EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 PS3 Review.

If you've been following the evolution of the PlayStation 3, then you'll probably remember the Fight Night Round 3 demo that EA producer Kudo Tsunoda gave at Sony's press conference in May 2005. In it, the enthusiastic spokesman raved about how the added power of the next-generation system would enable the series to benefit from realistic physics and facial expressions -- capturing the emotion and drama of boxing like its predecessors never had. Of course, those of us that played the Xbox 360 game earlier this year know that, while it's still very good, Round 3 isn't what was promised almost two years ago. The new PS3 edition isn't either.

But enough of what the game could have been, let's talk about what it is... and that's a pretty damn good boxing title. After all, EA Sports Fight Night Round 3 on the PlayStation 3 is nearly identical to its 360 counterpart. Ported over by the team at EA Canada, it looks and feels like the same code we threw punches at in February... with a couple of slight enhancements.

[NextGen24Gamer]

I remember Sony ONLY fans...(not true gamers) talking about how this is one of the games that will be better on the ps3. I told them that all the previews are hyped up with the purpose to garner attention....I told them that the reality of the matter is the 360 is better for games. But they wouldn't listen...but review after review...game after game....the facts keep coming out and they still jump to sony's defense. When will they admitt that sony has made some bad decisions this time around with the ps3. Its not optimal for games as is the cheaper xbox 360. And here is another of many example of the 360's next gen power. This is a game that came out almost a year ago for the 360....a game that has been in developement for the ps3 for a long long time. they showed video of it at E3 2005 for the ps3. And once again...Bad slow down....ect....The ps3 is a numbers cruncher for sure...but it can't run games that the 360 can....Here are some quotes from the 360 review and the ps3 review....

360 review quote
"9.5 Graphics
The most gorgeous models ever seen on a console. Visual emotion actually improves gameplay. Face-rippling replays will give you chills and/or black eyes. "

Now here is a quote from the ps3 review....

"8.5 Graphics
Excellent polygonal models, facial and body textures, and a solid physics system helps Fight Night stand out in the crowd. The better lighting and sweat is nice too, but moderate slowdown isn't. "

What excuses will DJ and other sony extremist come up with now? Keep in minde....this is one of the games they were sure to be better than the 360 version. I mean, I even assumed it might be due to the extra time they have had with the ps3 version...with the added "new" features. But nope. Once again...the 360 version remains the best version. This is a trend I expect to continue through the life cyle of both consoles. And as far as first party games go....Sony can forget about matching the graphical fidelity of Gears of War, Halo 3, or Bio Shock. WOW. Thanks Microsoft.

[FirstknighT]

Wow, even I thought for sure this game would probably look better on a ps3. The ps3 sure has a lot of problems with slow down. Hey Topgamer, ur still trying to debate with these fools? You know ur just going to hear excuse after excuse, complain after complain, whine after whine. The ps3 was a mistake...its a mess...just look at all the news....all the problems. Its over! Dont even waste your breath on these kids.

[PS360WII]

I have no excuss for you but I'd like to point one thing out for you.
"I remember Sony ONLY fans...(not true gamers)" now that's how you started your rant. Now see if I change just one word it'll read: "I remember Xbox ONLY fans...(not true gamers)" See that's where you fit in. So what is a true gamer anyways? One who plays games or one who plays games you like?

[shikwan]

tend to point to insufficient memory problems. Something that can't be fixed with an update to the PS3's firmware.

[Xtrm L1481L1TY]

I've been saying this since E3 2005.

[astroboy2k5]

First of all, i could care less witch game is better or system for that matter. However, the article contradicts itself a little.
The Closing Comments:
It isn't a huge leap over the 360 version released ten months ago either.
So i guess they imply that its a little bit better but, yet it recieves a lower score then the xbox. Maybe the expectations where higher because developers had more time with it. Regardless it shouldnt be judged differently for that reason.

[Xtrm L1481L1TY]

You've all heard that one before. LOL

Either way, the PS3 suffers heavily and is in fact choking to death on games that run smoothly on Xbox 360 versions.

[PS360PCROCKS]

Astro, they said it's not a huge leap, as in they added some lighting and more realistic sweat, but the game in replay of big hits is choppy and slows down which makes the graphics look bad. and yes their is an excuse for 10 more months of development time, this game has been made on the 360 and than they had 10 MONTHS polishing and doing everything else, if the best they can do in 10 months is add some sweat and lighting, than that's a problem, maybe it's EA, maybe it's Sony's lack of development tools. I don't in fact know what it is, but the 360 got a 9.5, and the PS3 got an 8.5, i'm sorry but you can have your sweat and lighting cause I'd rather have my game run smooth. This looks like an ever growing trend at this point, it seems like EVERY game has some sort of choppiness and slow down, and that's not me being biased, read the reviews, they don't make this stuff up to spite Sony

[lalaland]

Here's what the reviewer wrote:

"Fight Night Round 3 on the PlayStation 3 is nearly identical to its 360 counterpart [snip] with a couple of slight enhancements."

"Obviously, the biggest new improvement comes with the addition of 'Get in the Ring'. "

"Visually, Fight Night sees a few upgrades as well"

"It isn't a huge leap over the 360 version released ten months ago either."

"The better lighting and sweat is nice too, but moderate slowdown isn't."

It is MODERATE slowdowns, and yeah, it actually improves on the X360 version both visually and gameplay wise, i.e. with a new gameplay mode.

Like all the X360 launch games, FNR3 for the X360 benefitted from being among the first next-gen titles. Today the game would have gotten a review almost identical to the PS3 version, although probably with a slightly lower average.

The first quote really sums up the review:

"Fight Night Round 3 on the PlayStation 3 is nearly identical to its 360 counterpart [snip] with a couple of slight enhancements."

Btw there are several reasons why the later release date of the PS3 version can't be considered the only or primary reason for the enhancements:

1. the PS3 version was done by another developer in another country
2. only a minor part of code can be shared between the platforms
3. the PS3 devs (in general) only got final dev kits late this autumn

And to clear up another thing:

Amount of RAM and slowdowns have almost nothing to do with eachother. If you insist on being a fanboy, atleast use an argument that is slightly plausible... you know, like the RSX being inferior or something...

[DJ]

It's TopGamer hating on yet Another PS3 title. Heh, must be Tuesday.

[PS360PCROCKS]

If we're going to pick and choose quotes to use, let's post the whole quote than...
"Visually, Fight Night sees a few upgrades as well -- but they're so minimal when in motion that its hardly noticeable unless you're actively looking for them (re: the sweat looks more realistic and the lighting has been enhanced). Despite this better appearance, though, the PS3 version of Round 3 does suffer from slowdown (it gets particularly choppy during the close-up replays or fast multi-punch combos) and is has bizarrely-pixilated crowds as well."
This is what we are all talking about
"It is MODERATE slowdowns, and yeah, it actually improves on the X360 version both visually and gameplay wise, i.e. with a new gameplay mode."
As IGN said it's sweat and lighting and you cant even notice it unless your going out of your way to try and notice it. So don't go on about how it's so "visually better" on the PS3, when in fact the crowds are "bizarrely pixilated" and the game suffers from slowdown and choppiness during slow motion replay and fast multi-punch combos, I also don't know where you got "minimal slowdown" when in fact the review never states that, it just says slowdown. You can make excuses for the almighty PS3 all you want, but the matter of the fact is, you waited ten months for pixilated crowds, slowdown and choppiness, and some lighting and more realistic sweat...oOo Sony spoiled you boys didn't they? That last sentence was a joke :) no but seriously the fact is that for over a year we had to hear from all you guys and Sony about how "inferior" and "crappy" the xbox was and that the next gen "doesn't start til we launch" so when in fact to this day every multi-port game either looks better or runs smoother on our system, we have bragging rights, it's one of those "Ha! Told ya so" moments...I'm sorry Sony might be "shooting for the moon" but their way off course, they promised you "Next gen" from the likes you have never seen before from any console...I'm sorry for ATLEAST $200 more you can have all the sweat and lighting you want

[lalaland]

I haven't stated that the PS3 version is visually better -- the reviewer has. However insignificant of an improvement it might be, the reviewer does conclude that the PS3 version improves on the X360 version (now in full quote for your pleasure, although it doesn't change the fact that he believes the PS3 version looks slightly better):

"Visually, Fight Night sees a few upgrades as well -- but they're so minimal when in motion that its hardly noticeable"

And then you picked a few quotes about visuals as well, but forgot about:

"On the plus side, the amount of spaz-bounce (those random jittery reactions caused by a combination of rope and rag doll physics) has been minimized compared to other versions... but it's still there."

The "spirit" and wording of my comment was that the reviewer believes the PS3 version is SLIGHTLY better in both graphics and gameplay, NOT significantly better as you imply.

[astroboy2k5]

Honestly, if the graphics on the boxers are improved then thats great. The crowd can look like lego blocks for all i care i'm not controlling them.

[astroboy2k5]

Honestly, if the graphics on the boxers are improved then thats great. The crowd can look like lego blocks for all i care i'm not controlling them.

[astroboy2k5]

Honestly, if the graphics on the boxers are improved then thats great. The crowd can look like lego blocks for all i care i'm not controlling them.

[Bullseye]

I have been the first to criticise the apparent lack lustre ps3 graphics showing so far, but just to add a bit of fairness here. We have yet to see a 360 game ported from the ps3,now that would be an interesting comparison for sure.someone in an earlier post suggested that only a small amount of code would be transferable between the two consoles.This i think, is mistaken.It is far more likely that the problems of slowdown seen on ps3 version are the result of large amounts of code being ported and not customised for ps3 strenghts.The games are far to similar for the code to be vastly different.Besides, this is EA we are talking about. EA stink up games, full stop!

[PS360PCROCKS]

Yeah like I said earlier, we don't know if it's EA's lack of caring, or Sony's lack of dev tools, but someones to blame and it's Sony. If it's not their tools, than it's EA being EA, and if Sony wants to say "Next gen starts when we launch" they should start putting some restraints on their games, if a game doesn't look and run better on the PS3, well than release it when it DOES! I'm not being a fanboy, but Sony and Sony themselves made these high standards because they did say their machine was so much better. If your going to make a bold claim that your machine is better and will make games look better, you need to back it up from day one and their simply not doing that, it's all on Sony, and right now they look like fools. Also, when I'm talking a game looking better, it would include frame rates and every other aspect for gaming, that is the only way you make a superior game

[lalaland]

Let me explain my point about only sharing a small part of code between the platforms.

1. General code, like the mainloop running on the PPE of Cell, will ofcourse be shared between the platforms.

2. Some shadercode for RSX and Xenos will ofcourse be shared as they are very similar, although there are some significant differences as well.

3. CPU intensive code, like i.e. the code for AI, physics, sound processing, potential Cell geometry manipulation, will not be shared between the platforms, simply because of the vastly different approaches and instructionsets needed. These are a major part of game development today. You cannot run a C++ (or whatever highlevel language you prefer) program for a PPE on an SPE. However, some concepts used for the VMX units in the PPE's might be usable on the SPE's.

4. Graphic subroutines for Xenos and RSX utilizing the uniqueness of each (like the eDRAM or FlexIO) can't be shared between the platforms.

To sum it up, any code specifically developed and optimized for what makes each architecture different, can't in general terms be simply recompiled for each platform. Hope that explains it a bit...

[Bullseye]

I'm not gonna fight this one out with ya buddy.(excuse these terrible puns)I'm not here to defend Sony and certainly not EA.I take on board what you say about Sony's claims and thats a fair point,if you talk the talk you better walk the walk. I just think that ported games are not a strong basis on which to bash the whole console. I really do think that the 360 will prove to have the edge graphically, but a port of fight night is not the deciding factor for me. Just my take on things.

[Bullseye]

Thanks for explaination, but details are a bit beyond my technical knowledge.However, you are sort of proving my point, eh, i think. These days programming languages are so generic(trashy high level crap)that routines don't need to have specific knowledge of hardware do they? I thought thats what middleware does.Its not so much the generic code, but more how the hardware actually implements the code thhrough lower level access.After all,it still comes down to machine code at some point.On ported titles no attempt is made to play to the strengths of the platform, therfore any old code will do it.You are obviously right when you say its the differences in hardware that limits how much code can be transfered easily, but my overall point was, for that very reason its not fair to comparte to consoles on a ported title. Sorry this is was a bit long winded. Anyway, thats me out for the count :)

[lalaland]

As the more different architectures are, the more optimizing is needed to get good performance on each.

But I'm not too sure CPU intensive code is just plainly compiled for each platform, as that would probably mean really poor performance. Instead I believe some subroutines are indeed coded specifically for Cell already, but the devs are still trying to figure how to get about doing truly optimized stuff for it, like for instance an improved AI algorithm. They are probably learning new tricks every day.

What will be shared is ofcourse art assets -- but I guess that is obvious.

[videl]

i dont get it, why does the xbox version get higher scores if its is inferior in any aspect ? i hate this biased bastards.

[NextGen24Gamer]

But overall doesn't look as good "Running". The slight additions have absolutely nothing to do with the ps3 but everything to do with the time they had on their hands to add a few things to the game. But what the ps3 does effect is how badly it runs the game. Which is absolutely nothing new for Ps3 games. Like Microsoft said months ago....The Cell is great for peak numbers but bad for running game code compared to the 360. So it recieved a lower score because the additions were slight and the game has slow downs through out. If they would have waited 10 months to release the 360 version with the same additions....it wouldn't have any slow down and it would run at 60 fps unlike the ps3 version. Some of you just don't get it. The 360 is better for games. And all the reviewers are starting to realize it as is reflected in the reviews. The slight additions doesn't make the ps3 game look as good as the 360 version. Whats so hard for sony fans to understand. The ps3 versions of every game is inferior to the 360 games. You didn't know? Read up my friends...either that or play both like I do and see for yourself what I have been saying for months now. Thanks Microsoft.

[ASTAROTH]

And thanks Microsoft everytime you post. Wow you are really a GAYMER. Thanks Top Gaymer, more will follow your devotion to games not to microsoft. LOL!! FK THAT!! You are an... Man you r really sick. After the PS3 launches I believe you were going to cool down and enjoy your "superior" console. Guess what? You r still here trying to impose your opinion and points of views on everyone that really likes games. I not tend to post thanking Sony, Microsoft, nintendo or Sega for what they have done with video games all these years. Im here enjoying what each console had to offer. I liked the 360 when mine were working. After finding how crap the hardware was I decide to not buy another one and wait until march to get a PS3 with Heavenly Sword and Motorstorm. Two games that look way better than anything on the 360, besides maybe Gears. Im not telling Gears is bad so dont start the crap fanboys. Overall is funny how the biggest fanatic in this fanatics dream site is telling everybody to be gamers because we dont share the same tougths. LOL!! Gamers... sorry ... fanatics IF YOU DONT LIKE IT, GO F...ELF!!!

[PS360PCROCKS]

Well why your post may be true, you didn't have to go on with the "How crap the hardware is" maybe you have had a problem, but I haven't so therefore that's your opinion which looks like a blatant hit on Microsoft since you follow it up with how your buying a PS3...what i'm saying is while your post may be true, you didn't have to put it in such an immature fashion, no I am not calling you immature, just saying you could have gotten it across in a better manner that doesn't make you look bad, espescially since your post was right. Also, TopGamer you do make good points but you follow everything up with very very one sided thoughts on your part and make yourself look like a "fanboy" please try and be more open, no I am not trying to knock you, so don't take it offensively, but the "Thanks Microsoft" after every post is a little odd

[NextGen24Gamer]

Its called be appreciative. If thats odd to you or fanboyish to you...thats your problem. I love video games and I am very thankful for Microsoft entering the video game industry and making a console that is Fantastic. Since when is saying please and thankyou wrong or wierd? Everyone should be more thankful every day they live. I just say Thankyou Microsoft to all things Microsoft. I say thankyou everytime in my life I recieve blessings or anything for that matter. Its my mannors and I'm sorry if that offends some. Get over it.

[ASTAROTH]

Thank you for making the Top Gaymer the number one fanatic. For make him look like a youg fanatic. to take the credibility on his comments and most important to make him look like a loser fanatic in this site. THANKS MICROSOFT. I personally will give MS thanks if they can keep the Topgaymer shut. LOL!!

[PS360PCROCKS]

wow did I sure pick the wrong person! Astaroth after I gave you props for making some good points in a slightly immature fashion, you totally turn around and show the maturity of a middle school aged kid, please grow up. Also, topgamer I was not knocking you as a person or your beliefs, I just said it was odd to me that you said "Thank you Microsoft" at the end of your comments. I wasn't trying to single you out or make you have to explain yourself, that was unfair of me, I'll admit that. I do like reading your comments though, your one person I know I can actually reason with and have an intelligent conversation with stemming from the fact that your comments are usually straight forward and dont have the "xfags, POS3, etc etc" lingo included in them. So sorry and thanks for actually contributing good comments to the site. My only gripe is I feel your a little too one sided sometimes in your evaluations, but that's your opinion and it's not my place to try and sensor someones opinion.