Not in the box(ers): Fight Night 4 DLC, updates announced
by Randy Nelson 
{ Aug 12th 2009 at 8:30PM } 
EA Sports has announced the card for its first Fight Night Round 4 downloadable boxer pack, due later this month. A youthful Oscar De La Hoya gets top billing, joined by the Klitschko brothers, Wladimir and Vital, as well as alternate versions of James Toney and George Foreman (fingers crossed for a Foreman Grill getup!). The pack will hit the ring at 800
($10) and $9.99 on Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store, respectively.
Around the same time the DLC hits, a free update for the game will be made available on both platforms, bringing with it new boxer gear and -- more notably -- a new, optional control scheme that ditches the analog stick in favor of punches assigned to the gamepad's face buttons. The new controls will also be available in a new demo for the title set for early September. EA hasn't mentioned why it felt compelled to introduce the new controller setup, but we think it probably has something to do with nondigitaphobia; the irrational fear of analog sticks. (It's more common than you'd think.)
($10) and $9.99 on Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store, respectively. Around the same time the DLC hits, a free update for the game will be made available on both platforms, bringing with it new boxer gear and -- more notably -- a new, optional control scheme that ditches the analog stick in favor of punches assigned to the gamepad's face buttons. The new controls will also be available in a new demo for the title set for early September. EA hasn't mentioned why it felt compelled to introduce the new controller setup, but we think it probably has something to do with nondigitaphobia; the irrational fear of analog sticks. (It's more common than you'd think.)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jalannom @ Aug 12th 2009 8:48PM
analog punches sucked on the demo.
Chester @ Aug 12th 2009 8:56PM
i thought using the analog stick made it a much better game. Anyone can just mash buttons. I think using the analog takes a lot more skill
But that's just my opinion
Bastard11 @ Aug 12th 2009 9:14PM
Anyone can mash buttons just as anyone can spam the analog stick.. it really doesn't take any more skill to wiggle the stick than to mash the buttons.
Regardless of how you input the commands there will always be people who just mash/spam controls while playing fighting games.. they are the equivalent to the people that flail their fists around wildly in real life confrontations.
The game should be inciting people's skill at strategy, timing, and reactionary impulse control more than silly thumb motions anyways if it wishes to closer represent the sport. I certainly can't remember having trouble moving my arms in the motions of uppercut, hook, and jab in real life.. why would emulating this difficulty in a game do justice to boxing?
Wayne @ Aug 12th 2009 9:14PM
I'm with Chester. They should NOT have caved to the complaining masses.
Wayne @ Aug 12th 2009 9:15PM
The spamming needs to be fixed by means of a patch. Online play is totally borked.
cafecito @ Aug 12th 2009 9:18PM
I like analog controls better, too.
Chester @ Aug 12th 2009 9:24PM
@ Bastard11
We will just have to agree to disagree on that one. I have to say throwing multiple combos is 100x easier using the buttons over the analog stick. You dont even have to know what your doing. For example my wife kicks ass with the buttons in FNR3. But if she has to use the analog she gets lost. Using the analog does take more skill.
Bastard11 @ Aug 12th 2009 9:39PM
Well i never claimed it didn't take more skill.. it would also take more skill if you had to thread a needle every time you wanted to throw a jab and solve an algebra equation for a hook. If you think endless barrages of fast combos is the problem the solution isn't giving you a slower responding control system but rather using better game design to program a better system into the game.
I won't argue to take away your preferred control scheme if you enjoy it.. but I do see a flaw with the game design by attempting to force people into these arbitrary control requirements as I outlined in my previous post.. and I take offense to the assertion that everyone who prefers buttons is some skill-less button masher. I know that no one is saying it outright but that is the general message that gets sent every time this debate comes up.
If you suddenly added dual analog control to street fighter it certainly wouldn't make all the current world champs "button mashers."
Chester @ Aug 12th 2009 9:46PM
@Bastard11
I'll agree with you on all of that. I guess what were both saying is there needs to be a way to stop the button mashers/analog spammers. Although i have no idea how that could even be done
Bastard11 @ Aug 12th 2009 10:03PM
well just off the top of my head I can think of a few ideas. Shorten the window for button presses in relation to the animation frames.. this causes the player to be more focused on timing. Add a slight delay to the recoil of a missed punch.. this penalty encourages picking your shots.. also work on a replenishable stamina system separate and more sever than the overall stamina system that is already in effect, this one just for throwing combos.. the more you throw in a short period of time the slower and weaker they get.. and eve more so for misses.
I'm sure if I had some time I could refine those ideas into workable math that could be put into the game system.. as I'm sure I could think of a few more ideas as well.
Mo @ Aug 13th 2009 12:40PM
I agree with chester as well... i won't go as far to say that it takes more skill, but I will say that to me...
Using the analog sticks, when used properly, makes it feel ALOT more like real boxing. I also think it is easier to mash the buttons than spam the sticks.
Chester @ Aug 12th 2009 8:55PM
Why the hell is Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather NEVER in a boxing game? Can anyone explain this to me?
And dont bother saying dumb a$$ crap like "he sucks"!
Dude is still undefeated, yet never in a boxing game. Anyone know why?
camobandanna @ Aug 12th 2009 9:42PM
The same reason Micheal Jordan was barely ever in NBA games...he wanted too much money than the creators can offer them.
kingmuscle @ Aug 12th 2009 9:24PM
cause developer refuse to make him unbeatable! hes never lost bafore and if a game is gonna accurate they have to make him "perfect"
Young_Nastyman (a.k.a. Thor von Clemson) @ Aug 12th 2009 9:13PM
he doesn't want his likeness in a video game?
who knows
cafecito @ Aug 12th 2009 9:20PM
I'm all for De La Hoya and Bald Foreman :D
I hope that means we'll get Holyfield and Marciano sometime, too
HawkeyePierce @ Aug 12th 2009 9:28PM
10$ for 5 boxers !!!!!!
.LMAO ....damn ripoff.
Using their calculation fight night 4 should cost 240$ (48 boxers).
Whats next 5$ for a pair of trousers...
Lol..goddamn ripoff.
This is the last fight night i have bought.
Boycott this crap and dont buy it unless you want to pay 25$ bucks in 5 yrs time for each and every pathetic dlc.
Dell @ Aug 12th 2009 9:40PM
I agree 100%. 10 dollars for 3 new boxers is absolutely ridiculous. I dont care about 2 alternate versions of existing fighters.
I will not be purchasing this DLC whatsoever.
paperless @ Aug 13th 2009 12:31AM
Its overpriced like most DLC. Looks like 800MS is a standard price for DLC, no matter if it's just a piece of dog shit or a whole new game mode.
Hell, there are a bunch of arcade games priced at 800 MSP that offer 50000 times more value that most crappy DLC at the same price.
gm914 @ Aug 12th 2009 9:56PM
De La Hoya? Got him. Klitschko bros.? Check. Mayweather, Jack Johnson and every Rocky Balboa I-VI? Yep. Along with Apollo, Drago and about a dozen others. Even Ron Jeremy ! I'm happy enough with the community-created boxers tyvm. $10 lol . Maybe I'd pay a buck or two for an authentic Cassius Clay, but thats about it. Maybe a Howard Cosell for him to beat up on...
RagingStormX @ Aug 13th 2009 12:27AM
You forgot Clubber Lang...
Wayne @ Aug 13th 2009 6:29PM
I haven't seen a decent Clubber Lang yet. Does anyone know of one?
Moose @ Aug 12th 2009 10:11PM
Hmm, they are probably releasing it because it's the best way to play the game. I've had FNR4 since the day of its release because I got it as a birthday gift, played it for a few hours, realized how shit the controls were, and shelved it until the button patch was released. I'll finally get to play this awesome game the way it was meant to be, as a realistic boxing sim where punches go where I command at a pace that'll make even real boxing matches jealous. Just because you use buttons doesn't make u a button masher; I'm extremely methodical in my tactics and that's why I've never lost a 1v1 match against anyone, ever.
TreyIM @ Aug 13th 2009 3:03AM
Dude, it's called a challenge. Now, I could understand what EA was trying to do with FN4 and trying to get everyone to get with something that is now, a bit old, yet not as old as using face buttons to punch in a boxing videogame. They wanted to give this game more of a next gen feel, although, like I said, TPC is now old hat. I've been using TPC since it was first intro'd in, uhh, Knockout Kings 2003 (it's foggy), and never looked back.
That being said, EA took a HUGE gamble by not including the option of face buttons, this go round and it doesn't look like it paid off as much as they'd like so, hence, the buttons will be patched in as well as a NEW demo to try to get those who didn't rise to the challenge of TPC on board to possibly go and make the retail purchase.
Eh, whatever. I'm good, and I will buy the DLC. I just hope the patch doesn't mess with the game.
Moose @ Aug 12th 2009 10:11PM
...and this is just to save my password
COKTOE @ Aug 12th 2009 10:16PM
It's Vitali, not Vital, and I can't believe they and De La Hoya weren't in the game to begin with.
gm914 @ Aug 12th 2009 10:52PM
This is EA shenanigans. Believe that De La Hoya was supposed to be in the game originally- he's in the original commercial if you remember- we'll see how big the download file is when it drops. I wouldn't be surprised to find out its just an unlock key and its been in the code all along....
Moose @ Aug 12th 2009 10:26PM
@ Chester
You dont even have to know what your doing. For example my wife kicks ass with the buttons in FNR3. But if she has to use the analog she gets lost. Using the analog does take more skill.
1) While I'll agree with the simple fact that when you hit a button it accesses a punch, you still need to know how to box. Also, use the prone dodge? No excuse for her to be beating u, lol.
Harold Burnett @ Aug 12th 2009 10:43PM
I think EA needs to get a handle on their DLC pricing .Or maybe they should move all their sports titles to download and subscription models .You already get my 60 dollars ,or more with collector's editions .
Moose @ Aug 12th 2009 10:47PM
I agree with teh above statement...I mean, have you all seen the DLC they are putting up for Madden? It's unreal!!! They are charging for the most absurd ish ever!!...I'd post the list of things but we're all adults here..I'm sure we can find this joke :)
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233190 see it htere
iamsoulja @ Aug 13th 2009 12:27AM
Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather was in fight night round 2 or 3 on the ps2
TreyIM @ Aug 13th 2009 3:08AM
Well, he's definitely gotten more popular since then hence, his price has probably gone up, however, he WAS retired during the making of this game so we may be seeing more DLC that actually includes him in the future. Probably around the time he fights again, since his "comeback fight" was postpone...but I think the fight is next month. Hmm, maybe later he will appear. Eh, who knows...
loncin @ Aug 13th 2009 3:37AM
Another Electronic Arts achievement that could maintain its past reputation as it is best sports game producer in my eyes and it gives many incentives to its gamers in its every game most probably like it is giving some advantages to its gamers in this game also really highly appreciated stuff................
http://www.electrocomputerwarehouse.com
kimy @ Aug 13th 2009 5:25AM
I'm not sure about that!! All my hot and sincere friends on ____Talllo v ing C 0m___ are talking about this!! BTW, it's the place where hot models and sex y young men;and handsome folks with sensu al chick s meet and mingle! You may wanna check it out!LOL
John @ Aug 13th 2009 5:40AM
I'd love to see Salvador Sanchez, Henry Cooper and Joe Louis in this game one day.
Nigeria: Charmy Bee DF @ Aug 13th 2009 6:04AM
I'm so glad I didn't buy this game.Nothing against EA's effort itself, the demo was rather fun in fact, I just don't like paid for DLC such as this: additional characters, extra clothing, etc.
I'm always left with the uneasy feeling that parts of the game was unfinished or held back, and only through paying additional monies will you get the full package. That's not to begrudge EA, or any company, of manufacturing additional sources of income. I just don't like it.
ebeezy @ Aug 13th 2009 2:40PM
They should spend more time fixing the numerous bugs instead of the damn overpriced DLC. I can't even finish my Legacy mode due to the Create A Boxer portrait crash. And online mode is a complete joke. I can't believe Microsoft and Sony would let something this broken pass certification.