EA sports has changed many things with their boxing franchise. And all for the better. To start with the game uses the right analog stick to control power punches called "haymakers" punches. How could a boxing game be without this. It gives you 20 or so boxers to choose from. Leonard and many other stars are here. You can also create your own star as well. The fighter creation mode is well done with many options for your own fighter's looks. The game suffers from a shortage of arenas though. There only a few. The gameplay is well done. You get jabs, uppercuts, straight punches and they all look realistic when they are thrown. The game does have its sour spots though. The biggest weakness is the lack of a good career mode. Don't sports games learn anything from the Madden series. There is no stat tracking except from wins/losses. That is senseless. Stat tracking should be a given in all sports games. Also you don't get much of a choice in your opponents. Finally when you win the title it doesn't feel like it is given enough worth. No big cut scene with the belt and celebrations.

Overall Fight Night Round 2 is a good boxing game that could be improved.

Overall a great game. Once the control is mastered with the help of the sparring training you can master the ring. The sounds of the crowd, your corner giving you advice, the entrance music, and the commentator is excelent. The graphics are a gem. The biggest highlight of them is the damage the boxers take and when your in your corner healing your cuts and swelling. The selection of boxers is good. There are classics and a few modern ones. One problem is a few big name boxers are missing like tyson and foreman and the only entrance music to select from is an odd rap/ R an B mix. Wheres the metal? This is a must have game for X. Dont waste any time...buy it!