UFC 2009: Undisputed – Demo Impressions
Last week, the UFC 2009: Undisputed demo hit the PlayStation Network and XBOX LIVE. Once it was done downloading, I set out to experience what it had to offer.Ever since I played Fight Night Round 3, I’ve found myself enjoying fighting sports titles more and more, and whilst I may find them terribly boring to watch on television, I really enjoy the interactivity that the games provide. One thing I immediately noticed upon starting the demo was that somehow, the game was easier to play on the PS3, as my Xbox 360 decided to RROD right as I loaded up the the demo. It feels like the developers have used the analogue function of the Dual Shock 3 controller’s face buttons to influence the combat, which actually makes the game play better.
One thing that’s nice is the fact that both versions look exactly the same; there’s absolutely no difference visually if you play on either the XBOX 360 or PLAYSTATION 3. The fighters look amazingly real, and the graphics make the cuts and bruises seem true to life. It’s too bad, however, that the crowds look like they’re pulled straight from a 32-bit game, with the crowd animation showing a variety of about four different motions. Heck, even the trainers and assistants are stuck in a constant loop of about four frames.
The demo features two fighters, one wrestler and one Muay Thai fighter, and you can really notice a huge difference between them. One is clearly a great technical wrestler, whilst the other, I imagine, would able to kick your head from your shoulders.
Things aren’t all perfect, though. There are some glitches in the demo that I hope get cleaned up in the final product. For example, there are occasions where I’ll knock my opponent out, without even coming near their face and vice-versa. The commentary can also tend to repeat itself a lot, I even had one match where the commentary said the same thing three times in a row. But again, I imagine this is an older build of the game and will be cleaned up for the final product. The soundtrack is great, but then again, the musical style is right up my alley, with hard hitting tunes that really emphasize the action that the product represents.
Overall I really enjoyed the UFC demo, and I hope the final game lives up to the expectations I have. I just can’t seem to get enough of it so far. After playing the demo over and over, everything feels just right; from the looks, the pacing and most of all – the powerful fighting styles of the fighters are represented well. I can really see this game becoming a big contender should folks be willing to give it a chance.
pros
- transition on the ground works GREAT. you can work your way around the body and strike or go for submissions
-stand up game is solid. having face buttons to perform strikes makes life easy. and moving around is relatively smooth.
-defense works right. from defending strikes, to pulling guard when on the bottom position, its all about timing.
-counter grappling works efficiently, again… all bout timing, so if youre fihting someone who is trigger happy with the strikes, u can counter grapple a strike and take a fighter down and work ground and pound or attempt a submisiion.
cons
-collision detection is a bit iffy indeed. perhaps it could just be the demo. i have learned that demos are by no means holy gospel.
- refereeing style. i feel like th ref stands up fights a bit too soon at times. i hope that you can tweak the sensitivity of the ref much like how u could tweak the ref calls in madden.
- also, i would have liked to see the referee really jump in there and yank the fighter off when he is tko his opponent, much like you see in real MMA. it would ad to the whole experience, see as they added so much of MMA in this game.
- commentating can def be erratic at times, i agree Simon. although i will say this. the commentating on fighters is pretty damn good and accurate. its a great way for the casual MMA fan to get schooled in the game.
in my most honest opinion, i was expecting THQ to create a fine mess. Im not a fan of any SVR game they made, simply cause they took the simulation and strategy of of wresting games when they left the N64. UFC 2009: Undisputed has def wiped that bad taste in my mouth. and I’m getting this all from a demo. as a hardcore MMA fan, im impressed so far with what i see. i’m personally looking forward to May 19 2009.