Managed to get the demo, things I like/dislike.
-Haymakers are too powerful. It seems like they wanted to put a power punching ability into the game. That's cool, but I can only think of a handful of boxers who had the ability to wind up for a big punch and unload without fatigue and counter punching eventually getting to them. FNR2 allows any boxer to fight basically like this.
However, it does not seem that the haymaker option is unbeatable. Using Sugar Ray Robinson, I was able to pick apart Hopkins from the outside with jabs and left hooks. After some of that, Hopkins started playing much more conservative and didn't unload haymakers nearly as much. It got to be more of a boxing match, although at times it could go back into being a punching match.
From the 40 minutes or so I played of the demo, I don't think haymakers are gamebreaking. Overpowered, but I was still able to turn it into a boxing match against the AI. Against players could be different, we'll see.
+Fighters move much, much better this year. I really liked the fluid feeling I had using SRR, being able to move in and out with jabs and left hooks. Its a much needed improvement over last year where it was more economical to just stand in place and shift around. This is a God send for fighters who based their whole game on this style. Good job fixing this.
+Clinch is nice. Not over or underpowered. I would have liked to be able to hit from the clinch, but good job anyway.
-Sluggers/Swarmers still get the short end of the stick movement wise. Meaning you can't walk foward with head movemet, just like last year you have to walk foward, stop and use movement, walk foward, ecd. in order to close the distance.
-I wish the jab had more impact. Its still good though.
+Cuts seem awesome. I really like this idea. It allows the non powerhouses to win a fight, and forces better strategy among guys who just like to throw. Really a great part of the game from what I saw. I like dbeing able to work the jab and open cuts.
-Out of character stuff like SRR doing a backflip when he wins a game. Kills the characters realism for a fan like me.
-Stamina still needs work, fighters throw too many punches.
-People can still use buttons with the stick in order to pull cheap shit like last years, I read it on gamefaqs.
Stick fo' life here. Its much more strategic.
Final Judgment!!!!11:
It may seem like I'm posting mostly negatives, but I really liked what I played. The characters move and throw punches much better then last year, the cut and clinch systems are welcome improvements, and the gameplay (even with the haymakers) feels tighter. Some flaws, but I don't think it'll kill the game for me. I really, really enjoyed the feeling froming dancing around the ring and counterpunching...better then last year for sure. So yes, I'll be buying the X-Box version later today.
