I agree that they should have at least included it as an option.

I'll return the game if this isn't addressed .

I couldn't agree with you more, and I am one of thos dudes who used use the bottoms full time. I have adapted to the stick but I don't throw as many combos.

I am another one who simply decided not to buy this game based on this as well. I wanted to at least have the option of button config and could care less as well about cheesers or online play for that matter. I think leaving out the option catered to a only online players for one, and two - left out the ****** fan who just wants to pick up and play with younger family members or dare I say it - thier wives... None the less, I hope they patch a configuration for buttons and I will be the first to run out and go buy this one...(and trading in my old copy of FN3 )

Why don't they include the button control scheme as an option for offline play, but require you to use the sticks if you want to play online matches?

I agree rspencer86.

Thats all I want it for anyway. I don't play online. But the sticks are indeed frustrating.

i actually like the stick better..more realistic its not that hard..only thing i don't like is they allow the meter to stay on the screen in online matches..as if in real life you can tell when your gonna get knocked out or your opponent is going to get knocked out..that's my only gripe..and you use the analog stick alot in ufc also so why complain..they had to take the buttons off cus the button mashers had a clear advantage in online matches cus all they had to to it keep slapin the sticks..its called BOXING..it's an artform it's just NOT pounding your fist its countering knowing when to retreat..using your reach or getting inside if your opponent has the reach atvantage..this stick makes this happen..i think the stamina needs to go down faster..people throw 900 bunches through 5 rounds and still feels like first round...kinda lame...and once again take the meters off...and perhaps that stupid counter animation..looks like a arcade fighter..

Here's the way I look at it. When Don King's Boxing came out, everyone moaned about all of the buttons used for punching. Now that FNR4 is out most everyone is moaning about no buttons.

When I played FNR3, I never used the buttons. Now I see how I was getting my butt kicked on-line.

Here's what you do, if you dont like the way the game is made for you, speak with your dollars and don't buy it. As long as people buy it and complain, it counts as a sale. Everyone had an opportunity to play the demo and judge for themselves, but to be honest, I cant see using the buttons to fight in this game!
Now I agree, in MLB2K8, they used a pitching scheme that I could not stand, but they did have the option of using the buttons off-line.

As long as you use the buttons for off-line arcade play, then I'm all for a patch.

Casing point....WANTED IT SO BAD, AND DIDN'T EVEN BUY IT BECAUSE OF NO BUTTON PUNCHING!!!

I have no problems with the stick at all....and i piece my combos together great I use tyson alot so my combos be limited to 4 shots due to his lack of stamina..

The great thing about forums is that we can all debate a topic as long as everone respects each others opinions. I hear a lot of whining about just sucking it up and dealing with the lack of face button controls but as a valued consumer thats just not the american way. I bought FNR4 but after playing it for 3 days straight its been collecting dust. If its not Madden then I just do not have the time or the energy to sit there and master every nuance of the TPC because this is a game I play for fun.
Now I was dominate in FNR3 using a blend of face buttons and TPC (config3). I always hear the argument that we want buttons so we can just button mash well playing the game online or with friends all I've been seeing is TPC mashing. I heard arguments from TPCs that the button mashers would be confused how they got knocked out because they were flailing and he was connecting more solidly, well its the same for the buttons if you keep your stamina up your punches have more power and impact so there is skill involved when using buttons as long as you pick and choose your spots. The only thing we couldn't control they say was the power of each individual punch but who cares that much if I'm still knocking people out (very few people made it past the 3rd with me) and I had haymakers, or key moments that I would use the TPC but the biggest thing is I had options damnit!!! I would have a houseful of people over playing and some used button configs and some used TPC but we all had fun because damnit....we had options.
In short I will be waiting for my button config DLC before that game goes back in my system. I know no less than 10 people who won't even buy the game until there is a button patch. See as a consumer they are using their option to buy or not to buy FNR4 and they are choosing not to. I'd like to see how all the TPCs would respond if it was button config only wouldn't that be funny...holla!