Review: Fight Night Round 3 (X360)

FN3 features breathtaking visuals and is a solid and enjoyable fighting game.

Before the sport was ruined by the moneymen & having a farcical number of belts, boxing was something that I would enjoy watching. I wasn’t sure how well boxing would translate to a console (and never played FN1 or 2) but FN3 really captures the intensity, brutality and strategy of genuine boxing. The use of the analogue stick for punch control is inspired, and you can produce some amazing looking combos.

The fighting is complimented by an excellent career mode that features a traditional “ladder” of fights and fighters, mixed with RPG based character development via training mini-games and bonus apparel.

The graphics are sensational, if not perfect. The level of detail and quality of the animations is simply breathtaking. Sweat, blood, speed, human movement, and weight are all portrayed incredibly realistically. The backgrounds and tertiary effects are also brilliant: in particular the fantastic handy-cam view during the fights.

The sheer quality of this game extends to the music and sound effects with a great sound track and brutal boxing noises: teeth smashing, jaw breaking, ribs cracking, urrgg! - it’s all there.

The achievements are pretty straightforward, but they do become more challenging as your progress through the career mode and the fights get tougher. FN3 also features XBL play as well as a number of other game modes in addition to the core career mode. There are also a number of licensed fighters and venues thrown in to recreate classic bouts. However, given the asking price, there is a lot of in-game adverting and sponsorship, which personally I find a little distasteful for a game that was £50 at retail.

A quite brilliant fighting game that really captures the atmosphere, brutality, and enthral of professional boxing. FN3 features amazing visuals, sound, and immersive gameplay, making FN3 an essential XB360 purchase for sports-game fans. -- I just wish I bought it when it came out. emoticon

9/10