UFC Undisputed 2009
Cue the angry man music
Tags: UFC 2009 Undisputed Categories: PS3 Reviews, Reviews, Xbox 360 Reviews
Posted by Mike "Two Tone" McConnell on Jun 24th, 2009
UFC is far more popular in the US than boxing at this point, but its pixilated versions haven’t enjoyed the same triumph. I am more than sure that a lion’s share of UFC’s regular PPV audiences has already picked this title up. However, like any licensed title, does the game live as it’s own entity?
The short answer is yes. I am not a huge sports gamer, but this game actually manages to keep my interest. Like boxing, I think that UFC is going to have a wider appeal than the usual sports fanbase.
That added fanbase is coming from fighting game fans, especially those looking for something new. The controls have more in common with Assassin’s Creed than Street Fighter. Everything in the UFC’s toolkit is about timing and context. It isn’t overly complicated, but button mashers need not apply. You are given a lot of control over the fighter’s body and with adjustable fighting styles; there are different ways to approach the game.
It is somewhat satisfying to work your way to the top of the UFC, but I lost interest quickly in the unabashed macho bullshit. When added to the six thousand chores and time management mini-games that passes for a career mode, I was done with this game.
I suggest that it may be best to decide before picking this up whether or not you are the sort of person who likes UFC. It takes the worst parts of actual fighting and adds and element of professional wrestling. Given that video games are an inherently over the top medium, that element is played up significantly.
The career mode spends a lot of time on managing your calendar. Sponsorships, training, and sparring are all interspersed with rest, but it all feels very artificial and like filler because developers were afraid of the repetition.
The PS3 version takes a bit of a graphical hit when compared to the 360, so if you have a choice go with the 360. I found myself fond of what THQ has done here; making a solid game that at least in my case was failed by the license.
| What Works | Score |
|---|---|
|
+ Unique controls + Action draws you in |
7.5 |
| What Doesn't | |
| - The license itself is pretty boring and actually detracts from the game | |
| Under the Shrink-wrap | |
| Well I can say I have finally found a licensed title that the game is better than the license, I may have to turn in my curmudgeon card. | |
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Tags: UFC 2009 Undisputed
Posted by Mike "Two Tone" McConnell on Jun 24th, 2009 and is filed under PS3 Reviews, Reviews, Xbox 360 Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or trackback from your own site.
