Fight Night Champion News Post

Fight Night Champion: Build a Champion or Create Your Legacy with New Trailer

10:32 PM - December 21, 2010 by Steve_OS

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IGN has just posted some new details on Fight Night Champion, focusing on Build a Champion and Create Your Legacy modes.

Quote:


	"Hayes promises Legacy Mode is greatly improved. "Legacy Mode is the only place you can go to create a boxer and fight your way through the division rankings, trying to become a champion, a Hall-of-Famer or potentially the Greatest Of All Time," he told IGN. You'll notice the difference the moment you step into the ring as an amateur. There's now authentic amateur gear and scoring, which should help that first year of development fell less like the beginning of a Karate Kid movie and more like the real deal. Unlike Legacy Mode, which has you create your own fighter from scratch and guide his career and development, Champion Mode is a scripted story. Following the career of up-and-comer Andre Bishop, Champion Mode offers something totally new for the Fight Night franchise � a character with a personality, a background, a family, and believable emotions. Hayes described the story for IGN: "Andre is an outstanding boxing talent. He and his younger brother Raymond are trained by Gus Carisi. Gus used to train their father, who was also a promising boxer at one time. Andre has tremendous potential and DL McQueen, a promoter, is bent on controlling his career. Andre and Gus aren't interested in working with McQueen and the story centers around the struggles Andre faces trying to reach his potential with a variety of obstacles thrown in his way."

Game: Fight Night ChampionReader Score: 6/10 - Vote Now
Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360Votes for game: 17 - View All

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Member Comments

# 21 fistofrage @ 12/22/10 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia


	You can have that outlook on the game. But honestly I can't wait for it. I thought it was fun as all hell. So it might not meet your expectations, I think the changes they made to the gameplay are excellent. Don't take this the wrong way because it is not directed at you fist. Just in general. I think everyone needs to judge the game based on their own wants, requirements, and likes. I think it is silly judging a game based off your "feeling". Many people judged APF and never tried it because it did not have NFL teams. But the guys who did try it realized it was one of the best "gameplay" football games in a while. Basically I am saying, while it might not have everything you would like. Judge the gameplay when it comes to see if you like the game. Don't write it off before playing it.

I'm getting it, there is no doubt about that. I am just not waiting with baited breath. When I get it, I get it. I am a career mode guy and am disappointed they used potential resources elsewhere. I am sure the story mode guys are jumping up and down. To each their own.

# 22 TDKing @ 12/22/10 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fistofrage


	There was really no need for this mode. It just points to the fact that Career mode is much less than it could been. Also the story has real actors(some we've allegedly heard of) and a Hollywood writer. That probably cost the same as get 30 to 50 more up and comer real boxers. We had Prizefighter. A story mode boxing game already, what we have never had is a boxing game with a robust ranking system and multiple user career modes. In my opinion this is they worst direction the game could have gone. So the wait is a little shorter for me. I'll pick it up next fall after the summer as I try to be outside as much as possible in the summer. It will be more of a purchase for Fight Now when people come over on Boxing nights as I am sure the career mode will be same as its always been. Have fun fighting the guy who gives you blurry vision or the cheap shot artist.

My feelings exactly

I won't rip the mode but there are other things I would have rather had in.

# 23 fistofrage @ 12/22/10 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesus


	prove it, or leave it alone.

Prove I'm wrong....

# 24 fistofrage @ 12/22/10 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesus


	ok, tell me how much the budget was, how much each fighter asked for and how much the mode cost to produce exactly. if not, then theres your proof...

Needless to say, there was money and resources spent on the story mode. You could get alot of young boxers and journeymen to sign for a nominal fee for a 1 year contract. They may not be the best boxers but they would be real. That way you could expand the career ranks.

I am against the story mode if it takes any resources away from a real career mode, but thats just me. I am sure some people will love the story mode. I thought Prizefighter was a decent concept, but I have no desire to play through another story mode boxing game.

# 25 dnr720 @ 12/22/10 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia


	Yes it is two stand alone modes. We asked and knew the community would have issues with not allowing CAF or your own boxer into the story. EA already thought of this and was stuck having to make a decision. If they wanted to have a true "movie" like story they would have to have all the characters in that story to be EA made characters. Because it would be extremely out of place if the whole story was set in "the hood", you have a black momma, black brother, and then you have some user created white as paper nerd looking boxer. It would throw the whole immersion out the window. So instead EA made the tough decision to bring in real actors (You guys will know some of them). Also had a Hollywood writer, write the story. So to keep it all together they just created all the characters. Guys I am not joking, the parts we got to play were soooo damn cool. I was so pumped to see this included in the game. We have never had the pleasure of having a "GTA IV" style story in a sports game. I wanted to play the entire story while I was there. The best part is, it does not take away from the game in any way. It is just a extra addition. Another words everyone will still play their legacy and online, but they can also play through this single player story mode. They wanted to try something completely new. All I know is it had me very excited!!!

Phobia

Not sure if you played enough to really tell but did results of your fights alter the story in any way. Example if you lose does the story go off in another path or do you have to keep playing until you win. Just throwing this out there

# 26 Phobia @ 12/23/10 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fistofrage


	I'm getting it, there is no doubt about that. I am just not waiting with baited breath. When I get it, I get it. I am a career mode guy and am disappointed they used potential resources elsewhere. I am sure the story mode guys are jumping up and down. To each their own.

Yea I feel you man. We all have our own expectations of our "sports". I enjoy the fight game from Boxing to MMA. I also want a realistic experience, but I also want to enjoy my self while taking part in that. I think many will see the areas that are lacking in terms of realism. But all sport games on the market, even down to NBA2k11 and The Show franchise all have issues. Looking past the things they could not get done and focusing on the improvements they did make will improve your outlook on the game.

I am just as guilty of it as the other person. I judge a game as if I could do better in the short period of time the last one came out. But the thing that wakes you up when you go to one of these "community" events is that the developers have more heart into their work than most of us.

I know for a fact the love into the game is there by the devs. I think all our inner "developers" come out and believe we could get done everything we imagine. But until you are in that seat making the calls on getting those things done. It is easy to sit back and judge.

This is just my impression after meeting the guys.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dnr720


	Phobia Not sure if you played enough to really tell but did results of your fights alter the story in any way. Example if you lose does the story go off in another path or do you have to keep playing until you win. Just throwing this out there

We did not get to play very deep into it.

# 27 fistofrage @ 12/23/10 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia


	Yea I feel you man. We all have our own expectations of our "sports". I enjoy the fight game from Boxing to MMA. I also want a realistic experience, but I also want to enjoy my self while taking part in that. I think many will see the areas that are lacking in terms of realism. But all sport games on the market, even down to NBA2k11 and The Show franchise all have issues. Looking past the things they could not get done and focusing on the improvements they did make will improve your outlook on the game. I am just as guilty of it as the other person. I judge a game as if I could do better in the short period of time the last one came out. But the thing that wakes you up when you go to one of these "community" events is that the developers have more heart into their work than most of us. I know for a fact the love into the game is there by the devs. I think all our inner "developers" come out and believe we could get done everything we imagine. But until you are in that seat making the calls on getting those things done. It is easy to sit back and judge. This is just my impression after meeting the guys. We did not get to play very deep into it.

Well for years some of us, actually a large majority of the hardcore boxing fans have just been asking for a career mode like Victorious Boxers. That had hundreds of boxers per weight class and you could actually watch video of your upcoming opponents. On top of this, you could run into a Buzz Saw at any point in your career like a 3-0-0 18 year old Tyson that didn't have many fights under his belt but could tear through you nonetheless.

Thats what I wanted and it could be easily implemented, it was done on the PS2 years ago.

I am not doubting that they will do alot of things right in this game, but I alos know that they did not implement what I wanted most and resources were used developing something I personally have little to no interest in. Probably a good business move though as they know the hard core boxing fans will buy the game and they want to appeal to the RPG crowd with the story.

Like I said, personal preference, but just saying my piece in hopes in 2 years, I'll get the career mode that I want. I don't think I'm alone in those regards.

# 28 Phobia @ 12/23/10 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fistofrage


	Well for years some of us, actually a large majority of the hardcore boxing fans have just been asking for a career mode like Victorious Boxers. That had hundreds of boxers per weight class and you could actually watch video of your upcoming opponents. On top of this, you could run into a Buzz Saw at any point in your career like a 3-0-0 18 year old Tyson that didn't have many fights under his belt but could tear through you nonetheless. Thats what I wanted and it could be easily implemented, it was done on the PS2 years ago. I am not doubting that they will do alot of things right in this game, but I alos know that they did not implement what I wanted most and resources were used developing something I personally have little to no interest in. Probably a good business move though as they know the hard core boxing fans will buy the game and they want to appeal to the RPG crowd with the story. Like I said, personal preference, but just saying my piece in hopes in 2 years, I'll get the career mode that I want. I don't think I'm alone in those regards.

I completely agree with you. That is where the "personal opinion" part of development comes in. You could most likely stick 10 different people in the role of developing the game and you would get 10 different directions they would want to take the game.

If you think back 2 years they focused mainly on improving the graphics of the franchise. The game won many awards for featuring some of the most realistic character models and lighting.

Then last year they focused on improving the striking engine.

This year they focused on improving the gameplay. Similar to how NCAA 11 took a year to work mainly on gameplay. Once the gameplay is locked down, think of the improvements they could put towards a "career" mode.

They are stuck going in this route because it does not matter if they have the most robust career mode. If the gameplay sucks then no one would play it.

So they focused on improving the actual part of the game you play. Once they get that part of the game where it needs to be then you can see them focusing on presentation, career mode, sound effects, etc.

I think time is the biggest issue. They could spend 4 or 5 years working on a boxing title that features everything they can dream up. Working years to get it perfect. But the issue is by the time they could get ready for release, hardware could change and they lose millions of developing resources and time. Having to start all over for a different engine to keep up with the tech.

It is a cycle where they have a limited amount of time and way more things they want to get done in that time. Then things are forced to be cut out of production due to other things taking more priority.

We all have different point-of-views of what we deem priority and what should be cut. This is where all of us will differ, even the developers.

# 29 Vast @ 12/23/10 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fistofrage


	Well for years some of us, actually a large majority of the hardcore boxing fans have just been asking for a career mode like Victorious Boxers. That had hundreds of boxers per weight class and you could actually watch video of your upcoming opponents. On top of this, you could run into a Buzz Saw at any point in your career like a 3-0-0 18 year old Tyson that didn't have many fights under his belt but could tear through you nonetheless. Thats what I wanted and it could be easily implemented, it was done on the PS2 years ago. I am not doubting that they will do alot of things right in this game, but I alos know that they did not implement what I wanted most and resources were used developing something I personally have little to no interest in. Probably a good business move though as they know the hard core boxing fans will buy the game and they want to appeal to the RPG crowd with the story. Like I said, personal preference, but just saying my piece in hopes in 2 years, I'll get the career mode that I want. I don't think I'm alone in those regards.

Dude at this point im the ****ing mad gamer when it comes to Boxing games.

Yeah the gameplay is being improved but its absolutely outrageous that a 20 year old game(Real Deal Boxing) still arguably has a better career mode than a next gen game that has yet to be released.

Do you know how crazy that is? Thats like the first Madden Football(1989-90) game having a better Dynasty mode than the Madden thats gonna come out next year(2011-12)!

It's not fair man.

# 30 TDKing @ 12/23/10 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vast


	Dude at this point im the ****ing mad gamer when it comes to Boxing games. Yeah the gameplay is being improved but its absolutely outrageous that a 20 year old game(Real Deal Boxing) still arguably has a better career mode than a next gen game that has yet to be released. Do you know how crazy that is? Thats like the first Madden Football(1989-90) game having a better Dynasty mode than the Madden thats gonna come out next year(2011-12)! It's not fair man.

Makes you wonder... are they really listening or just pretending?
So the demand for a story mode was really tops in the wishlists huh ?

# 31 fistofrage @ 12/23/10 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDKing


	Makes you wonder... are they really listening or just pretending? So the demand for a story mode was really tops in the wishlists huh ?

Considering Prizefighter flopped, it should have given them a decent pulse that boxing story modes aren't in demand.

I have a feeling someone at EA was playing Grand Theft Auto and thought........Hey, what if GTA met boxing.........We'll be Rich!

Good in theory to try to gain a broader audience. Lets face it, Boxing fans will buy the game no matter what, but they want to increase the scope......So then I have to question the decision to make this a Mature game and drop F-Bombs......Don't we want to indroduce 12 year olds to the sport of boxing?

The other thing is Prizefighter basically covered all the Cliche scenarios a boxer will face. The crooked judge, fighting while injured, the blurry vision, the cheap shot artist, avenging the death of a friend, the steroid user, getting tempted by the high life, etc.

I don't know how you could write a boxing story mode that doesn't have some of these elements. So I am sure that in those regards it will feel like a Prizefighter Rip-off.

So to answer your question, yes EA was listening, but like my wife, only hears what they want to hear.

# 32 DaveDQ @ 12/23/10 03:02 PM

I don't think some of you will ever get it. The game has to find a middle ground between satisfying the core gameplay minded person to the guy who likes to play out a Rocky like story. There's a reason one of the most popular CABs in FN4 is Rocky Balboa. Many gamers like to pound it out in the ring with Rocky like style.

EA set the foundation when they said, "We aren't calling it round 5." They had to come up with something fresh and new to give the FN series a boost. Champion mode is going to have its issues, and I'm sure Legacy mode will leave something to be desired, but in order to sell games, the EA team had to be unique and offer something new.

# 33 Jukeman @ 12/23/10 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveDQ


	I don't think some of you will ever get it. The game has to find a middle ground between satisfying the core gameplay minded person to the guy who likes to play out a Rocky like story. There's a reason one of the most popular CABs in FN4 is Rocky Balboa. Many gamers like to pound it out in the ring with Rocky like style. EA set the foundation when they said, "We aren't calling it round 5." They had to come up with something fresh and new to give the FN series a boost. Champion mode is going to have its issues, and I'm sure Legacy mode will leave something to be desired, but in order to sell games, the EA team had to be unique and offer something new.

Except its neither but EA has proven that they know what the consumer wants, so i have no doubts.

# 34 fistofrage @ 12/23/10 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveDQ


	I don't think some of you will ever get it. The game has to find a middle ground between satisfying the core gameplay minded person to the guy who likes to play out a Rocky like story. There's a reason one of the most popular CABs in FN4 is Rocky Balboa. Many gamers like to pound it out in the ring with Rocky like style. EA set the foundation when they said, "We aren't calling it round 5." They had to come up with something fresh and new to give the FN series a boost. Champion mode is going to have its issues, and I'm sure Legacy mode will leave something to be desired, but in order to sell games, the EA team had to be unique and offer something new.

I completely get it, EA would have had a much better case though if they didn't make the game Mature. Rocky was rated PG and appealed to the masses, but especially kids.

# 35 Vast @ 12/23/10 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jukeman


	Except its neither but EA has proven that they know what the consumer wants, so i have no doubts.

I hope this is sarcasm because they have absolutely no clue what the consumer wants.

# 36 Phobia @ 12/23/10 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fistofrage


	I completely get it, EA would have had a much better case though if they didn't make the game Mature. Rocky was rated PG and appealed to the masses, but especially kids.

Why can't it appeal to kids???? I completely don't understand your perception. GTA-IV is a violent, raw language, and not safe for young kids. Yet it is populated by more kids than older adults I would imagine. I know from experience I have heard more young whinny voices cussing me out than I have heard mature adults on GTA-IV online.

So my point is the mature stand point does nothing to prevent kids from enjoying it. In fact they would most likely want to play it more just for the fact it drops F bombs and has mature content. Plus most parents don't read to much into these ESRB ratings, so they will buy the game for their young son either way.

Another point I wanted to touch on also. Why can't a boxing game feature mature content and still be like Rocky??? Hell the boxing world has been identified for its "less than honorable" nature. Crooked judges, managers that steal, drugs, women, jail, and just a more raw rugged nature.

So I think it is more commendable that EA is willing to step out on a limb to make a Mature rated sports title to showcase how the sport has become known as. It is far more gutsy on their end to go for the M ratings, where they could of easily sat with the safe bet of a T rating.

# 37 DirtyJerz32 @ 12/23/10 04:26 PM

# 38 fistofrage @ 12/23/10 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia


	Why can't it appeal to kids???? I completely don't understand your perception. GTA-IV is a violent, raw language, and not safe for young kids. Yet it is populated by more kids than older adults I would imagine. I know from experience I have heard more young whinny voices cussing me out than I have heard mature adults on GTA-IV online. So my point is the mature stand point does nothing to prevent kids from enjoying it. In fact they would most likely want to play it more just for the fact it drops F bombs and has mature content. Plus most parents don't read to much into these ESRB ratings, so they will buy the game for their young son either way. Another point I wanted to touch on also. Why can't a boxing game feature mature content and still be like Rocky??? Hell the boxing world has been identified for its "less than honorable" nature. Crooked judges, managers that steal, drugs, women, jail, and just a more raw rugged nature. So I think it is more commendable that EA is willing to step out on a limb to make a Mature rated sports title to showcase how the sport has become known as. It is far more gutsy on their end to go for the M ratings, where they could of easily sat with the safe bet of a T rating.

Well you can't sell it to kids. Parents shouldn't be buying for their kids in theory with a mature rating. If EA's strategy is for an M rating game to fall in the hands of kids, they might as well package the game with a pack of cigarettes.

Prize fighter had a gritty edge to it, heck there was interviews with Penthouse centerfolds in it and I am sure it swore. The game bombed like a lead balloon. EA has more name recognition, but 2k sports has a pretty large sports following.

As I said earlier, Prize fighter explored pretty much every seedy scenario in boxing...Crooked judges, Cheap Shot experts, Drug users, Fast women, etc.

I just don't see how this story mode will be innovative, It might be really good and enjoyable, but it will lack replayability. Just seems like Prizefighter II.

Anyway, I'm getting the game when it comes out as will most people on this board, so its really a non-issue. I just hope they knock the in-ring experience out of the park with this one.

# 39 Phobia @ 12/23/10 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fistofrage


	Well you can't sell it to kids. Parents shouldn't be buying for their kids in theory with a mature rating. If EA's strategy is for an M rating game to fall in the hands of kids, they might as well package the game with a pack of cigarettes. Prize fighter had a gritty edge to it, heck there was interviews with Penthouse centerfolds in it and I am sure it swore. The game bombed like a lead balloon. EA has more name recognition, but 2k sports has a pretty large sports following. As I said earlier, Prize fighter explored pretty much every seedy scenario in boxing...Crooked judges, Cheap Shot experts, Drug users, Fast women, etc. I just don't see how this story mode will be innovative, It might be really good and enjoyable, but it will lack replayability. Just seems like Prizefighter II. Anyway, I'm getting the game when it comes out as will most people on this board, so its really a non-issue. I just hope they knock the in-ring experience out of the park with this one.

1) Well you can't judge EA on this measure. I mean across the board our media is much more graphic than it has ever been. I mean look at MTV, 16 and pregnant, and all these shows that have far more foul language & showing skin then it has ever been. It is the new age generation and I think far more kids are subjected to graphic material much worse than a video games through TV, School, etc. I hardly would take a jab at EA for releasing a M rated video game.

2) Well of course the replayability will be lacking. It is not being designed to be played over and over with multiple out comes. It is a linear single player story driven experience.

But like I mentioned it is hardly the meat and potatoes of the game. The game will feature all the same features as Fn4, such as career mode & Online. So they could have completely left out Champion mode and you would be getting less. So I don't see the issue with them trying something new and giving the user a different experience. I mean they could of completely left it out and the game would of still sold, you would of still bought it. But if you found out AFTER you bought it that they cut out "this mode" you would of at least liked to have tried it right??? When is getting more options and modes for the same money a bad thing, is my point.

# 40 TDKing @ 12/23/10 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phobia


	1) Well you can't judge EA on this measure. I mean across the board our media is much more graphic than it has ever been. I mean look at MTV, 16 and pregnant, and all these shows that have far more foul language & showing skin then it has ever been. It is the new age generation and I think far more kids are subjected to graphic material much worse than a video games through TV, School, etc. I hardly would take a jab at EA for releasing a M rated video game. 2) Well of course the replayability will be lacking. It is not being designed to be played over and over with multiple out comes. It is a linear single player story driven experience. But like I mentioned it is hardly the meat and potatoes of the game. The game will feature all the same features as Fn4, such as career mode & Online. So they could have completely left out Champion mode and you would be getting less. So I don't see the issue with them trying something new and giving the user a different experience. I mean they could of completely left it out and the game would of still sold, you would of still bought it. But if you found out AFTER you bought it that they cut out "this mode" you would of at least liked to have tried it right??? When is getting more options and modes for the same money a bad thing, is my point.

Not a bad thing... disappointing when the modes that were already in the game are not complete and up to par. If we had a fully fleshed out next gen deep/multi user carreer mode with nothing much else to add or upgrade then adding a brand new story mode would be a great thing. Problem is we are not getting what should have been in the game a few years ago.

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