Common Sense Note
FIGHT NIGHT: ROUND 2 features many updates, making purchasing this second edition well worth the expense. However, parents should know that this game does feature -- and even glamorize -- violence.
The characters in the game take a beating that is in line with what you might see in a professional boxing match. However, the amount of blood that is spilled on the mat is a bit excessive.
You may want to talk to your kids about boxing's appeal. Is it a sport in its purest form -- or does it only promote bloodlust in participants and spectators? Why would the makers of the game make it even bloodier than the real deal? How do you feel when you make your opponent bleed?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Chris Saunders
Creating quality sports titles is nothing new for EA Sports, and the gaming giant has once again delivered a knock-out with the release of FIGHT NIGHT: ROUND 2.
This second edition of the Fight Night series offers many updates over the popular original version, making the game well worth the nearly $50 price tag. One of the most noticeable changes is the addition of a cut-man in the corner that will help your boxer deal with critical wounds after each round. The new Haymaker feature also provides plenty of fist-flying excitement as it allows players to unleash a series of lighting quick punches that are powerful enough to knock opponents to the canvas.
It's the gameplay that makes Fight Night Round 2 stand out from other sports games that are on the market. Players have complete control of the boxers with the Total Punch Control feature, which allows players to move, block, weave and land precision punches with the click of a button. As with the first version, beginning players will struggle with complex maneuvers, but even first-timers will be able to easily move around the ring and jab at an opponen.
The game offer several modes, including tournament mode that gives you an opportunity to choose from top current and former boxing champions like Sugar Ray Leonard, Roy Jones Jr. and Muhammad Ali. Multiplayer mode is the preferred method for those playing online. The games audio is also enhanced from the first version. Instead of a DJ spinning tracks, you'll get an actual boxing announcer that works the mike. The background noise is filled with dynamic crowd noise that includes booing, cheering and trash talking.
The graphic violence is the only real concern for parents. Much of this is in line with what you would see in an actually boxing match -- swollen eyes reflect the effect of each blow, which is visually amazing, but brutal -- but the blood that is spilled on the mat is over-the-top. Overall, Fight Night: Round 2 is a great game for the sports fan that loves to be in control of the action, but its tendency to glamorize violence may make it a bad fit for easily-impressionable teens.
Rate It!
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ViolenceThe game is bloodier than real boxing. Bone jarring punches are thrown as players try to knock out their opponent. |
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LanguageMild, mostly in the form of trash talking between opponents. |
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Social BehaviorThe game glamorizes the violent nature of the sport, |
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