Fight Night: Round 3 [PS3]

What was the old saying? "Float like on LSD; hit like a garbage truck?" Whatever the case, boxing fans have had a lot to cheer about since EA reinvented the sweet science with Fight Night a few years back (buh-bye, Knockout Kings!). The PS3 gets an updated version of the game that took Xbox 360 by storm, Fight Night Round 3.

Immediately smacking you across the face are some of the best graphics known to man. If the 360 version was hot, this one is absolutely boiling! Character models have realistic skin and muscle tone, and reflect sweat in an almost uncomfortably uncanny way. Punches are devastating, especially when combined with jarring reactions and slow motion, and the lack of a HUD makes presentation more cinematic. Saying Fight Night has better graphics on PS3 is a misnomer, however, as we're pretty confident it could've looked this good on 360 with nine more months of development time, too.

Gameplay has also been tweaked, which is actually a little surprising. Thankfully, most changes are for the best. As you may know, default control utilizes the right analog stick for throwing different punches. Cocking back further allows you to toss vicious haymakers that do heavy damage. The consequences for missing them has been increased, basically leaving you open to counter-attack abuse. Thus, you're forced to pick your spots a little better.

This ties into the overall strategy of the fight, which is smarter than any boxing game before it. Sticking and moving is perfectly executed, and counters and parries make defense a factor rather than an afterthought. Yes, it takes time to learn how to master the analog control for the first time, but sparring and training give you the lessons you need. Also, the game is very user-friendly in terms of gameplay adjustments. For those looking for Sixaxis additions, the only functionality is pushing forward on the controller for illegal moves -- quite underwhelming.

Combining both gameplay and graphics is Get In The Ring mode, which is basically a first-person perspective on the fight. The only part of your boxer you see is his arms, which is honestly a little creepy. It's a novel concept, but chances are you'll tool around with it for a few rounds and go back to the traditional viewpoint.

Modes are plentiful, highlighted by an excellent Career offering. After making your own pugilist (the creator is adequate, though loading is a bear), you sign fight contracts, train, and of course box. Training minigames are entertaining, and it's intriguing that each one will reduce some attributes while enhancing others. If you've done any homework leading up to it, you'll breeze through early matches -- opponents usually have inferior stats -- but there's nothing wrong with that.

Aside from Career, you also have ESPN Classic, to relive old fights, and straight-up exhibition matches. Multiplayer benefits from the new tweaks to play, as it creates a more intelligence-based match-up where the smarter fighter usually wins. Of course, Fight Night Round 3 on PS3 supports online play, and it's very comparable to the Xbox 360. Without standard-issue headsets, though, smack-talking while smacking each other around isn't as prevalent -- whether that's good or bad is up to personal preference. Online also gives you access to ESPN integration, to keep up with the real sports world while gaming.

Even though the visuals get the majority of attention, Fight Night 3 also has some good audio. EA recorded a ton of voiceovers for the game; and whether it's the ref, your coach, or the commentator, there's always someone to listen to. Sound effects complement the brutality of the punches, and we can imagine some audio dude with a few stalks of celery having way too much fun making broken-bone noises. The song list is pretty standard hip-hop, but each track seems chosen for a reason.

All in all, Fight Night Round 3 is a stronger, smarter fighter than it was during its Xbox 360 battle. It's also had nine more months of training, so that's to be expected. Either way, EA Sports does next-gen right, and sets a high benchmark for boxing and fighting games in general. It'll be interesting to see which console comes out on top in their first head-to-head fight. For the sake of those playing it for the first time on PS3, let's hope that contest doesn't occur for at least six more months.