Review: UFC 2009 Undisputed

UFC 2009 Undisputed is the latest attempt at creating a truly authentic UFC experience. The reason I say this is because I’ve played previous UFC titles, and none of them really had what it took to be called a true UFC game. Is Yuke’s Media Creations just keeping the pattern of mediocre UFC titles, or does UFC 2009 Undisputed actually stand as an authentic fighting experience?

The way UFC 2009 is presented is appropriate for what the game represents. It’s menus are loud, in your face, and accompanied by obnoxious amounts of rock music. Choosing a fighter and getting right into the game is easy enough, but for some reason it feels like the load times are too long when navigating the menu. Aside from that, it’s easy as can be. The game comes with over 80 fighters, which is very impressive. All have their own style of fighting, which there are 6 different ones in the game, only adds to the authenticity it’s going for. If you’re here for an in-depth single player experience, you chose the wrong game. The single player career is as simple as creating your fighter (which doesn’t give you much options to begin with), picking another fighter to go against and, well, fighting. You gradually increase your stats as you go, but it’s as simple as a few button clicks.  Does that mean the game play is as simple as setting the game up?

No. It doesn’t. UFC 2009 has a pretty immense learning curve believe it or not. While on your feet it’s a relatively easy set up. It’s all about punching and kicking. Most importantly, timing. The right timing of landing a fist on some poor bastards face can instantly end a fight, all though not very common. Now the ground game, is a completely different story. Learning how to submit another player is one thing. Getting out of submissions is much harder than it should be, and I’m yet to find a sure fire way to get out of a submission; even after spending god knows how long playing it. It feels like Yuke’s nailed it when it came to being on your feet, but ground game needs a lot of work. This does not mean the game is unplayable by any means, I’ve still had alot of fun playing it. No, not so much with the single player…it’s all about the multiplayer. Playing UFC 2009 against friends is some of the most fun I’ve had playing a sports game in a pretty long time, probably since NHL 09.  It’s accessible enough to the point where people can pick up and sort-of know what they’re doing. If a new comer is going up against someone who plays regularly, it’s a guaranteed massacre. Regardless, UFC 2009 Undisputed can be loads of fun; as long as it’s an equal match up. The online also works great, but make sure you know what you’re doing before you jump online.

From a technical standpoint, UFC 2009 Undisputed is a mixed bag. The character models are excellent. Not of Fight Night caliber by any means, but definitely recognizable to their real-life counterpart. The crowd, mediocre. There is some pop-in and graphical glitches once in a while, but nothing that really effects the game. Sometimes punches look like they never really connected, especially during slow-mo replays after a knockout. The sound of UFC 2009 is average. The announcers are great, and actually add to the experience for a nice change. Everything else is just…there. Nothing really hampers or adds to the package, just there.  Overall it could’ve been done better, but the graphics and audio of UFC 2009 are passable.

Overall, UFC 2009 Undisputed is the best UFC entry to date. This doesn’t mean it’s an outstanding title, which it isn’t. If you’re a fan of UFC and need a good fighting game, pick it up. Or if you need something to keep you busy until EA’s Fight Night Round 4 releases, it should satisfy those needs for a little while. If you don’t play with friends and only want a single player experience, I’d probably pass on it. This is definitely something to be played with other people. Yuke’s Media Creations is certainly taking steps in the right direction of making a spectacular UFC title, it just isn’t quite there yet. I’m looking forward to seeing if improvements will be made to controls for the sequel if there even is one. For now, this is the best UFC experience you can find.

7.8/10

Second Opinion By Ian Ball

UFC 2009 Undisputed is a thinking mans fighting game. If you are looking for a button masher, or a 2 minute scrap then keep on walking. If however, you want an intelligent, gorgeous to look at, ballet of pain then grab a controller. You won’t be disappointed!

Don’t get me wrong, some fights can be over in 2 minutes if you don’t keep your guard up but they can become ten minute plus tactical duels as you constantly change your style to outwit your opponent. It’s an attribute seldom found in the beat ‘em up genre.

The online is a little laggy on occasion but it’s far from unplayable. Outsmarting a fellow gamer is a great feeling, especially in this game.

Go out and buy it and we’ll see you in the octagon.

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