UFC 2009: Undisputed review

Its amazing that Yukes have managed to transfer the sheer brutality of the fights to the game. Punches land with such force that it can actually make you wince, each one feeling like it could knock you out, which is actually one of the best things about Undisputed. With no visual indication of your health fights can turn for or against you in seconds. One moment you could be getting absolutely pummelled by your opponent, but one strong kick to the face will be enough to end it. Unlike with wrestling games where if you take enough of a beating you feel like theres no way back, here each fight is so open that it could go either way.Making the fights even better are the controls, which while not instantly accessible provide so much depth that given the time anyone can perform all sorts of grapples and submissions. The face buttons will be your usual punches and kicks with the right stick being the most prominent if you like the grappling game. By doing a variety of clicks and turns you can counter moves, lock in submissions or just change your position on the ground. Its a good job theres a tutorial mode otherwise most people will be lost with the amount of moves at your disposal. It is, however, a superb fighting system. Perfect for those who follow the sport and are looking for that kind of realism. The realistic nature is also representative of the graphics, which are quite stunning. Blood is flowing, sweat is pouring and each fight is introduced like on the TV. There is a good chance you will develop metal fatigue with the game covered in a heavy metal soundtrack that feels like it was ripped straight from some goth kids music collection.Unfortunately the menu system doesnt quite live up to the in-ring quality. During the career mode it can often be impenetrable, causing you to go through about seven menus (not an over exaggeration) to just reach the option to change the logos on your trunks. Of course this is only if you find it on your first attempt, on several occasions Gamestyle wasted time trying to find our way through the menu system. It is such a shame because there is an interesting career in there. You train, take time out sparring and pose for the occasional magazine cover, each taking a week out of your schedule before you enter your next fight, until eventually you work you way up the rankings and can challenge for the belt.As for other single player exploits you also have the classic matches option where you can relive those classic UFC moments. Each one has an introduction and lead up the actual fight with interviews and clips. Then the idea is to end the fight just like it did in real life. Easier said than done. If a match ended in a decision then you really need to watch your punches and kicks, otherwise you could risk accidentally knocking them out in the second round. Its happened to us on more than one occasion, its frustrating, but we kept trying, so it must be doing something right.No fighting game these days is complete without some online play and UFC caters for that quite superbly. First of all its not the most lag free game in the world, there are often times when the framerate jumps and it seems impossible for you to throw a punch. But for some reason this never destroys the fun we had with it, because like we said earlier, one punch is enough to completely change a fight. Adding to it is the ranking system and medals, which are dished out after each win, making it a hugely addictive experience.The best way to describe UFC: Undisputed is as the Forza of the fighting world. It may be difficult to get to grips with, but once you do so it becomes one of the best fighting experiences around. Its going to be hard fora sequel to top this.