UFC Undisputed 2010 Review- The WarpZone
THQ turned heads last May when they released arguably the most solid fighting game of the year with UFC Undisputed 2009. The game captured the art and science of mixed martial arts better than any game focused on the combat sport before, while still being fairly simple to play.
UFC Undisputed 2010 offers more of the same in terms of gameplay. THQ simplified things a bit, but there is still that easy to do, hard to master feel. There is still a gratifying feeling when you perform a move for the first time, such as a submission or a counter to your opponent.
Unfortunately the game also has a Madden feel to it, in the sense that the majority of players won’t see much difference between this year’s and last year’s versions. This has the potential to turn into a franchise where non-hardcore players buy the game every couple of years, rather than annually.
The 2010 also cuts back on the knockouts a bit, which really plagued 2009 in my opinion. All too often a fight would end just seconds in after a haymaker was landed on the jaw of one of the fighters. Sure it is cool to see knockouts, but you lose the realism and drama that occurs in many UFC fights in real life.Back, though, is the lack-of-submissions to your opponents. The computer has no problem executing a kamora or ankle lock, but when you attempt one, odds are it will be broken out of. It is a shame that it is so difficult, because submissions are a very common way fighters end fights. I would have liked to see THQ allow submissions to become more of a common place in the game.
2009′s roster pales in comparison to 2010. This year’s game offers nearly 100 fighters total, compared to about 70 in last year’s game. All the top UFC competitors are playable, including Brock Lesnar, BJ Penn and George St. Pierre. THQ included many lower-to-mid-card fighters as well, in case you’re not a fan of just the headline fighters. Even Kimbo Slice is in the game- and yes, he stinks. There are also some PS3 exclusive fighters, like Dan ‘The Beast’ Severn and Joyce Gracie, who created the UFC in the early 1990s.
Career mode is back, and is still very bland. You pick your fight, then you go into training. It is still missing something to keep me engaged between fights. Sure I can train in cardio and strength, but it is just simple button clicks. I’m not really seeing how it is improving my created fighter. It needs something more to it to keep me going back for more.New to the franchise is a a title mode much like old Acclaim WWF games, and even Mortal Kombat. You pick your fighter- created or UFC- and battle your way to the top of the mountain in your weight class. You win, you move on; you lose…don’t. Once you’ve captured the title, you can move to title defense mode, where, you guessed it, you defend your newly won title.
Returning from last year is the ‘Ultimate Fights’ mode, where you take control of historic UFC fights. Sticking with history, the ‘Re-write History’ mode allows you to go back in time and change how history was written. This mode is very similar to the mode offered in WWE Legends of Wrestlemania. Both are very fun, and offer some insight into the history of the UFC.
There’s also a tournament mode, but who cares.
Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan are also back, and the commentary is fantastic, just like last year’s game. Also, UFC President Dana White can be seen sitting ring-side just like in real life.
UFC is also the first game from THQ to have a block on online play. Unless you pick up the game brand new in the shrink wrap, you’ll be paying to play your buddies in online via PSN or XBox Live. It doesn’t offer a seven day trial like EA plans to do this year with its sports games, but it is also cheaper, setting you back $5 instead of $10.
UFC Undisputed 2010 plays much like its predecessor. Some improvements and new modes have been implemented, but some of the bugs still return. Why can’t I ever submit anyone…ever? If you enjoyed 2009, then there is little reason you shouldn’t like this year’s version. At the same token, there may bit little reason other than the expanded roster for you to shell out $60 this year. The game still has some things to tweak, but if you can live past them, there is a lot to enjoy here.
Final Score- B
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