http://ps2.ign.com/articles/590/590545p1.html
PS2 and XBOX REVIEW
GAMECUBE REVIEW
http://cube.ign.com/articles/590/590563p1.html
PS2 and XBOX REVIEW
8.0 Presentation
The hip-hop vibe from last year is gone and a more professional boxing atmosphere is in its place. Load times are a bit quicker and the interface is a lot better too. Create A Champ is great.
9.0 Graphics
Double the polygons and textures, better facial animations, more realistic sweat, and plenty of little details make this one of the best looking sports games this year.
8.5 Sound
Our prayers were answered and Big Tigger's commentary has been axed in favor of Joe Tessitore. The crowd chants and sound effects are top notch, and the soundtrack is badass.
9.0 Gameplay
Imagine last year's innovative gameplay system multiplied by two. Sure the Haymakers need some work, but the clenching, enhanced AI, cutman mini-game, and other additions make up for it.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
Most of the problems with last year's career mode have been fixed and the online feature is always smooth and easy to play. Easily one of the most addicting sports games around.
9.0 OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)
"All things considered, EA Sports Fight Night Round 2 is a solid evolution of an already excellent game. The entire office has been going crazy over it for three or four weeks now and there's no sign of our interest slowing down. Unless something dramatic happens, I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes my favorite sports title for the second year in a row and I'm already looking forward to see what EA has on tap for next year. Could we finally see licensed trainers and a franchise-like Gym Management mode? Or perhaps we'll get a network license for better transitions and fighter scarring that's reflective of the damage he's taken over his career? Regardless of what happens, though, it'll be interesting to see if the team can make as big an improvement on the next version as it did with this one. Without question, Fight Round 2 is a must buy investment for any boxing fan, be they casual or hardcore alike."
GAMECUBE REVIEW
http://cube.ign.com/articles/590/590563p1.html
Another Take from Matt Casamassina (aka who gives a shit)
All right. Let's talk specifically about the GameCube version of Fight Night Round 2 for a minute. This is easily the best boxing game to grace Nintendo's tiny, but powerful console. As Jeremy noted, online mode aside, the GameCube version of the title features all the boxers, stadiums and statistics of the other builds, and it plays identically, too. I have to agree with his assessment that combos, charged moves like power uppercuts and such, are performed easier on the PlayStation 2 controller, but that being true GameCube owners will have no trouble coming to grip with the setup and quickly turning pro fighter. The GameCube build runs in progressive scan and runs smoothly (with occasional slowdown during some knockout cut-scenes), but in my opinion doesn't feature the texture clarity of its PS2 brethren, which is a wee bit disappointing given that Nintendo's console is certainly capable. Still, minor gripes aside, this is a beautiful game with compelling audio, and there are some truly great extras for GameCube fans. The inclusion of a spectacularly emulated Super Punch-Out!! is sure to please hardcore fans. The classic boxing game plays great and is available from the start. Meanwhile, if you beat Super Punch-Out!!, you unlock a 3D version of Little Mac that can be used as a boxer in Fight Night 2, which is an excellent idea.
8.0 Presentation
The hip-hop vibe from last year is gone and the interface is a lot better too. Create A Champ is great and Super Punch-Out is a classic.
9.0 Graphics
Double the polygons and textures, better facial animations, more realistic sweat, and plenty of little details make this one of the best looking sports games this year.
8.5 Sound
Our prayers were answered and Big Tigger's commentary has been axed in favor of Joe Tessitore. The crowd chants and sound effects are top notch, and the soundtrack is badass.
8.5 Gameplay
Sure the Haymakers need some work, but the clenching, enhanced AI, cutman mini-game, and other additions make up for it. The Cube's controller, on the other hand, limits your combo speed.
8.0 Lasting Appeal
Most of the problems with last year's career mode have been fixed and the aforementioned Super Punch-Out is the bomb. Easily one of the most addicting sports games around.
8.4 OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)