If FaceBreaker, EA's first in this line up of "Freestyle" games is any indication of where their heads are, most gamers including myself, will be happy to know that yes, there is still another Fight Night planned for next year and this is not a substitute. With that being said, FaceBreaker hits the air more than connects with their punches with this first effort. At first glance one might think Ready to Rumble Boxing, a fun and easy to pick up and play boxing title that is over the top, yet still holds a great deal of strategy behind it. After the game begins, you quickly learn this is sorely NOT the case.

While graphically the game looks the part, with clean cartoony visuals, a decent frame rate, and silly animations and knockdowns, and this is where the similarities end. Before I get into that, I must note that the menu system is bland, the clipping issues are more than evident, and punches that look/sound as if they hit, yet don't (like a pro wrestling match) are some of the glaring issues in the visuals department. Also, the game uses the game face option with a camera, yet you must use only established characters to put your likeness upon. Otherwise, the game has that animated visual appeal that some gamers will grow to love.

The audio gives you nothing to brag about either. Varied sound effects and samplings lead to a repetitive audio mix that will seem tiresome after only a few short rounds. The voice over work is humorous, but heck even the Outlaw series had better scripted material than this. And let's not forget the game's soundtrack…better yet…let's forget it after all.

Even if viewing the game as a spectator encourages you to give the game a go, it won't be long before you take off the gloves as the game play is not just sloppy, but broken. Random button mashing is the key as even if you have a strategy in mind before a fight, you will soon resort to the mashing of the buttons to survive as the game's A.I. which seems more based on luck than any sort of skill. This leaves the single player experience frustrating and less fun than it should be for a game like this. As a multiplayer title, at least both gamers share the same advantages, or disadvantages, whatever the case may be to succeed. This leads to better balanced and greatly more rewarding matches.

It's a shame there isn't more modes to deal with either, as if you did find some consolation in the multiplayer game, you just duke it out for bragging rights. No tourneys, extensive multiplayer modes, or anything that will keep you coming back after a night of drinking and punching it out with friends.

FaceBreaker is the prototypical definition of rental material. Easily not enough fun and gameplay potential to suffice for a 50-60 dollar purchase, that's for sure. I can see where EA's head is in this matter, too bad it's on the receiving end of their own fist like when you older brother made you hit yourself. If there is enough fan fare to allow EA to return for a sequel, maybe, just maybe it can be a contender. For now…someone please throw in the towel.