UFC 2009: Undisputed Review

Written by: Darren Cartledge Posted: 22nd May 2009

Share:

Digg It

We test out our fighting skills.

UFC 2009 Undisputed Details:

	Sports
	PlayStation 3/Xbox 360
	Yukes
	THQ

15+

Out Now

1-2

Fighting games often focus more on fantasy then reality, offering gamers the chance to perform brutal takedowns and pummel their foes into the ground, which is probably why so many games focus on the fantasy aspect. However, there is a real-life sport which allows its competitors to pound each other like this and that is UFC the subject matter for THQ’s latest fighting game.

UFC 2009 Undisputed isn’t the first game to focus on the hard hitting world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. However, most games to date have failed to capture the intensity of the sport. But, with UFC 2009 Undisputed THQ have created a very good account of the mixed martial arts series.

The game doesn’t really do anything revolutionary! In fact it serves up what is now a standard array of modes for any fighting game! There’s the usual exhibition, online and now must have “classic fights” mode that lets you re-enact some of the more memorable face ups in UFC history. The game also features an extensive career mode, which allows you to create an unknown fighter and guide them to legendary status within the UFC. The career mode has you training, sparring and managing the profile of your fighter, not unlike how we’ve seen in various sports games over the years. However, it isn’t really as developed as in other games as you don’t have to do anything. There are no training exercises and so on to complete. Skills can be honed by sparring, which is pretty similar to normal fights except matches don’t last as long and you are awarded skill points for landing punches, kicks, performing takedowns and inflicting damage on your opponent..

So far all pretty standard stuff then, so how does Undisputed stand out from other UFC games? Well that’s all in the fighting mechanics which are pretty much perfect. The game allows you to fight in your chosen style and delivers the same intense action of mixed martial arts combat you will have seen if you have ever watched a UFC match up. The game delivers a brutal playing experience as fighters match up in the Octagon to wage war, encompassing all the hard hits, takedowns, grappling and submissions moves of a real bout. As vulgar as it may be, you also get a good feeling of achievement when you pound a prone opponent in the face until he’s unconscious! UFC 2009 Undisputed certainly does provide one of the most rewarding and engaging playing experiences based on the championship and really captures what the UFC is all about. However, you can’t help but feel that the game goes in to a little too much depth as the number of moves you will have learn and utilise in order to be successful in the game is somewhat mind blowing. This sadly makes the game a little inaccessible, especially when fighting against the more capable athletes in the game who will dispose of you with ease if you fail to get to grips with the grappling aspects of the game. It’s not a problem with the controls as these have been kept pretty simple and are fairly intuitive, it’s down to the fact the game features so many moves and combinations for you to remember you will undoubtedly become overwhelmed and forget some, resulting in you having to refer to the in-game action list. This of course has a detrimental effect on the pace of the game, which for the most part is electric, just like in the real UFC! Of course, however, this weakness can be overcome with time and patience and the results of persevering whilst learning the various techniques means you will be playing one of the most skilful fighting games or a long time!

To look at, UFC 2009 Undisputed is impressive, character models are highly detailed, featuring such details as beads of sweat, wounds and scars. Animation is pretty much spot-on through, although I did notice the odd missing frame from time to time, but its not enough to spoil what is a an overall great looking game. The only real weakness in the graphics department is with the lack of variety in the arena with the same one being used throughout. But overall the game looks sharp and vibrant and compliments the excellent gameplay. The games audio has also been done to the same high standards as its graphics. The rock-metal soundtrack is highly fitting with the hard hitting theme of the game, and the commentary is absolutely brilliant and performed by real world UFC commentators, as are the fight announcements.

UFC 2009 Undisputed proves itself to be a worthwhile playing experience based on one of the most brutal and action packed sports in the world. Where others have failed to capture the electric atmosphere and intense fighting of the UFC, THQ have done it brilliantly. Well worth a look and I can see this as a game fighting fans will be able to play for sometime.