Fight Night Champion

The fifth installment in the Fight Night series brings several tweaks to the analog "Full-Spectrum Punch Control," updates to the Legacy Mode career game, and a new story-based mode called Champion Mode. The engine has also been refined, with improvements made to the physics and damage models.

In response to feedback regarding Fight Night 4's controls, Champion offers two control schemes: face button control and "Full-Spectrum" control. In Full-Spectrum mode, the right analog stick is used for throwing punches, while the left stick controls the boxer's movements. The new system allows for more precise punching without needing to swipe circular movements.

Stats now play a bigger role in a fighter's performance, and leveling up a punch unlocks perks like flash knockouts and flash knockdowns. These special moves have a chance to instantly send an opponent down or knock them out when they connect. The game also introduces a stamina system, where strain on different areas of the body affects the visible total stamina bar.

Legacy Mode remains largely unchanged, with players still creating a boxer and managing their fight career. However, training has been improved, allowing players to spend money at renowned gyms around the world to specialize in specific areas. The added cost of training takes into account stamina, requiring players to manage rest periods to avoid reduced performance.

The main new feature in Champion Mode is a story-driven experience where players take on the role of Andre Bishop, a former Olympic middleweight champion who must rise through the ranks despite being in jail. The mode follows Andre's journey, revealing his past and ultimate release as he attempts to make a comeback. Players will face various challenges, including opponents with specific weaknesses or strengths that must be avoided.

Online play has also been updated, with the introduction of online "gyms" where players can team up with others and take on rival teams for enhanced experience and trophies. The Online Pass code from EA is still required for online play.