Looks like EA have stepped back a bit from their ultra-serious role with their realistic sports games and their highly-detailed shooters. They unveiled the new cartoon-look Battlefield Heroes last week, and now it looks like they're tackling boxing, with the announcement of FaceBreaker, for PS3, Wii and Xbox 360.

Created by the people behind Fight Night Round 3, FaceBreaker looks like a new direction - a fun and irreverent look at the sport, with immersive gameplay and "eye-popping" graphics. While boxers may be more typically associated with ear-biting, this one should be interesting.


Peter Moore, president of EA SPORTS explains:

"We're very excited to announce FaceBreaker, an all-new franchise from EA SPORTS that is fun, fresh and innovative. FaceBreaker reinvigorates one of the great genres in sports videogames. Arcade boxing takes me back to my roots in this industry, and this game signals our shift to adding more approachable fun to our product lineup. In no time at all, you'll be picking up the controllers and knocking your opponent around the ring, smashing faces, and having a riot."

Of course, it's not all just pretty graphics and new-styled gameplay. There's also a world of characters, all larger-than-life and with an ego to match. Meet Latin lover Romeo, renowned for his pelvic thrusts. Or how about Molotov, a large Russian demolitions man with a taste for fighting dirty. Don't like any of them? Use Photo Game Face to upload a picture of yourself - or a friend (or foe) - and go a few rounds with your digital image.

You'll soon be giggling as your flurry of fists hit your opponent's face - of course with the added satisfaction of real-time facial deformation. Choose from a wide range of movements - haymakers, face shots and body blows are all here - and a well-timed super punch will certainly make your opponent pay attention. Flaunt your talent, taunt your adversaries and even tie one hand behind your back to add further humiliation to the loser. The name doesn't lie - FaceBreaker really is all about breaking faces.

We'll surely be swamped with more information as this one gets closer to release - in the meantime, maybe try running up some stairs, training in the early morning and punching large slabs of meat.