The wait is almost over
The second installment of THQ’s ultra-popular “UFC Undisputed” series will hit store shelves next week. Early reviews of the game have begun rolling in, and they’re almost unanimous in praising the upgrades from last year’s version.
Heavy.com got an early look at the game in March. We spent nearly two hours playing the game, and came away impressed at the volume of changes, upgrades and tweaks the THQ team made to the game. The new sway system, in particular, made the stand-up aspect of the game seem much more fluid and realistic. The ability to use the cage, both as a weapon against your opponent and as a safety device for getting out of rough situations, was a welcome change. Using the cage makes the clinch into a true tactical aspect of the game instead of just something you use to go for the easy knockout.
All fighters now move and behave like their real-life counterparts, and the majority of them have been infused with fighter-specific moves. You’ll see B.J. Penn’s arm-trap rear-naked choke, Matt Hughes’ crucifix pin, and exotic submissions like the gogoplata and Peruvian necktie. THQ has also included “flash submissions;” these behave much like flash knockouts, where a fighter can instantly pull a submission without giving his opponent any chance to block it. They don’t happen often, but it’s a nice touch of realism. You also have the ability to instantly switch from one submission to another in mid-hold.
So you want to be a fighter?
Career mode received a huge overhaul as well. No longer will you be constrained to selecting just a few fighting styles for your created fighter; now you’re able to craft each individual move as you see fit. It’s much easier to place sponsor logos on your shorts, too. When you first start your career, you’ll begin in the now-defunct World Fighting Alliance and work your way to the UFC. Once you get there, you’ll be able to engage in pre and post-fight interviews with Joe Rogan, where you’re given the option of respecting or disrespecting your opponent. All of this allows to you build a more colorful personality and gives the game a lot of depth.
The game can be pre-ordered at Walmart. I’d highly recommend you reserve your copy now, because you don’t want to miss out when the game hits store shelves on Tuesday.