When it comes to boxing, EA Sports Fight Night franchise has not failed to bring us a game that not only delivers a realistic simulator but a game fun enough to hook even the most casual of fight fans. While the past games in the series have been getting better and better each year, the introduction of the Xbox 360 demands a next-generation game that sets itself apart from the other versions. While the series does make the leap to the 360, the game plays exactly like the other console versions only with graphics that will not fail to knock your socks off. Welcome to Fight Night Round 3, an Xbox 360 game that will surely be the definitive version you will be playing repeatedly.

Graphics aren’t everything, you might say to yourself and an extra 10 bucks for the same game you can play on your original Xbox for a lower price might sway you into overlooking this version. However, those who have gone HD and want a truly high-definition look to their game will not be disappointed by this game that, visually, sets itself apart from both the Xbox and PlayStation 2 version. This is, hands down, the version that will make you glad you bought a 360.

Round 3 places you back into the ring with the familiar style and gameplay of last year’s second round. You’ll still be able to quickly hop into the ring using the assortment of already available fighters from most weight divisions (from featherweight to heavyweight) and this year’s crop of fighters include everyone from Bernard Hopkins to the “Golden Boy,” Oscar De La Hoya. You’ll even notice some classic fighters such as LaMotta and Sugar Ray Leonard just to name a few (there’s a reason for this but we’ll get to that a bit later).

This year’s game brings us a Career Mode that can be played two different ways. First there’s a Create A New Career, a mode that has you creating your own boxer (the same designing tools are back but with the 360’s graphics your fighter will not fail to amaze) and take him through various fights that will take him to the top. You’ll get to purchase various extras including the ability to purchase different fighting styles (want to throw a fancy punch like Sugar Ray, well now your created boxer can). You can even hire an expert trainer if you wish. Training, once again, is handled in a series of mini-games that have you punching a heavy bag or weight lifting. While Career mode isn’t incredibly deep, rising above the ranks while upgrading your fighter is still good fun. The second Career Mode game type is Rebuild A Legend, a mode that uses an already created boxer (say, Haggler, for example) and stage a comeback.

There’s even a Hard Hits mode that is an arcade-styled where the object is to knock your opponent down as many times as possible for 15 rounds. It’s a fun mode, indeed, but when it comes to sheering boxing bliss nothing beats ESPN Classic. Using the ESPN brand, this mode allows you to relive or change the outcome of a few of memorable classic bouts. From the classic Ali versus Frazier fight to the Roy Jones Junior fight against Bernard Hopkins there’s some great moments here including some unlockable fights boxing fans will love.

The game’s controls haven’t changed much either, which can be a good thing for both returning fans and gamers new to the series. Personally, I still enjoy the feel of the Total Punch Control by way the right analog stick and the dodging and parrying can still seem a bit stiff but it’s still wonderfully responsive. This year we see three new impact punches like the ESPN Haymaker, the Flash KO and the Stun Punch. All three bring more flash and style to each round and they’re nicely effective when executed correctly. You’ll be glad these new impact punches are available because even in the medium setting the opponent AI is sharp … then again they can also make some truly boneheaded blunders.

As I mentioned before, Round 3 for the Xbox 360 might not play any different from the other versions of the game but it certainly looks far better than the original Xbox version. In fact, when it comes to graphics this game is by far better looking than anything available on the new system. For starters, it strays from the plasticky look of most Xbox 360 games. The boxers, even your created fighter, sport some realistic muscle tone and you’ll even see each pore during close-ups. The lighting is exquisite and makes each venue, whether you’re fighting in a gym in Chicago or Madison Square Garden, smoky and thusly look real. The true visual treat comes from replays of a knockdown and you will not help but admire the bone crunching haymaker across your opponent’s face (watch those cheeks). Even the wavering camera and soft blur effects make each knockdown a delight. Really, if you want to show off the 360’s graphical power, this is the game that delivers on that front.

While not as impressive as the game’s visuals, the sound does play a role in adding to the game’s realistic feel. Fight fans will cheer more enthusiastically when the round gets more intense and will let you know what they think of your illegal head butt. Add Joe Tessitore and you have commentary that actually makes it feel like a televised fight. He’s often on the spot but oftentimes he does repeat himself. You’ll even hear from your trainer, who, in my opinion, makes comments that do a better job of telling you how a round went and what you can do to improve the next round. The soundtrack is pure hip-hop but you’ll hear most of the tunes one too many times.

The sweet science just got a whole lot sweeter thanks to the power of the Xbox 360. While the improvements in this edition are minor, Fight Night Round 3 for the 360 is by far the best boxing game you will play this year. It’s not only one of the most visually stunning games on the new console but it’s a sports game that packs a mean punch without losing its style. If you’re the proud owner of the Xbox 360, I suggest you buy this one over the Xbox version.

Gameplay: 8.5
Whether you’re unleashing a mean uppercut or flattening the face of your opponent with a nicely timed haymaker, Round 3’s gameplay hasn’t changed very much and that’s some very good news for returning fans. Career Mode isn’t incredibly deep but it’s still fun to play through. ESPN Classic is a boxing fan’s dream come true.

Graphics: 9.5
Holy guacamole does this game look gorgeous … and I’m not just referring to the fantastic replays of the knockdowns or the brief cutscenes of each fighter’s corner. The boxers look realistic and the venues practically breathe with life. If you want to show of the 360’s true graphical power at a party just pop this disc into your console.

Sound: 8.5
Joe Tessitore’s commentary gives each fight its televised feel despite the fact that his remarks can get a bit repetitive in certain spots. The voice acting is solid, though, and it’s great hearing your trainer make some surprisingly informative comments in your corner or during training. The fight venue even sounds like you’re among a crowd of fight fans. The soundtrack is just decent.

Difficulty: Medium/Hard
The opponent AI can go from having a good sense of strategy to making some head-scratching decisions in the next round. This makes each fight realistically challenging in the best possible way. It’s all about learning how to adapt, baby.

Concept: 9.0
ESPN Classic will melt the heart of any fight fan and the collection of boxers is impressive enough to set up your fantasy bout without having to deal with Don King. While Career Mode could have been a lot deeper, it’s great creating your own boxer and taking him to the top. There are some unlockable goodies, including having that creepy Burger King mascot as your trainer.

Multiplayer: 8.0
You can fight against a friend using a single Xbox 360 but the real fun is fighting against gamers online. On Xbox Live there are Leaderboards so you can challenge the top contenders.

Overall: 8.8
Fight Night Round 3 is hands down the new undisputed champion and even more so on the Xbox 360. It, much like Oscar De La Hoya, not only looks really good but also puts up quite a memorable fight well worth your time and money. EA Sports has outdone itself with what is sure to be the franchise’s best game yet. Go out and buy this one, fight fans, you will not be sorry.