Cert: 15+
Platform: PS3
Genre: Action/Adventure
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has released their first videogame in seven years, UFC 2009: Undisputed, timed to capitalise on the growth of the sport. You can play as any of over 80 real fighters or create a fighter from scratch in your own image and make an assault on one of the UFC's five weight divisions in Career Mode.
The gameplay is realistic and complex with beautifully rendered graphics and a detailed physics engine running underneath it ensuring that all aspects of Mixed Martial Arts, be it various styles of striking or grappling, are accurately represented in the game.
One of the main strengths of the game is that it rewards extensive game play. It'll satisfy "button mashers" but will also challenge hardcore gamers who want to learn every facet of the game. If you concentrate too much on the Boxing, Kickboxing or Muay Thai aspect of the game, you'll run the risk of being beaten by a player who concentrates on submission grappling - just like how it happens in the UFC.
The game looks and sounds great, and the developers had unprecedented level of access to the UFC's fighters and resources ensuring that the game has a high degree of realism - something that this game required in order for it to be successful.
This game really stands apart from the WWE or Fight Night games as a completely separate entity, but will attract the same fan base. A great game, not without its minor faults, but UFC 2009: Undisputed is definitely a solid contender in the massively popular Sports video game genre.
Rent or Buy: Buy
Graphics: 5/5
Gameplay: 5/5
Replay Value: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5
Reviewed By: John Balfe
For an in-depth analysis of the game, including interviews with fighter Michael Bisping and UFC President Dana White, click here
