2009 saw the release of UFC Undisputed, now a year later publisher THQ and developer Yuke's are back with the 2010 edition for the 360 and PS3. The original received a lot praise from UFC fans as it stayed true to the style of MMA(Mixed Martial Arts) fighting, however the developers still had many issues to address if they were going to make a successful sequel.
The game is presented well with fresh looking and simple menus. UFC includes over 100 fighters, improved modes and features such as the create a fighter mode, which has had a huge overhaul and includes more body types and fighting styles. The career mode has also been extended and improved. Age now plays a part in career, effecting stats and fatigue. It can be very time consuming, and so an Auto-Sparring mode allows players to reduce there training time and cut the mode short. As you progress through it you really do feel a sense of achievement. For those without the time or patience to play the career mode, there is the Title and Title defence modes, which put the player straight into a match and allows them to earn points towards unlockables. "Ultimate Fights" mode offers players the chance to re-enact real UFC matches and is great for fans of the championship. The game also boasts a practise arena and tutorial, which everyone should utilise when first playing the game, to get to grips with new dynamics and controls. The single player provides lots to do and lots of modes to have fun with, albeit with a few flaws.
At first it may not feel too different to 2009, nevertheless a lot of changes have been made to the gameplay, in aim of making the whole experience better. The combat system and controls have been revised, including a new combo system, great for stringing together punches and kicks, and a new evade mechanic making counter attacking more realistic. Submissions now require much more precision, and seem very realistic and effective. Alike to UFC 2010, the fights can be long-winded, button bashers should stay clear of UFC as it does require the effort to learn effective combos and the defensive controls. Saying this, the combat system in 2009 was sometimes, much to complex, however this complexity had been lessened for the good, with many key moves now easily accessible via the analogue sticks.
Undisputed 2010 offers a strong online multiplayer option, including ranked and player match exhibitions and online fight camps, which are like clans; They can organise events and easily play together. This is one of the great factors of UFC 2010 that vastly increases its re-playability. There are also leader-boards for both lone wolves and fight camps, and the majority of players online seem to be both strategists and intelligent MMA fans, which makes a change. As with many fighting games, lag does haunt the multiplayer, and it is very rare to find a match-up with a perfect connection.
Graphically, the game is good. Character models are detailed and representational of their real life counter parts. They interact with each other brilliantly, with realistic looking animations, and great blood effects, enhanced by the lighting system, giving the sweat on fighters a convincing shine. The Crowd and Arenas also look good, responding in a believable way to each unique fight, and with the addition of varied and professional commentary, its hard to fault UFC 2010's presentation.
In UFC 2009, THQ and Yuke's had clearly noticed a gap in the market, developing an MMA fighter had not been done before on 3rd Gen consoles, and so it would be hard to get it right. However for the most part, with UFC 2010, Yuke's and THQ have hit the nail on the head, with improved controls, positive changes to gameplay, new MMA brands, arena's and fantastic visuals. UFC 2010 provides an extensive, competitive and fun MMA experience, great for both fans of the franchise, and your average gamer.
However you game, celebrity cameos can always make the experience more interesting. Here is Bit Culture's Top 10 Celebrity Cameos In Video Games.
MMA is one of the most intense and exciting sports to watch, but notoriously violent. For those not up to the intense dedication and training that learning MMA take, PS3 and Xbox offer a number of games which are the next best thing.
GXC: "Have you ever heard that Trophy ding, that Achievement bloop to see a title jokingly referencing your favorite movie so cleverly that you bust out in laughter? Developers have creative minds, that is for certain, but when you see em take that creativity and toss in something witty and humorous, there’s something special about it. Taking the extra time to appeal to a much broader fanbase is always respected in the gaming community, so here are 15 awesome references seen in trophies and achievements."
I think Lego Lord Of The Rings at least deserves an honourable mention
Trophy - One does not simply...
Earned - Walk into Mordor.
Made me laugh :)
