Fight Night Round 4 and FIFA 09 Sports Games - Winning Secrets

FIFA Soccer 09

Who doesn't love FIFA 09, with all the tricks and techniques? There's nothing better than showing up your rivals with a few fake-outs. But we're all about winning here, and in order to do that, you need to score more goals. And the best way to score those points is to learn how to make your kicks count. Here are a few techniques that should do the trick.

First, there's the hard low shot, a great move to make when you're farther back on the playing field. To pull this one off, do a quick double tap - or even triple tap - on the shoot button. Whatever you do, don't hold the button down too long. Remember, it's all about the quick tap (by quick tap, I'm referring only to FIFA 09 - if you're doing the "quick tap" elsewhere, that's your business...).

Also good to know is the chip shot. Do this with a combo of the LB and shoot button; the ball goes right over the goalie. Just don't hit this one too hard, or it goes flying over the net.

And then there's the ever-lovin' finesse shot, a favorite of the FIFA player. This one can be executed simply by pressing the RB (or R1, depending on your system). Do this one when you've got a moment to stop and try for a well-aimed shot; the finesse shot is recommended for when you're closer to the goal, as opposed to the hard low shot.

These tips are easy to learn, and after getting the hang of it, you'll be cleaning out your rivals' accounts every time.

Fight Night Round Four

In all the annals of sports games, the boxing game has always been a particular favorite. Sure, there's a tremendous satisfaction in beating your opponent at Football, Soccer, or Basketball. But there's something downright therapeutic about literally getting to kick the crap out of your best buds. And so it is with EA's Fight Night Round Four, where you get to play as some of the greatest men that ever took up the sweet science. But in order to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, and make your rival holler "Uncle!" (or some other expletive that we're probably not allowed to print here), follow these tips.

First and Foreman... er, foremost, it's all about the counter-punch. Land one of these in, and the effect is far more potent than your typical uppercut, hook, or straight. There are three basic ways to get the counter-punch. First, the well-timed block; put up your guard right as your opponent's punch lands. Second is the lean; right as your rival is about to get one in, lean back left or right. Then, go to town. Third, bob; use semi-circle movements with the left stick to bob out of the way. Word of caution, though - act fast! You don't have a hell of a lot of time to make the counter-punch, so be sure to get in there quickly. Also remember that your opponent can land in a solid counter-punch after they've blocked, ducked or weaved. So try to keep your distance whenever possible.

It's also important to keep your opponent off-balance (literally and figuratively) with a series of jabs. The jab is the fastest one in the entire game, so your best bet is to land one in when your opponent is swinging an uppercut or a hook at you.

And when all else fails, do what comes naturally: fight dirty. Your opponent has you on the ropes? Nothing a well-placed head butt or body blow can't fix. Just be careful with this one: you could get docked a point, or be disqualified.

So just follow these tips, and you'll have your opponents eating canvas (served up with a side of crow). Like we said, there's just nothing quite like settling the score with fisticuffs.