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Fight Night Round 2 continues to deliver innovative gameplay via the analog Total Punch Control mechanic, allowing gamers to throw multiple punches, block, bob and weave with complete precision and control. Packing in more fearsome punches, players can now dominate the ring with the all-new EA SPORTS Haymaker allowing gamers to knock down their opponents with one devastating blow by adding extra power to each punch. Every hit counts in the game with powerful punches inflicting dynamic injuries on opponents, and thus reducing a fighter's ability to defend himself. Players also manage the boxers inside and out of the ring. Utilizing the new EA SPORTS Cutman, gamers can minimize damage on their fighters by helping them heal critical wounds between rounds. *In addition, the popular boxing title, "Super Punch-Out!!" will be included exclusively in the GameCube version of this title. [Electronic Arts]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
G4 TV
Round 2 has the substance to back it up its sense of style. The analog control has been refined to the point where it’s more responsive and more satisfying than mashing buttons and the new facial and body animations bring a level of authenticity to the ring that’s simply never been accomplished before.
 100
Gaming Age
Visually Fight Night Round 2 is simply stunning.
100
Computer Games Magazine
Remove every frill and dump the gorgeous 3D graphics for barely animated stick figures and Fight Night Round 2 would still be a classic. [June 2005, p.89]
93
Game Informer
Another nice addition is the "woozy" camera angles that appear when you or an opponent is nearly knocked down. It's a small touch, but a very dramatic one. [March 2005, p.115]
91
Kombo
Not only gorgeous, but is also one of the most realistic sports games to date.
90
Play Magazine
EA Chicago should be proud. It doesn't get much better than this. [Apr 2005, p.77]
90
GamePro
The most striking change is in the innovative control scheme--where you use the right analog stick to throw jabs, hooks, and uppercuts--which has now been slightly altered to enable you to fight more like a professional pug in the ring.
90
Stuff
The entire SNES-era "Super Punch-Out!!," one of the greatest boxing games of all times, is hidden on the disc. All hail the mighty Bald Bull!
90
Cheat Code Central
While the punches lack the power experienced in last years game, EA makes up for it with its innovative total control configuration.
90
Yahoo! Games
With the introduction of clinching, the innovative punch system, the deep tournament and career options, the graphics and realism, the improved presentation, and most of all, the obvious love of boxing infused into the game, Fight Night Round 2 is the best representation of the "sweet science" that gaming has ever seen.
90
DarkStation
Although I will admit Fight Night Round 2 leaves plenty of room improvement, it still is an amazing game on its own merits.
90
Game Over Online
The inclusion of the cutman mini-game between rounds is a great addition, and the Haymaker provides a phenomenal sense of drama with punches that can knock boxers out at any time. I personally can’t wait to see next year’s version.
90
PGNx Media
The gameplay is stellar, something that is only made better by the kick-ass graphics.
90
Worth Playing
It easily beats out former champ, "Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots," for Boxing Game of the Millennium.
89
GameSpot
It's nice to see an effective clinch control enter the mix, and it's even better that clinches can be shrugged off or avoided altogether, preventing the move from being an automatic fail-safe.
89
TotalGames.net
Depth is a rarity in sports games with an enjoyable single player mode even rarer but Fight Night Round 2 has managed to come up with both.
86
eToychest
The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is top notch, and the presentation is just shy of perfect.
86
My Gamer
Boxing games will never be the same after the incredible and addictive Fight Night Round 2 that not only sheds new light to the genre but to another boxing classic of the NES days: Super Punch Out!
85
1UP
Significantly better than its predecessor, but like most EA Sports releases, sequels feel more like baby steps rather than giant leaps.
84
IGN
A beautiful game with compelling audio, and there are some truly great extras for GameCube fans. The inclusion of a spectacularly emulated "Super Punch-Out!!" is sure to please hardcore fans.
83
Electronic Gaming Monthly
Spend a day or two learning the controls; the experience is addictive and as smooth as the business end of your gloves. The only thing I missed was the lack of much truly new with this version—I'd kill for a sleazy, mobster-ridden promoter mode, for example.
83
Next Level Gaming
Marginally better than the original game, but still needs work on that punching system.
82
Nintendo Power
The punches have a brutally tactile feel unmatched by any other boxing game. [May 2005, p.89]
80
Edge Magazine
With a superior control system and a raft of incisive upgrades, this year’s update is a connoisseur of the boxing arts. [Apr 2005, p.103]
80
Sydney Morning Herald
Controls work beautifully and patience and timing are crucial.
80
games(TM)
The best realistic boxing title we’ve played, and few fight fans will be disappointed. [Apr 2005, p.114]
80
GameCube Europe
The strategic long fights are a welcome relieve from the button mashing found in most other boxing games, you really have to observe and react to win matches.
80
Gamer.tv
The most brutally realistic boxing game around.
80
GameSpy
While it's still shy of perfect, Round 2 is an outstanding title and clearly the best boxing game ever made.
76
N-Insanity
While I found just about everything likable, I never really felt "into" the game. This is probably due to my general distaste for sports titles.
75
NintendoWorldReport
All that's needed is a more intuitive control scheme, some variety in training and dialogue, and some MUSIC DURING GAMEPLAY.
70
Total Video Games
The most authentic videogame adaptation that we've ever seen... [but t]he Career mode whilst engaging doesn’t sustain your interest for long enough, and like many boxing titles will have all but the most hardened fan switching off long before the belt is won.
Hanif M. gave it a9: Andrew W. gave it an8: T. G. gave it a10: Mark D. gave it a10: |
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