Genre: Fighting

Players: 1-2

Release Date: May 19, 2009(NA)

Rating: T (Teen)

For those who aren’t up to speed, UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) has been around since the mid-90s but didn’t become a household name until 2006 or so (depending on who you ask).  MMA (Mixed-Martial Arts) is without a doubt more popular than wrestling and boxing combined so why not capitalize by making a video game.  UFC has had a hand in the video game market but both games(on PS2 and Dreamcast) sucked…..hard.  But that was then, this is now can the UFC re-invented itself in the video game market? You are about to find out ladies……and gentleman.

Graphics: A+

Each fighter looks like their real life counterparts.  The bodies of the fighters look almost ultra-realistic.  Fighters movements are very very smooth.  Punches and kicks are done with great detail with fluidity.  When you punch the crap outta someone, spit shoots out of their mouth wich never gets old.  Player damage looks great also with cuts and blood stains on the mat in the octagon.

Sound: A

Sound is superb.  The thunderous thuds of punches and kicks landing to body slamming your opponent are very satisfying to hear.  Lastly to hear the satisfaction of the crowd as you pummel your opponent to sleep is also A gratifying sound you will hear on this game.  Kinda makes you feel like a modern day gladiator.

Gameplay A+

This game is DEEP with gameplay.  This game isnt only about punches and kicks, this game also deals with a deep and chess-like ground game.  Im not about to tell you how many options you have with clinches, half-guards, full-guards, side control, rubber guard, major transitions, minor transitions…………..(exhales).  So you get the idea that this game is deep.  Fighters have 2 fighting disciplines, for example, take the current UFC middleweight champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva.  He is a Muay Thai practitioner and his good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  So that means on the game at long distances you can do my favorite move in the game, the flying knee to the grill.  Also, while your on the ground you can counter and have a higher percentage of making someone tapout.  Man! just talking about this game makes me wanna play it and so should ya’ll.

Final Thoughts

Any fan of fighting games(like myself) or a fan of the sport of MMA should OWN this title.  Damn renting it!!! this game will have you addicted as soon and you knock someone on their a*s.  From the deep fighting system, fun career mode which you can create your own fighter and put them in a weight class of your choice and go on to win the gold, kick-a*s music (although very repetitive and few to boot).  A’s all across the board and so far my favorite game to play……..until Batman Arkham Asylum comes out……..

Final Grade: A+