The Digest:  Two words: about time. Year after year, there have been disappointing UFC games being developed one after another. THQ has finally stepped up to the plate and created what looks to become a long running and successful franchise. With many innovative developments in the fight system, patient MMA fans have finally been awarded with a competent developer up to the challenge.  They have created a true, intense fighting experience that will keep fight fans coming back for more. 

THE FACT SHEET

RELEASE DATE: May 19th, 2009
PUBLISHER: THQ
DEVELOPER:  Yuke’s Media Creations
ESRB RATING: “T” for Teen
GENRE: Sports

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
UFC 2009 Undisputed is an explosive fighting game detailing the action, intensity and attitude of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Featuring an authentic and comprehensive UFC atmosphere, including an extensive roster of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world, players will push the envelope with a powerful new game engine and put their best fighting disciplines to the test in the world famous Octagon. Take your best shot – UFC 2009 Undisputed is as real as it gets!

PRODUCT FEATURES:

• Authentic UFC Personalities
• Photorealistic Models and Effects
• Revolutionary Ultimate Fighting Control
• Fighting Disciplines
• Create-A-Fighter
• Career Mode

First off, the graphics are great in this game. Each fighter has been matched pretty realistically to the genuine article. The details can be seen on each fighter’s face, particularly between rounds where cuts, bruises and blood will be evident. They have also incorporated the signature styles and moves of the UFC universe. For the stand up striking game, you have the option of choosing between Boxing, Kickboxing and Muay Thai. While on the ground, you will have a choice between Brazillian Ju Jitsu, Wrestling, and Judo. You’ll see Chuck Liddell doing his overpowering superman punch or BJ Penn taking you to the ground and finishing you off with a rear naked choke. Each technique has their strengths and weaknesses and you’ll need to fight according to your favorite discipline. Some fighters are better suited for a brawl, while others will want to go to the ground. With 80 fighters available, you will have plenty of options to choose from.

The ground game is where Undisputed separates itself from your typical fighters. This is also where the game shows the most potential. THQ has come up with a great system for when you take your opponent to the mat using minor and major transitions, each utilized for maneuvering yourself into a better position. Using quarter and half circle turns on the Right Analog Stick to initiate a transition, you gain slightly better position using minors, while majors put you into a considerably better stance than your last. Once on the ground, you have to constantly be on alert for transitions on both offense/defense and be able to reverse/block them. The full mount is the most domineering position and also the hardest to get to. However, once you get it, you can rain down some power shots and expect to take the match if you can hold that position. While on your back, you can also time the counter when they start the ground and pound or go for the submission. Be forewarned, submissions do not come easy and you have to wear your opponent down before you can successfully submit them.

Career mode is where you will probably get the most value out of this game. Start with, what will most likely be a virtual version of you, and build him into a championship fighting machine. There are plenty of things to do here and you can continue with it for quite some time due to the lack of aging having any real effect. You have to balance training, sparring, and rest in order to stay fresh for matches. Training between fights is actually quite entertaining and makes building up your character that much more enjoyable. The one thing about career mode that bothers me is the lack of mobility between weight classes. Whatever you start with, you have to stay with it. I’d like the option to move up and down. Regardless, it is still an addictive feature.

As great as UFC Undisputed is, like any game, there are some gripes. First and foremost, the Flash KO occurs too often. Yes, they can happen at any time in real life, but in the game they’re frequent and at times, on random occurrences. Sometimes a good knee to counter a takedown attempt will get a solid KO, but then other times a weak punch will catch a fighter and take him down too. There have also been reports of flash KO’s off of takedowns and leg kicks, while most likely rare in game, would never happen in a real MMA fight. The physics on that end still needs a bit more tweaking.

For the most part, the mechanics in this game are pretty solid, but the collision detection could use some work. There are also times when the fighting gets choppy, taking away a fluid fighting experience and making it a bit more mechanical. In particular, blocking isn’t always the most responsive. There are times when you’ll take a punch or two before the block comes up. Speeding up the game may make it smoother when it comes to trading blows. Something missing from the game is being able to use the cage. Like in Fight Night, where the ropes were previously unable to be leaned on, it will be incorporated into the upcoming Fight Night Round 4. I expect this cage issue to be remedied in the near future as it adds a completely new aspect to the game.

Conclusion:  UFC Undisputed has amazing growth potential and I can’t wait to see where this franchise is headed. As a huge boxing enthusiast and an immense admirer of the Fight Night franchise, I can confidently say that the UFC franchise can easily match or surpass Fight Night in both game play and fan base. The difference will end up being the depth the ground game adds to a fight. Whether you’re a casual or hardcore fan of MMA, UFC Undisputed has enough appeal to draw in both alike. It may even snag a few non-MMA buffs and bring them over the fence. Hopefully next year’s version will see a much more polished version. About time the fastest growing sport has a video game to match that title.

Single Player: 8/10 | Multi-Player: 7/10