Most underrated Game of the Year. Not for those who want to button mash. In depth honest review under the cut.
A little background on me..
I am a huge fan of EA's Fight Night series.
I may like DKP:P because I use control scheme 5 on fight night.
Control scheme 5 uses almost same button set up as DKP:P, only slightly different. So keep in mind I did not have to fight the battle of learning a whole new control setup (which can be daunting and frustrating with new games).
I base my review with gamespot's "weakness" mentioned in the review:
* Controls are too complicated and unresponsive
Controls can be a bit much at first but ultimately I feel there is so much more to do punch wise..
As far as the "unresponsive" part..the controls only get that way when you start to button mash rather than plan your attack. I think they did this on purpose to punish button mashers.
* Career mode's story is poorly executed
In the same breathe they say it is poorly executed and nice and lengthy..seems like a contradiction. I do agree that the video cut in stuff is a bit excessive at times..but I am pretty sure you can skip the videos.
* Gameplay is dull
Sorry..this is way off base. In this game you have to change up the way you fight all the time because each opponent has a different style of attack/defense. This is such a big deal to me because I play the hardest setting in Fight Night and never have to alter or change the way I box against anyone in that game (and still win). In Fight Night I regularly fight against guys 2 and 3 weight divisions higher just to give me a challenge.
DKP:P is very different..most matches are challenging yet fun. I may change my tune after months and months of playing.
* Punches lack "oomph"
I have KOed guys out in the 1st round on the first fall of the match.
How many times have you won a fight in fight night like that?
I will admit that most of the time there are too many knock downs in a match (5-7 between both guys) average..but this is also true of fight night.
* Presentation is behind the times.
Presentation is a little stale in terms of originality..but has a ton.
ring entrance attire (can change color of robe)
ring entrance music (can choose a song)
a ton of venues to fight at..(FNR3 had 8 tops)
better create a boxer and attire options than Fight Night.
Better music selection than fight night.
I have 2 theories about why this game is rated so bad across the gaming websites.
1- they pick up the controller and assume because they have played a boxing game before they already know how to play..and get mad when they realize they don't know this game at all.
2- EA has so much influence that it taints the reviews of competitors. Before you call me a conspiracy theorist take a look at at just how much advertising EA has on all the major gaming sites. Its a lot.
This game does not deserve a 5.5.
I know it seems I have been bashing EA and Fight Night in this review..
And I have a bit. I love Fight Night and will still play it..but this game is right up there with it.
Don't Believe me? Go rent, buy it, or play it at a buddy's place. Just give this game a legitimate shot. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. It is a very rewarding and fun game.