers not necessarily haymakers.  Ali counterpunched off a missed hook by Tyson and made him pay.  First time we have seen one of the boxers getting staggered.

0:54- Again notice face animation and cheek bone animation on Tyson’s face after getting punched by a devastating uppercut by Ali.

So that’s that.  Hope to hear your own comments on the video.  Stay tuned for more info.