Fight Night Round 2

Re-branding its long-running Knockout Kings franchise last year, industry megalith Electronic Arts released the flashy and innovative Fight Night 2004. The game introduced the new Total Control system, giving players intuitive use of their boxer by mapping movement and blocks to the left analogue stick and all punches to the right stick. Players were challenged to undertake a career mode in which they had to struggle and brawl their way from the seediest, most run-down old gyms to a shot at the title. A training mode allowed players to improve the skills of their chosen pugilist by working out with the bag, focus pads and dummy, and by slugging it out with a sparring partner. The PS2 version supported online play and a series of unlockable rewards provided a customisable game experience, with new clothes, entrance music and glamour girls all available for purchase. It was even possible to create your own boxer using the player editor.

Now the inevitable sequel has arrived in the form of the appropriately named Fight Night Round 2. With the

scary form of Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton on the cover, the game sets out to give boxing fans another slice of glitzy action in the ring. Hits are even more wince-inducing than ever before with a dynamic punching system; this allows you to inflict specific damage on your opponent by targeting areas of his body, and permits him to do the same to you. Get a swollen eye and it will affect your ability to block, and a cracked rib will slow your man down and weaken his punches. Other new features are the Haymaker punch, where -

with judgement and timing - you can knock out opponents with a single punch, and the Cut Man, whose help you may well need if that black eye isn't going to ruin your fight. As well as this there's the Total Control system that made the original so popular, along with the career mode and Create a Boxer player editor system, which gives you the chance to alter the physique, features and skills of your boxer. So lace up your boots, tape up your gloves, and prepare yourself for the return of gaming's leading licensed boxing game franchise.