Tough game, it takes a lot of work, but its worth it.
It is 6-26-09 and I predict Gamespot will give it an 8.5. (Ok I was wrong, they gave it an 8.0 but they did a fair review.)
Is it worth buying? Yes. Is it better than Round 3? Tough question.
The graphics are stunning; the game play is revamped; some of the features of Round 3, are gone but the atmosphere is great.
One punch knockouts are gone. Gone is the blood feast if your guy takes a 100 punches.
The worst thing that is gone for an old fogey like me is the buttons. You no longer have the option of using the buttons for punching, you have to use the stick. Sorry, I know I am an old button masher from way back, but it should have been left in. It should be our choice.
Addendum. 7-10-09: EA has announced that Buttons will be available for download the first week of August. http://beta.easports.com/news/item/file/News_DLC_FNR4
I wrote EA about them leaving out Carlos Monzon, guess what he is in. Holds the world record for fights not lost in a row 80+!! So are a lot of other great fighters. Finally we get Foreman, Lennix Lewis, Monzon, and others.
WE still don't have Joe Louis, Rocky Marciano, or fighters of the 30's. Hopkins is also gone that had to be a money thing.
The Training modes are horrible and hard. (At least for me.) You are better off to use auto train. Yes you will lose 50%.
The announcers are great. Atlas is the best around.
The legacy mode is great. (Don't listen to heroes in here)
The Money aspect is gone I liked that about R3. You lose some things and gain others. Comparing any of the Fight Nights is tough as they are Apples and oranges.
Its a tough game; however, like real boxing it will take a lot of work, but its worth it to become Champion of the World.