Mastering the Sweet Science

Published June 23, 2009

The gameplay of EA's Fight Night Round 4 is anchored by a brand-new physics system affecting every facet of gameplay. It's this physics-based approach that brings the series nearer to sweet-science authenticity than it's ever been before.

Ali on the Greatest of All Time difficulty is a beast.

Authenticity in-game means that real boxing tactics work to perfection, so if you hope to claim victory and stand tall over crumpled opponents, consider the following tips.

Jab Control
Control is paramount in the boxing ring. Strive to dictate the pace of a match. You can do that by making constant, precision use of your jab. No, you won't knock anyone out with your jab, but you can keep your opponent off-balance and score points.

Specifically, use the jab when your opponent is attempting hooks, uppercuts, or straights. The jab is the fastest punch in the game, so you can beat your competitor to the punch, setting yourself up to outpoint them and throw off their timing.

Counter Attack
While jabs allow you to box on your own terms, it's counter-punches that turn the tide of a fight. After all, it's the punch you don't see coming that turns your knees to jelly and your chin to glass. Set up a counter by blocking or weaving out of the way just before impact.

That man's strong.

When you hear the tell-tale sound and see the action slow for just a moment, you know the next punch you connect with will be a counter. Earn counters by blocking and dodging simultaneously, rather than choosing one or the other.

Also, try as best you can to dodge/block the moment you see your opponent beginning their punch. If you dodge beforehand, they're just going to aim in the direction you dodged and still catch you flush. Timing is critical.

Counter Haymaker
Execute the haymaker by holding down RB and throwing a hook or uppercut like normal, but they're difficult punches to land. Your opponent can easily key in on your loading up for a big punch and step out of the way. Worse, they can time haymakers for easy counter-punches.

However, it's when executing a counter of your own that you can take the chance on a haymaker. If your opponent whiffs and opens themselves up, let rip with a haymaker. You won't always land it, but when you do, it can be devastating. I'd recommend attempting body-blow haymakers during a counter-punch as well. Most opponents will instinctively protect their face to avoid a potential knockdown.

Body punches pay off big time.

Stamina
Don't underestimate the importance of your Stamina during a fight. It's Stamina that decides how fast you punch, how much damage you do, and how much punishment you take. The more punches you throw though, the more Stamina you'll lose.

Be careful not to punch yourself out. In short, don't constantly throw punches, but take the time to only throw punches when you're confident they'll serve a purpose. Even then, unless your opponent is leaving themselves wide open, throw relatively short (five-to-six punch) combos and then back away to recover your Stamina and set up for the next onslaught.

Body Shots
They say in real boxing that heavy emphasis on body punches pays big dividends in later rounds, and that's exactly how Fight Night Round 4 operates. Take the opportunity in the first couple of rounds to focus on whittling down your opponent's stamina by emphasizing punches to the body whenever possible, particularly counter-punches.

Ouch!

Fight Dirty
While it may be unsavory, sometimes a timely head-butt or low blow can work wonders, saving you from a knee-buckling counter-punch or a knockdown. Bear in mind you can lose a point or even be disqualified for a head-butt or low blow, but you can usually get away with a couple before the ref steps in.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Playing to your strengths and protecting your weaknesses is enormously important in Fight Night Round 4. If you're a stocky, short-armed fighter, you really need to keep constantly on the inside, always suffocating your opponent and unleashing short, quick strikes to take advantage of your powerful, but shorter arms. Likewise, if you're really fast, throw punches in bunches to overwhelm your opponent. Not every boxer fights the same, so make sure your tactics fit your style.

Common sense reigns supreme in Fight Night Round 4. If you can stick with real-life boxing tactics, learn the subtleties of timing counter-punches, resist the urge to throw needless punches and work to your fighter's strengths, you will find far more success than failure. Now, get your hands wrapped, your gloves fitted, and seize the glory that's rightfully yours in the ring!

Article by Ryan Treit