===============================================================================
Game: EA SPORTS Fight Night 2004 (PAL Version) (Playstation 2 Version)
Type: Career Walkthrough/Guide and Strategy
Update: 29/09/2004
Version: Final
Author: XNarz
E-mail:
[email protected]
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If you want to find anything in guide, then press Ctrl+F and type in what you
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This file is 79 characters wide. To get the best possible results when reading
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CONTENTS
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1. Version History
2. Introduction
3. Game Controls
3.1 Ring Side Controls
3.2 Total Punch Control
3.3 Straight/Jab
3.4 Hook
3.5 Uppercut
3.6 Diagrammatic Representation
4. Career Mode Summary
5. Select Boxer
6. Career Central
7. Scheduling Fights
8. Training Camp
9.1 Heavy Bag
9.2 Sparring
9.3 Combo Training
9.4 Target Mitts
10. Ring Side Summary
10.1 Knockdown
10.2 End of Fight
10. Ring Side Tactics
10.1 General Tips
10.2 Victory By Decision
10.3 Victory By Knockout
10.4 Power Boxers
10.5 Balanced Boxers
10.6 Speed Boxers
10.7 Final Tips
11. Unlockables
11.1 Trunks
11.2 Shoes
11.3 Gloves
11.4 Protective Gear
11.5 Entrance Effects
11.6 Entrance Music
11.7 Entourage
11.8 Signature Punches
11.9 Taunts
11.10 Tattoos
11.11 Venues
12. Cheats
13. Contact Information
14. Copyright Information
15. Acknowledgements
15.1 Contributors
===============================================================================
VERSION HISTORY
===============================================================================
Version Final: 30/6/2005
-Final Version.
-No updates since Ver0.9
-(This guide had been languishing in my PC for some time and only
recently did I realize of its existence. "Fight Night Round 2" has
since been released so this guide is basically outdated. However,
much of the controls and strategies detailed in this guide may
still be useful)
Version 0.9: 29/9/2004
-Last Update
Version 0.1: 31/7/2004
-Began Guide
===============================================================================
INTRODUCTION
===============================================================================
This guide is intended to aid you in career mode. It covers all of the main
aspects of career mode which you will come across. I have included general
advice on scheduling fights, assigning training points and strategies for
helping you win fights. As well as that, methods of unlocking the unlockables
and cheats are also included.
While this guide provides you with the necessary information, much of it is
still incomplete particularly the unlockables section. With regards to the
strategies included in this guide, I should point out that these are my
strategies, and may therefore not suit everyone. However, I believe that they
may give you a handy insight of how to best approach your next fight. There are
no shortcuts with fights-they will always require hard work in the training
camps. However, careful planning and an effective strategy can make the process
less difficult and more enjoyable. In order to become a competent boxer,
firstly you have to know the controls like the back of your hand. Secondly, you
have to get a lot of fights under your belts. And thirdly, you must learn from
your mistakes and improve. Only then, with knowledge, experience and skills
will you become a title contender.
So best wishes in your career and hope you become the next world champion! Have
fun.
===============================================================================
GAME CONTROLS
===============================================================================
Fight Night 2004 introduces a new control system. The most significant being
the introduction of the right-analog stick. Instead of using the triangle,
square, O and X buttons for punching as in previous games (Knockout Kings),
this time, the right-analog stick is used for punching. Four types of punches
are possible with the right-analog stick, mainly, jabs, straights, hooks and
uppercuts, which may be thrown from the left or right hand. Apart from these
four basic punches, there are also special punches (signature punches) and
illegal blows. The controls may need some getting used to at first, so get in
the ring for a few fights to familiarize yourself with the basics. Then, it
should be a breeze and the new controls will be truly appreciated.
Here is a rundown of the in the ring controls:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ring Side Controls
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
START- Pause Game
Left Analog Stick- Move Around Ring
Right Analog Stick- Total Punch Control
R1-Block
R1+Left Analog Stick- Block
L1-Lean*/Body Punch*/Signature Punch Modifier*/Illegal Blow Modifier
*L1+Left Analog Stick- Lean
*L1+Right Analog Stick- Body punch
*L1+R2- Signature Punch 1
R2- Signature Punch 2
Triangle/Square- Taunt
X Button- Illegal Punch
Circle- Signature Punch
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Punch Control
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Punch Control is the new punching system which uses the right analog
stick. There are four types of punches possible. These are: jabs (when the
opponent is close), straights (when the opponent is farther away), hooks, and
uppercuts.
Below are the ASCII art representations of each punch, using the right analog
stick:
(These controls are based on the default configuration, Configuration 1, with
Ringside camera, and using Player 1 Controller)
The following ASCII art representations of how to throw the punches in Fight
Night 2004 are displayed below. The diagrams consist of various components.
Basically, anyone familiar with high school mathematics will know that I'm
simply explaining a Cartesian plane. They are as follows:
There are 2 lines, one horizontal and one vertical, that intersect at right
angles to each other to form a Cartesian plane. The point at which they
intersect is called the centre of origin (This will be referred to as, the
centre). The horizontal line is the x-axis, and the vertical line is the y-
axis. The horizontal line to the right of the y-axis is the +x-axis (positive
x-axis), and the horizontal line to the left of the y-axis is the -x-axis
(negative x-axis). The vertical line above the x-axis is the +y-axis, and the
vertical line below the x-axis is the -y-axis.
The +y-axis represents your boxers left, and the -y-axis represents the right.
The +x-axis represents your boxers front, and the -x-axis the back. (N)
represents North. On these axis are (*) which represents the direction the
right analog is supposed to be moved to produce the desired punch. The centre
represents the location of the right analog stick while at rest and every punch
begins from the centre. After moving the right analog, the stick will reach its
limit which is represented by (@).
To throw a punch, place the thumb on the right analog, and move it along the
correct path.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRAIGHT/JAB
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The straight/jab is the easiest of all the punches to throw. It consists of
only 1 step, whereas the rest requires 2 steps. To perform a straight/jab, snap
forward the stick in a straight line, about 45 degrees from North, to the left
(for a straight left/left jab) or right (for a straight right/right jab).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOOK
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To throw a hook, start by snapping the stick back about 90 degrees from North
either left or right, then rotate the stick towards the opponent, with the
stick still touching the limit. The hook is quite an awkward punch to throw as
it sits between the straight/jab and uppercut. If you exceed 90 degrees, you
will throw out an uppercut instead.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UPPERCUT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To throw an uppercut, start by snapping the stick back about 135 degrees from
North, either left or right, then rotate the stick towards your opponent, with
the stick still touching the limit.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIAGRAMATIC REPRESENTATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glossary:
* - represents path of right analog stick before touching limit
@ - represents path of right analog stick while touching limit
> - represents location of opponent
N - North
S - South
E - East
W - West
Snap - To move the stick in a rapid way such that it hits the limit
Limit - refers to the point at which the right analog stick is at its
maximum distance from its centre and is touching the base of the
stick
Analog Stick Analog Stick
Analog Controller At Rest Touching Limit
_ _ _ _ _ ___ __
/ \ | /<--Analog Stick
/ O-----(O) \ | | | | /|<--Limit
|_/ |\_| |_|_| |_/_|
|
\|/
+Y-axis
(Left)
W | N
|
|
|
|
-X-axis _ _ _ _ _ _|_ _ _ _ _ _ _ +X-axis -> Opponent
(Back) | (Front)
|
|
|
|
S | E
-Y-axis
(Right)
Straight Left/Left Jab:
L
e
f
t N
|
|@
|*
|*
|*
_ _ _ _ _ _|*_ _ _ _ _ _ _> Opponent
|
|
|
|
|
|
R
i
g
h
t
Straight Right/Right Jab:
|
|
|
|
|
_ _ _ _ _ _|_ _ _ _ _ _ _> Opponent
|* * * * @
|
|
|
|
|
Left Hook:
|
@ |@
@ | @
@ | @
@ |
* |
_ _ _ _ _ _*|_ _ _ _ _ _ _> Opponent
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right Hook:
|
|
|
| @
| @
_ _ _ _ _ _|_ _ _ _ _ @_ _> Opponent
|* @
| * @
| @ @
|
|
|
Left Uppercut:
|
@ |@
@ | @
@ | @
@ |
_ _ _@_*_*_|_ _ _ _ _ _ _> Opponent
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right Uppercut:
|
|
|
| @
| @
_ _ _ _ _ _|_ _ _ @ _ _ _> Opponent
|* @
|* @
|@ @ @
|
|
|
===============================================================================
CAREER MODE SUMMARY
===============================================================================
In career mode, you start off at the bottom of the rankings and rise to the top
by powering your way up, eventually dethroning the belt holder and becoming the
new world champion. Well it's not as straight forward and boring as that. In
between, you get to fight and go shopping too.
===============================================================================
SELECT BOXER
===============================================================================
Before beginning your career, you must first create a boxer. You can either
select an existing boxer or create your own fighter. If you decide to create
your own fighter, how you customize his appearance is entirely up to you.
However, I do not know if they influence any of your boxer's abilities. For
example, I do not know whether increasing the size of your head makes it a
larger target or whether increasing your body mass and type makes you tougher.
What I do know is that increasing your height has obvious benefits against
shorter opponents. The fighting style you choose may also enhance your fighting
style.
After you have selected an existing boxer or created your own boxer, you will
be able to customize your boxer's attributes.
There are 8 attributes in total, namely, Power, Speed, Agility, Stamina, Chin,
Body, Hearts and Cuts. They will each have 30 rating points out of a total of
100 points. There will be an extra 50 points which you can add to any of these
attributes. You can only increase an attribute up to 45. How you distribute the
50 points over the 8 attributes depends on your fighting style. If you are a
slugger, increasing Power and Stamina will help. If you're more of a dancer,
increasing Speed and Agility will help. Depending on your offensive and
defensive abilities, it is important to increase the attributes that will
complement your style, as well as those that you are weak at.
Power, Stamina, and Speed are important offensive attributes. Power is the
force your punches have, Stamina determines how much energy you have, and Speed
is how quickly you throw punches. When increasing your attributes, Power
ratings should be equal to Stamina ratings. The reason behind this being that
your Stamina determines how much Power your punches have. During a fight, once
your Energy Meter decreases to less than 1/3, your punches will not have the
same force as it had when your Energy Meter was full. Therefore, it is
important to have a full Energy Meter for your Power rating to be effective. As
for Speed, it should be about the same as your Power and Stamina ratings as
well. Speed determines how fast you throw punches, so since you only land
punches if your hands are fast and not too slow to be easily telegraphed and
blocked, make sure that Speed is about the same as or near the Power rating.
The speed attributes are Speed and Agility. Agility is how quickly you move
around the ring and Speed how quickly you evade punches. Speed attributes are
especially useful if you are a dancer, that is, someone who goes for points
wins rather than KOs. Speed and Agility ratings are important for evading
punches and escaping from your opponent should you be low on health.
Offensively, they can be particularly helpful for point scoring tactics: This
is where you circle your opponent, then go in to land a few punches before
moving out again.
The defensive attributes are Speed, Chin, Body, Heart and Cuts. Speed is
helpful for evading punches; Chin is how well a boxer handles punches to the
head; Body is how well a boxer handles punches to the body; Heart is the
ability to regain health and get up from a knockdown; Cuts is how easily a
boxer bleeds, swells or bruises. Of all the attributes, Cuts seems to be the
least important. This is because your boxer is rarely affected by bruises,
bleedings or swellings. In all my 150+ fights, at no time did I ever lose a
fight by TKO due to heavy bleeding, nor did my boxer seem affected by cuts. I
believe Cuts is primarily for cosmetic purposes, but if anyone knows otherwise,
let me know. Speed is once again an important defensive rating. It is important
for leaning away from punches, and since it's an important rating overall, it
should be one of your higher ratings. Chin, Body and Heart ratings are
important for your health. A high Chin and Body rating means your Health Meter
decreases by less when you take a hit to the head or body respectively. Both of
these ratings should be the same, but if you're lazy with blocking, increase
your Chin rating more than your Body rating, since head punches generally do
more damage. For your heart rating, it should be about the same as your Chin.
Heart rating determines how quickly your boxer's Health Meter regains health,
and how many times you can get knock down before it's KO.
My personal method is as follows:
Power: 41
Speed: 41
Agility: 35
Stamina: 35
Chin: 40
Body: 35
Heart: 33
Cuts: 30
When you are done, continue to the next screen: Career Central.
===============================================================================
CAREER CENTRAL
===============================================================================
After selecting or creating a fighter, you're ready to begin your fighting
career. Your future begins at the Career Central Screen.
At the Career Central Screen, you will be able to see your rank, the date and
how much cash you have in the bank. As well as that, you will have the
following options. From top to bottom, they are:
Fight: Begin the next fight on schedule
Training Camp: Train for the next fight
Schedule Fight: Schedule Fight
Rankings: View Rankings
Fight Store: Access the fight store
Trophy Case: Check out your trophy case
Options: Select fight options
At first, Fight and Training Camp will not be lit up. You will have to schedule
a fight first.
===============================================================================
SCHEDULING FIGHTS
===============================================================================
Manage your career by choosing and scheduling fights. Depending on your win-
loss record and ranking, you can choose from a variety of opponents. There are
at least a minimum of 2 events to choose from, so use the L1 and R1 buttons to
cycle between the events. Pick you opponents wisely by checking out potential
match-ups, because who you fight affects your chance to win a title. At each
event, you will be able to see your opponents name, ranking, and purse money.
Before selecting your next opponent, view their stats first. If their stats are
higher than yours, you will have a tougher fight. If you are just starting out,
select an opponent who has lower stats. As a general rule of thumb, avoid
fighting boxers with higher stats, unless you are fighting on easy difficulty,
or are very experienced. Apart from stats, the other 2 important factors are
ranking and prize-money. It is important to note that a higher ranked opponent
does not necessarily mean a bigger prize-money. If you want to climb the
rankings, fight someone ranked above you. If you want more cash to spend at the
fight store, fight someone with the bigger prize-money. However, the higher
your ranking, the bigger the prize-money you will be able to fight for. Also,
the higher your ranking, the tougher your opponents are. So you have to choose
your opponents carefully. I will say this, if you have just started career
mode, fight someone with lower stats than you. A few of your opponents above
you may have lower stats, so you may be able to climb the rankings. For prize-
money, don't worry about it too much. When you get up the rankings, you'll have
as much money as you want to spend. When you have selected the opponent you
wish to fight, go to training.
===============================================================================
TRAINING CAMP
===============================================================================
Once you schedule a fight, you have the opportunity to improve your ratings in
Training Camp. Pounding the Heavy Bags increases power and speed. Sparring
improves stamina and agility. Attacking the Combo Dummy increases your chin and
body ratings. Hitting the Target Mitts improves your heart and cuts. You will
have 90 seconds to complete the objectives to get the full 15 points to
distribute over your boxer's attributes.
The training modes may seem difficult at first, but after a year or two, you
should be able to complete the objective. If you complete the objective, you
get 15 points to add to your attributes. The points you need to score to
complete the objectives increases each year, so aim to get the max 15 points
early on.
Initially, there will be 4 fights per year. As you move up the rankings, it
will decrease to 3 fights per year. Once you reach the top 10, you will only
have 2 fights a year.
Regarding my strategies and tips on assigning training points, bear in mind
that they are only tips. They do not necessarily have to be followed. If you
have been able to get by fine, then "there ain't no need to change what ain't
broke". However, I think they may help in some way and provide an efficient
method of improving your boxer's ratings and prepare him well for the fight.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Bag
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description:
Hit the heavy bag and make it swing from side to side. The further the bag
swings after each punch the more points your score. Keep the bag swinging in
the max swing range to receive 2x, 3x and 4x bonus scores.
Hints:
-Don't just throw punches. Use rhythm and timing to make the bag swing higher.
-When the bag is moving left, hit it with right hand punches. When the bag is
moving right, hit it with left hand punches.
Objective:
Score X0 000 points and increase your POWER and SPEED ratings.
Strategy:
The Heavy Bag is quite simple to get used to after a few tries. It requires
rhythm and timing of your punches. The key is to get the bag to swing from side
to side at its max swing range. Whatever you do, don't throw any other punches
except hooks and/or uppercuts.
Begin with a left uppercut to swing the bag right. When it swings back to you,
throw a right uppercut just before it reaches the centre. If you hit it right,
you will add momentum to the bag causing it to swing higher to the left. As it
swings back to you, hit it with a left uppercut just before it reaches centre,
to add even more momentum to the swing. By this time, the bag should be
swinging at its max swing range. When it is swinging at its max swing range,
keep hitting the bag with alternating uppercuts (I prefer uppercuts to hooks,
but some find hooks easier) to keep it within the max swing range. When the bag
is swinging at its max swing range, you will get up to 4x bonuses to your
score. At 1x, the points will be yellow in colour. As you get 2x and 3x
bonuses, the score will be orange. When you get 4x multiplier, the points will
be red. Use this to your advantage. Don't look at the points, but concentrate
on your timing. You'll know how much bonuses you are getting by their colour as
the points flash on screen. If you should happen to miss a punch, don't panic
and throw another punch as quickly as possible to make up for that miss.
Instead, let the bag swing its arc and then return to the centre. Then throw
another uppercut just before it reaches centre. The points multipliers may go
back to 1x, but it should return to 4x once the bag is swinging at its max
range again. If you mess up, and the bag comes to a standstill, don't panic.
Let the bag come to a rest, then start over again. You should easily score 10
000-20 000 points once you get used to it.
I will use ASCII diagrams for visual purposes.
Example: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _<--Max Swing Range
/|
/ |
_ _/ |
/ \ |
/ \ |<--Centre
/ / |
Heavy Bag-->/ / |
/ / |
/ / |
/ / |
/ / |
Direction of \ / |
momentum of bag \_ _/
-->
*Punch the bag with a left uppercut at this moment, just before it reaches the
centre, when it is swinging towards the centre from the left.
Assigning Points:
When assigning the training points, distribute the points evenly. So for
example, if you get 15 points, assign 8 to Power, and 7 to Speed. Then assign 8
to Speed and 7 to Power next time round. The reason for this is that by having
these two ratings equal, your boxer would be much more balanced. If a boxer had
high Power but low Speed, then he would throw punches much slower and
therefore, lesser. Even though your punches may have power, your opponent will
be able to block them since they are easily telegraphed. The punches that do
land will do a fair bit of damage, but if your Speed rating is low, you won't
be able to throw out as many punches quickly, which means, a boxer may have
time to block, and you won't throw as many punches overall. On the other hand,
if a boxer has high Speed but low Power, then the disadvantages will be the
inverse. You might be able to throw more punches, even land more punches
overall, but your punches will lack power, and therefore, it will be harder to
severely hurt your opponent and get a knockdown. Your fights may be difficult
too, if your opponent has high Chin, Body and Heart ratings. It will be harder
to hurt your opponent, and he will not tire out as quickly, so he will be a
threat every round. You may be able to win on points, but where is the glory?
And how long will it last? When assigning points, assign 50% to Power and 50%
to Speed. For example, if you get 15 points, assign 8 points to Power and 7
points to Speed. Then assign 8 to Speed and 7 to Power next time round.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sparring
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description:
Out-box the sparring partner by using your leaning, blocking, and punching
skills. Blocking and avoiding your opponents punches will score more points
than simply hitting him.
Hints:
-Try to block or lean away from the sparring partners punches.
-Hit him back with counterpunches and combinations
Objective:
Score X0,000 points and increase your STAMINA and AGILITY ratings.
Strategy:
Sparring is an excellent training for real fight scenarios. You get to spar
with another boxer who exhibits similar traits of your future opponents. Early
in your career, the sessions will be a walkover as your sparring partner will
rarely throw out punches. However, later on, the sparring partner will be more
aggressive and will be a lot smarter as well. During a sparring session, your
boxer will be in the ring with a sparring partner. Both of you will be wearing
head-guards, and your aim is to land punches as well as prevent him from
punching you. You will have 90 seconds to rack up enough points. Before you
begin training, ensure that your thumb is fit and rearing to go. You will have
to throw over 100 punches to get a score of 40,000+. Don't worry though, in the
beginning, you only have to score 10,000 to complete the objective. The easiest
and most effective method of getting high scores is to throw multiple jabs to
the head or body. Land your jabs in quick succession and get a combination
bonus. For every punch that connects, you get 250 points. Every punch that your
partner lands will decrease your total score by 100 points. So don't fret if
you get hit a couple of times. Just make sure that you land more punches than
he does. Blocking and leaning away from his punches also gets you points, but
this isn't recommended since you have to wait for him to throw punches and this
may use up time that you could have gained more points by simply punching him.
Leaning away is a better option than putting your hands up to block, especially
later on in your career when your partner becomes more aggressive. So what is
my strategy? The most simplest, effective and efficient but thumb-tiring method
is as follows: When the bell rings, move straight towards your partner and
unleash a barrage of jabs to the head or body depending on where he is
blocking. Don't worry about weaving or ducking from his punches. Hitting him
with successive jabs/straights is far more effective than trying to gain extra
points from avoiding/blocking his punches. Keep tapping out multiple
jabs/straights for the entire 90 seconds and you could have as much as 40 000+
points by the end. If he throws punches, forget about blocking or leaning away
from them. If he tries to move away follow him. Do not let him run away. You
cannot punch what you cannot reach. You are the predator, he is your prey.
Basically, NO MERCY! Simple isn't it. Just one thing to note: The strategy that
you use here might be regarded as "analog-stick mashing". While "analog-stick
mashing" might be extremely effective for this scenario, it is NOT recommended
during an actual fight. In this scenario, your boxer hardly gets tired from
throwing 5 punches per second. During an actual fight, your boxer will most
definitely get tired. And you must defend yourself from your opponent's
punches.
Assigning Points:
When assigning points try to have your Stamina rating equal to your Power
rating. For example, if your Power rating is 50, and your Stamina rating is 40,
and you got 15 points in training, assign 10 points to Stamina and 5 points to
Agility. Whatever you do though, do not leave off assigning any points to
Agility if your Stamina rating is not equal Power. To have a balanced fighter,
assign 67% of training points to Stamina and 33% to Agility. For example, if
you get 15 points, assign 10 points to Stamina and 5 points to Agility.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Combo Training
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description:
Follow the combinations displayed on the combo dummy by hitting the different
areas in the right order. As the combinations get longer the score for each
punch increases.
Hints:
-Left punches hit the right side of the dummy and right punches hit the left
side of the dummy.
-Straight punches are the fastest punches to throw.
-Hold L1 to throw punches to the combo dummy's body.
Objective:
Score X0,000 points and increase your CHIN and BODY ratings.
Strategy:
Combo training is very easy-if you have an excellent memory. Basically, there
are 4 targets on the combo dummy: Left head, Right head, Left Body, Right body.
To punch a Left head target, throw a left jab. To throw a left body target,
throw a left jab to the body. The same applies for the rest of the targets. You
start off with one target. Then it increases to two, then three, then four,
five and so on. As the combinations get longer, the points get bigger.
Sometimes the combinations are easy to remember, other times the combinations
are varied. Throw jabs ONLY and know what punches to throw for each target.
Apart from that, success in this training largely depends on your memorizing
abilities. If you happen to throw the punches in the wrong order, the
combinations will revert back to one. Then you will have to start over again.
Try not to mess up more than once if you want to score 30,000+ points.
Assigning Points:
When assigning points, aim to have each rating relatively equal. However, if
you get hit a lot, assign 67% of training points to Chin, and 33% to Body. For
example, if you get 15 points, assign 10 to Chin and 5 to Body.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Target Mitts
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description:
Hit the trainer's target with the correct punch as fast as you can. The faster
you are the more points you score. Listen to the trainers instructions to learn
what punches to throw.
Hints:
-Left handed punches hit targets the trainer holds with his left hand.
-Right handed punches hit targets the trainer holds with his right hand.
Objective:
Score X0,000 points and increase your HEART and CUTS ratings.
Strategy:
Target Mitts may be the most difficult of all training modes. This is not
because it's particularly hard, but rather, it requires accurate reflex
actions. You will have your trainer wearing the target mitts, and he will shout
out what punches to throw at his mitts. There is a set time for you to throw
the punch and you cannot throw any other punch other than the correct one. If
you throw out the correct punch right after the trainer tells you to, you get
1500 points. The more time you take before throwing a punch, the less points
you will get. The key here is to listen to your trainer when he tells you what
punch to throw. You only have half a second to react if you want the 1500
points. Wait for longer than 3 seconds, or throw the wrong punch, and you will
get zero, and your trainer will tell you to throw another punch. This is quite
similar to combo training except that there is a time limit and there are more
targets. So if you had trouble with it, you'll have trouble with this. Get to
know the controller well so that you are able to throw out the correct punch
instantly. Punches include all the available punches so make sure you know how
to throw them all.
Assigning Points:
When assigning points, Assign 100% of points to Heart. When your Heart rating
is maxed, then use your points on Cuts. As I've said earlier, Cuts do not seem
to have any effect on your boxer so there's no point in increasing them at your
Heart rating's expense.
===============================================================================
RING SIDE SUMMARY
===============================================================================
Once the intros are over, the bell will ring and you will have to fight.
Protect yourself and land a couple of punches (Strategies may be found in the
Strategy Section of this guide). When the round ends, Tigger (the announcer)
will comment on who won that particular round. Listen carefully as there is no
other sure way of knowing if you won that round or not. Your corner-man will
say a few things and then it will be back in the ring.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Knockdown
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When a fighter gets knocked down, the referee begins the 10 count. To pick
yourself up from the canvas you must clear your vision by aligning the referee
images into one clear image. The left analog stick and right analog stick each
control one image. A third image remains stationary in the middle of the
screen, as you move the left and right analog sticks to line up all the images
in the centre.
To get up from a knockdown, focus on the EA logo on the refs' shirt when
attempting to align the images. When an image is aligned correctly, the analog
button at the bottom left or right of the screen will turn from yellow to
green. The more you get knocked down, the harder it is to get back up because
the referee images become harder and slower to move.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of Fight
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A bout may end in 5 ways, by KO, TKO, Disqualification, Decision or by Forfeit.
A KO occurs when a boxer gets knocked down and is unable to get up from the 10
count.
A TKO occurs when a boxer gets knocked down 3 times in a round.
A Disqualification occurs when a boxer repetitiously throws illegal punches.
Watch out for the low blows and other cheap shots. If caught, you'll get away
with a warning the first time and then penalized one point off your score in
the round for each following infraction that is caught by the ref. Rack up too
many penalties and he'll disqualify you.
If the fight goes the distance, the judges tally the final scores and the
winner is announced. You win by unanimous decision if all 3 judges have you
ahead in their scorecards. If only 2 judges have you ahead, you win by split
decision. However, if all 3 judges have each boxer equal, or if one judge has
each boxer tied and the other two judges have each boxer ahead, then the fight
is declared a draw.
A boxer loses by forfeit if he throws in the towel. Note that only a player-
controlled boxer can throw in the towel and not the CPU. Throwing in the towel
is considered unsportsmanlike-like in the game, unlike in a real boxing match,
where this is used when a boxer is bleeding heavily and his health is in
danger. It is recommended that you do not forfeit fights, even if you are
losing, as you gain experience and may improve to be a better boxer by learning
from your mistakes.
===============================================================================
RING SIDE TACTICS
===============================================================================
This section consists of strategies to employ while boxing in the ring. Success
depends largely on your boxer's stats but smart tactics will ensure victory. It
would be preferred if your boxer's stats a greater than or equal to your
opponents but whatever the case, victory is always possible. That is, provided
the right strategy is used. However, the outcome of victory may vary.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Tips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Know the controls like the back of your hand. Especially the two Analog
Sticks, the L1 and R1 buttons and the signature punches. These are the
buttons that you primarily use. Also, make sure you know how to get yourself
up from a knockdown. You never know what can happen, even if you're a pro.
- Do not button-mash. Punching wildly won't get you anywhere. Your opponent
will block your punches and worse, your Energy Meter will deplete rapidly.
This will result in two things; your punches will lack power, and you will
move much slower. The night will be a long one and you will have just made
your fight more difficult.
- Make full use of the ring. If you're getting beat up or need to recuperate,
move away from your opponent. Better safe than flat on the canvas.
- Make use of your opportunities. The key to be an efficient boxer is to
utilize your punches at the right time. Look for an opening. When your
opponents hands are down, let out a hook or uppercut. If your opponent is
being defensive and starts hiding his face, go down below. If he decides to
block below, go upstairs.
- Counter-punch. Counter-punching is one of the most effective ways of
seriously depleting your opponents health, as well as being a mighty ego
booster *BOO YEAH!*. Wait for your opponent's punch, then lean back to avoid
it and unleash a hook or uppercut to the head. A successful counter-punch
will leave your opponent stumbling across the canvas.
- Vary your punches. Don't keep churning out the same punches. Your opponent
will eventually latch onto your pattern and start blocking them. Vary your
punches. Land some punches on the hand and some to the body. And don't throw
the same punches over and over again. Mix them up a bit. You didn't do combo
dummy for nothing.
- Don't just stand there. There's no use throwing a hundred punches if you're
going to get hit two hundred times. Keep your hands up as a successful parry
will open up a world of opportunities for hooks and uppercuts. However, I
recommend leaning and weaving as being far easier.
- Your opponent's most dangerous when he's up against the wall. When you're
beating your opponent to crap, and the hall goes silent and you can hear his
heart beating, you know he's ready to bite the dust. It's at this stage when
you will start throwing out multiple punches eager for that knockdown. But be
warned, this is when he is most careful. He will start covering up and even
let out some damaging punches of his own. Whatever you do, keep your calm. If
he's blocking his head, unleash some hooks or uppercuts to the body. If your
Energy Meter is low, let it fill up again so your punches will be more
effective. This might mean the difference between ten punches and a single
punch. Be especially cautious if your Health Meter is low as it could be you
on the floor.
- Use signature punches wisely. Signature punches do a fair bit of damage on
their own and so should be utilized to its full potential. Be warned however
that throwing multiple signature punches will seriously deplete your Energy
Meter. Another thing about signature punches is that they can be easily
blocked, so the chances of landing a successful punch is quite slim. For me,
the best time to use signature punches is when it's late in the rounds, your
Energy Meter is really low and you're going for the knockout. At this stage,
you'll only be able to throw a few punches before your hands get tired, so
signature punches will come real handy. Of the 10 signature punches
available, I use the Overhand Rear and the Ducking Hook, but I've only
unlocked 7 so I can't honestly say which one is the best. When you throw out
a signature punch, some of them might get blocked but some of them will land.
You can start throwing your normal punches when your opponents ready to go
down, but it could be difficult to knock out a Speed boxer.
- Know thy enemy. In Fight Night, there are three different types of boxers.
They are Power, Balanced and Speed boxers. You will know this from the
stances they portray as well as their movement in the ring. Each possess
different skills so different tactics are required to defeat them. This will
be further discussed below.
- Adapt. When playing against another player, be sure to study their movements
and tactics. Try to find their weaknesses and strengths and exploit them. You
are not playing against the computer so you won't be able to churn out the
same punches over and over again. Get yourself up ahead on points before
attempting to knock them out.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victory by Decision
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This brief section will cover strategies for winning bouts on points rather
than knockout or simply to win a round. This is especially useful when fighting
against Speed boxers, your health is low and behind on points or you have low
power stats.
The key to winning bouts on points is to take each round at a time. As the
saying goes, "look after the pennies and the pounds will look after
themselves". The first thing you'll realize is that you'll have to be extremely
patient, especially if the fight is long. The next thing is to expect a lot of
boos from the crowd (yeah, the crowd won't take kindly to your tactics).
Basically, the strategy is simple, you circle your opponent, move in and land a
few punches, then move out and repeat. When fighting against a power or
balanced boxer, your opponent will be more aggressive, which could actually be
a good thing. There will be numerous opportunities for counter-punches and even
a knockdown. But for simply point scoring, just let him come to you. Avoid his
punches by leaning and weaving, then score some punches. When you feel that
you've landed enough, move out. You must exercise discipline. Move out when
you're ahead. If he follows you, just keep running around the ring. If you know
you've landed more punches than he has, you can run around for the next 2
minutes or so.
For a speed boxer, you have to do a bit more work just to score a few punches.
This time, it will be you who has to chase him. When you get close to him let
out a quick jab then lean back quickly. There's a high possibility of him
counter-punching. When the coast is clear, move out. Repeat as often until
you've landed enough to win that round and then just run for the remaining
minutes. Be always on your guard as speed boxers are the king of point scoring
tactics. I've found a way of attracting a speed boxer towards you. Basically,
you have to do the shutout. Hold down the R1 button and rotate the right analog
stick (you can also hold down the R1 button and tap left on the right analog).
This should cause the boxer to come toward you, and you'll have an opportunity
to counter-punch. Bear in mind that I can't guarantee this will work every time
though. And whatever you do don't forget to lean.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Victory By Knockout
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section will cover strategies for winning bouts by knockout, which to me,
is the ultimate show of strength. Winning a fight on points is as low as losing
a fight, at least to me anyway. That's why I hate fighting against speed
boxers. Anyone who's fought against speed boxers like Ali or Sugar Ray will
know exactly what I mean and how difficult it is to knock them out. If your
stats are low, you'll have an extremely difficult time trying to deplete their
health especially against speed boxers with higher stats. Overtime, you'll
learn to appreciate them and start to understand the amount of intensity that
is involved, not (just kidding). Well I haven't talked much about power and
balanced boxers have I. That's because they are the knockout dummies. Yeah, you
can knock them out in 3 rounds or less, yawn.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Power Boxers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traits: Rarely moves around the ring and will willingly trade shots with
you.
Strengths: Throws mostly hooks and uppercuts.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counter-punches.
Strategy: Power boxers throw a lot of punches so the first thing you should
do is avoid them. Since he throws a lot of punches, there will be many
opportunities for counter-punches. Lean back whenever you are close to him to
avoid his punches and then counter with a hook or uppercut. Keep doing this
until he stops throwing punches. Then move out taking care not to allow him an
easy shot. When he starts moving towards you again, lean back to avoid his
punches then counter. Keep repeating this strategy throughout the round. When
he's about to go down, he'll start putting his hands up and may even run away.
Follow him around and try to corner him. If you can't do that, then throw out a
jab. He might block it but this should make him stop moving for a second. Then
throw some punches to the body or head depending on where he's blocking.
Really, this shouldn't be too difficult.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balanced Boxers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traits: A bit more agile than power boxers but still exhibits the same
style.
Strengths: Throws a lot of punches and moves around a bit.
Weaknesses: Vulnerable to counter-punches.
Strategy: The same strategy for power boxers applies here. Just bear in mind
that this boxer will move around a lot more and be a bit smarter with his
punches.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Speed Boxers
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Traits: Moves around the ring a lot and rarely throws punches.
Strengths: Difficult to hit. Moves around quickly.
Weaknesses: Rarely attacks.
Strategy: Speed boxers can be frustratingly difficult to knockout. This
is especially true in Career Mode where some of the boxers will have maxed out
stats. If you're planning on retiring with a 100% knockout record, speed boxers
will most likely screw that record up. Just remember that you're not alone. Now
for the strategy. The most crucial aspect of knocking out a speed boxer is to
be patient. That may mean waiting until the last 4 rounds before attempting to
knock him out. For the first 10 rounds or so, the best thing you can do is to
save your stamina while decreasing your opponent's health. This requires
discipline and skill. Compared to the power and balanced boxers, you will be
the one who has to do the work if you want that KO. All that the speed boxer
will do is dance around the ring rarely throwing out a punch. What ever you do,
don't waste your stamina on jabs. Throw a couple of jabs if you feel that
you're losing the round but don't over do it. A simple way of attracting a
speed boxer towards you which I've found is to hold the R1 button and tap or
rotate the right analog stick. Although I can't guarantee that this will work
all the time, especially when your opponent is low on health, I can say that it
is effective. Once you're close to your opponent, lean back and throw punches
or counter-punches when there's an opening. He may block them or parry so be
smart and don't punch if he's blocking. Go for the body if he's blocking his
head, and when he blocks his body, go for the head. Keep in mind that you won't
seriously deplete your opponent's health, so don't get overconfident. By the
10th round, if you've been boxing smartly and winning each round, his Health
Meter should be low enough. Hopefully, your Energy Meter will be at least half-
filled. If it's low, you'll have a difficult time trying to knock him out, but
if you're way ahead on points, there's no harm trying. When you feel it's time
to knock him out, start hunting him down. Move in and throw out a jab to make
him stop and block. Then throw a hook or uppercut at where he's not blocking.
Try doing a feint, that is, to throw a hook or uppercut but not finishing the
move. This should cause your opponent to cover up. When he puts his hand down
again, let out a quick hook or uppercut. When he's about to go down, do
everything you can to knock him out, be it a flurry of punches or some damaging
signature punches. This might be the difference between a KO and a Decision.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final Tips
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, that wraps things up. The best advice I can give you is to get some
fights under your belt and gain some experience. The more fights you get, the
more experience you gain and the better you'll become.
===============================================================================
AWARDS
===============================================================================
At the end of every year, trophies are awarded for various performances. Do
well, and you might just get one yourself. The Trophy Case is where you can
view all your year-end awards and see the championship belts you've won. The
awards are:
Award: Fighter of The Year
Details: Best Record of The Year
Award: Fight of The Year
Details: Most Punches In A Fight
Award: Newcomer of The Year
Details: Best Newcomer Of The Year
Award: Untouchable Award
Details: Least Hit Of The Year
Award: Hands Of Stone Award
Details: Best KO Rating Of The Year
===============================================================================
UNLOCKABLES
===============================================================================
In Fight Night, there are a number of items that can be unlocked. You can only
unlock these items during Career mode. These include items that can be
purchased from the Fight Store, and the venue that you can fight in. I do not
know of any other boxers apart from Big Tigger that can be unlocked or if there
are any female boxers in the game. Below is a list of what can be unlocked and
how they can be unlocked. Items may be unlocked due to your EA Sports Bio
level, but I am not sure.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TRUNKS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The trunks become available as you progress through your career. However, for
some of the trunks, you have to fight certain boxers.
Trunk: Assassin
Unlock: Defeat Marco Antonio Barrera
Trunk: El Terrible
Unlock: Defeat Eric Morales
Trunk: Thunder
Unlock: Defeat Arturo Gatti
Trunk: Irish
Unlock: Defeat Micky Ward
Trunk: Tito
Unlock: Defeat Felix Trinidad
Trunk: Hands Of Stone
Unlock: Defeat Robert Duran
Trunk: Sugar I
Unlock: Defeat Ray Robinson
Trunk: Sugar II
Unlock: Defeat Ray Leonard
Trunk: Sugar III
Unlock: Defeat Shane Mosley
Trunk: Smokin'
Unlock: Defeat Joe Frazier
Trunk: Lion
Unlock: Defeat Lennox Lewis
Trunk: Lights Out
Unlock: Defeat James Toney
Trunk: Executioner
Unlock: Defeat Bernard Hopkins
Trunk: Warrior
Unlock: Defeat Evander Holyfield
Trunk: Undisputed
Unlock: Defeat Roy Jones Jr
Trunk: Greatest
Unlock: Defeat Muhammad Ali
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHOES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The shoes become available as you progress through your career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOVES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The gloves become available as you progress through your career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROTECTIVE GEAR
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Protective Gears become available as you progress through your career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTRANCE EFFECTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unlock the Entrance Effects, you will have to fight in certain venues.
All the Entrance Effects and how to unlock them are listed below:
Effect: Confetti
Unlock: ???
Effect: Spark Cannons
Unlock: Fight in The Grand Ballroom
Effect: Fireballs
Unlock: Fight in Bangkok Palace
Effect: Doves
Unlock: Fight in Westerholtz Arena
Effect: Lasers
Unlock: Fight in Staples Centre
Effect: Fireworks
Unlock: Fight in Caesars Palace
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTRANCE MUSIC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Entrance Music becomes available as you progress through your career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENTOURAGE
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Entourage can be unlocked as you progress through your career. I am not
certain of what you have to do specifically to unlock them though.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE PUNCHES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Signature Punches can be unlocked as you progress through your career. Some
of them have to be unlocked by fighting other boxers.
[Note: Some information was obtained from GameFAQs. They have been attributed
to these contributors: Baron Scot, LuDaChRiS, Dragon King 187.]
Punch: Overhand Rear
Unlock: N/A
Punch: Weaving Hook
Unlock: N/A
Punch: Lunging Hook
Unlock: Defeat Evander Holyfield
Punch: Ducking Hook
Unlock: Defeat Muhammad Ali
Punch: Look Ma No Hands
Unlock: ???
Punch: The Homerun
Unlock: Defeat Antonio Tarver in Lightheavyweight
Punch: The Sledgehammer
Unlock: Defeat Sonny Liston in Heavyweight
Punch: Bolo Punch
Unlock: Defeat Sugar Ray Leonard
Punch: Lunging Uppercut
Unlock: Defeat Sugar Shane Mosely
Punch: Watch The Birdie
Unlock: Defeat Bernard Hopkins
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAUNTS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of the Taunts can be unlocked as you progress through your career. To
unlock the rest, you have to defeat other boxers.
[Note: Some information was obtained from GameFAQs. They have been attributed
to these contributors: Baron Scot, LuDaChRiS, Dragon King 187.]
Taunt: Chin Out
Unlock: N/A
Taunt: Tap Jaw
Unlock: N/A
Taunt: Victory Dance
Unlock: ???
Taunt: Smash Gloves
Unlock: ???
Taunt: Lock And Load
Unlock: ???
Taunt: Shake Head
Unlock: Defeat Ricardo Mayorga in Welterweight
Taunt: Beat Chest
Unlock: Defeat Rafael Marquez in Featherweight
Taunt: Wave In
Unlock: ???
Taunt: Shine The Glove
Unlock: ???
Taunt: Boogie Down
Unlock: ???
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TATTOOS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All of the Tattoos can be unlocked as you progress through your career.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VENUES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To unlock the venues, you will have to fight in them. So for example, if there
are two events to choose from: X and Y, and each event takes place in
Westerholtz Arena and Staples Center respectively, to unlock Westerholtz Arena,
you will have to select event X, or event Y to unlock Staples Centre. I do not
know if you have to win the fight to unlock it though.
The total venues in the game are:
Venue: The Apollo Gym
Unlock: N/A
Venue: Victory Hall
Unlock: Fight in Victory Hall
Venue: The Viceroy
Unlock: N/A
Venue: Bangkok Palace
Unlock: Fight in Bangkok Palace
Venue: The Grand Ballroom
Unlock: Fight in The Grand Ballroom
Venue: Caesars Palace
Unlock: N/A
Venue: Staples Center
Unlock: Fight in Staples Center
Venue: Westerholtz Arena
Unlock: Fight in Westerholtz Arena
===============================================================================
CHEATS
===============================================================================
[Note: These cheats were obtained from GameFAQs. They have been attributed to
the following contributors: Tibby Kid, dipcope247, arkaine33.]
Effect: Unlock all venues
Cheat: At the main menu press Left, Left, Left, Right, Right, Right, Left,
Right, Right
Effect: Big Heads
Cheat: At the main menu press Left, Right, Left, Right, Left, Right
Effect: Unlock Big Tigger
Cheat: At the Main Menu, select My Corner, Record Book, Most Wins-Boxer,
then press Up twice
Effect: Small Fighter
Cheat: At the main menu, highlight "Play Now" then press Left, Right,
Left, Right, Left
===============================================================================
CONTACT INFORMATION
===============================================================================
Should you wish to contact the author, the e-mail address is
[
[email protected]]. Please indicate the subject as [Fight Night].
Below are a few Do's and Don'ts when sending an e-mail:
-DO send any comments regarding this guide.
-DO send questions which confer to this guide.
-DO send alternative strategies. If you do, indicate who to credit as the
author.
-DO send tips on how to make this guide better and easier to read, or mistakes
that I have made.
-DON'T send spam, virus, or any other malicious e-mails of any sort.
===============================================================================
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
===============================================================================
This document is copyright 2004 XNarz.
This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal,
private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed
publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web
site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation
of copyright.
All trademarks and copyrights contained in this document are owned by their
respective trademark and copyright holders.
This file may be hosted on the following site ONLY:
GameFAQs [www.gamefaqs.com]
===============================================================================
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
===============================================================================
My deepest thanks to:
- Sony, for the Playstation 2, currently the greatest entertainment console on
which this wonderful game was played.
- Game developers and publishers of Fight Night 2004, for creating the best,
most authentic boxing game on the market.
- GameFAQs, for hosting this guide and for being the universal centre for
gaming help.
- Contributors to GameFAQs, where would we be without you.
- And to you, for playing this wonderful game and taking the time to read this
guide.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTRIBUTORS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(All those mentioned here have contributed information directly or indirectly
to this guide)
- Electronic Arts, for the information contained in the game manual and of
which parts were used in this guide.
- GameFAQs, for information on cheats and unlockables section.
