The Reviews for "UFC 2009: Undisputed" Begin
by Eugene Schelfaut on May 14, 2009 6:57 PM EDT
89 comments
GamePro is the first:
The most immediately noticeable thing in Undisputed is the absolutely gorgeous character models of the UFC's stars. It's no exaggeration to say that the game achieves a level of character detail that no other MMA game has. Fighters are a spitting image of their real life counterparts with few expections-the main quibble I had was that Mirko Cro Cop's torso was too chiseled to be true to life. [...]Like the create-a-fighter options, the career mode is straightforward and fun, though it doesn't have a lot in the way of extra fluff. Some players may prefer the "no frills, all business" approach but others may wish for a more engaging and novelty filled experience outside the Octagon. [...]
UFC 2009 Undisputed does have a couple of issues that keep it from being a MMA-fan's dream come true but it is still a tremendous title that will make any fan of the sport proud. While it comes up a little short in terms of extra bells and whistles, the developers spent a lot of time refining the gameplay and control scheme, which is what matters most in the end. Instead of a watered-down product that tried too hard to appeal to a mass market audience, Undisputed manages to remain 100% faithful to the product and look spectacular while doing so. It not only manages to deliver the game the UFC faithful have been longing for but adds an entirely unique and excellent experience to the broader fighting game genre, which is why it's also a title that non-MMA fans should look into. Who knows, you might just find yourself becoming a dedicated supporter of this fantastic sport.
Having already purchased my copy, I must say I enjoy a review such as this. This will be, of course, the start of many more reviews to come, but it is a start in the right direction for the UFC and for the financially hurting THQ. Future iterations of the title should include cagework, head movement, southpaw stance, and increased CAF customization; however, the gameplay seems to be solid and already in place. If you have played the demo as much as I have, you will be in agreement.
Release date: May 19th.
New videos by IGN and GameTrailers in extended entry.
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So if you disagree with the review...
Be nice. I wrote the thing. I’m watching. And I hurt easily.
by Newbs on May 14, 2009 3:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Aha!
Gamepro, eh? I suppose you’re attending E3, too? Lucky bastard..
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Naw
Just freelancing for them. Did go to GDC, but E3 this year probably not. Wouldn’t be upset if that changed though. :)
by Newbs on May 14, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No doubt
This year is going to be the end-all. Have you tried to dig up a pass or apply for one as a freelancer?
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s more about flying out there for it. A pass shouldn’t be a problem, wanting to put money towards staying there and airline is. Paid trip is the way to go, if possible. :)
by Newbs on May 14, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sort of thought of that after I posted. Gamepro is located in San Fran, but obviously you may not. I’d be gung-ho if I could get a pass.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They still have E3? Thought that got canceled.
by toxic on May 14, 2009 9:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its coming back since it sucked without it.
by MMASuPreMaCy on May 14, 2009 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
E3 never went away.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They tried to scale it back to a strictly corporate thing to save money, but us nerds aren’t having any of that. I want a Japanese man dressed as Zelda dammit!!!!!!
by Zack Gobie on May 14, 2009 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong convention, E3 has booth babes.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on May 14, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
Not for the last several years. They’re back this year because the mood of the event went downhill and exhibitors started moving their products to hotel lobbies or abandoning the event altogether.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 15, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it doesn’t have booth babes, it is a pale imitation of E3.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on May 15, 2009 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s totally different than going away. It never went away.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 15, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
So…. does Shogun get to wear his booty shorts?? That’s what I want to know.
by zeke21 on May 15, 2009 4:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any comments on grade inflation in the gaming industry? Why does every title from every game developer with a good marketing budget get reviewed so well even when they stink?
Don't believe a word I say, I don't train BJJ. -- TangleBones
by jemaleddin on May 15, 2009 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t answer that really, but I can say that for me there was no outside influences nudging to give the game a certain score. It was entirely left up to me… I actually labored pretty hard over what score to give it, but under the established ranking criteria that GP uses, I think I made the right call. It was close though…
by Newbs on May 15, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Chuck doesn't have abs like that, either
But otherwise, the graphics are awesome. Not Fight Night awesome, but awesome. I hope they can incorporate head movement of SOME kind into the next one (also, let’s get the next one in less than 84 months).
by subo on May 14, 2009 4:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s going to be annual, so long as THQ stays afloat. Basic mechanics are in place.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah this is basically the prototype (which is still gonna be awesome) and now they will add a ton of cool detaols and stuff on the next one.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 14, 2009 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just let me hold the block button and use the takedown stick to move around a little bit.
by subo on May 14, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m really looking forward into using the cage in a sequel. Honestly, the lack of it makes Randy’s absence bearable.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on May 14, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this game is all about the fight system and setting the foundation of a franchise…the bells and whistles will come with time. game will not leave my xbox 360
"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye
by Pitbull on May 14, 2009 4:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Cant WAIT
for them to add southpaw as an option. It’s such a small thing…but knowing that there are no southpaw fighters bugs me deeply. How am I going to be a right handed Cro Cop?
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
http://CurseOfRonKarkovice.blogspot.com/
by Brent Brookhouse on May 14, 2009 4:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Indeed
That really irks me, too.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That really sucks. I don’t know anything about making games, but adding southpaws doesn’t seem like a huge addition. It would certainly add to the authenticity.
by Swordslasher on May 14, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking with Rome about it earlier...
I have to drop it a full “point” (assuming our review is on a 10 point scape) just for not having southpaw fighters. Can’t claim overwhelming realism while forcing every fighter to fight right handed.
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
http://CurseOfRonKarkovice.blogspot.com/
by Brent Brookhouse on May 14, 2009 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Er...I mean...
Rome said he would have to drop it a full point…and I agree
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
http://CurseOfRonKarkovice.blogspot.com/
by Brent Brookhouse on May 14, 2009 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course you meant orthodox. :)
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, yeah...fancypants
Contributing Editor - BloodyElbow.com - SBNation's mixed martial arts headquarters.
http://CurseOfRonKarkovice.blogspot.com/
by Brent Brookhouse on May 14, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Us right handed southpaws are required to champion the distinction. Signed a contract and everything..
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They claim it causes too many clipping issues. Same reason they gave for not doing Penn vs. Lesnar this time either.
by Eugene Schelfaut on May 14, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They needed more time to add in the southpaw fighters, because they would have to essentially double all stand up and clinch animations, and THQ just does not have the time for that right now.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on May 14, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good call.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on May 14, 2009 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it was a small thing, fighting in southpaw in real life would be easy. As much as technique differs with southpaw, the same goes for the programming. The orthodox side of the game is there, but their techniques, mechanics and animations for opposite stance fighters would have work seamlessly or there would be complaints left and right.
I agree that it’ll irk many players, but you can’t roll out everything in one release, they have to make sure they conquer each issue instead of possibly having things that stay unresolved through multiple versions.
by bigweeze on May 14, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Southpaw wouldn’t really change anything since you can’t really change your angle.
I dislike Matt Hughes.
by MonkeyCHops on May 14, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they built a game from scratch they couldnt add all the tiny details the first go round…plus the company needs this title to stay afloat buy the game and they will improve any flaws they have and add extras im sure
"If I wanted to spend a half hour between two hairy legs I'd go to your mother's house." -Don Frye
by Pitbull on May 14, 2009 4:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice to see GP on here.
Tip…stay out of the forums. LOL
The Bird is the Word.
by IHateMMA on May 14, 2009 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It begins...
Me thinks I have paid my dues waiting for this game and it is time to start smashing people on Xbox live.
That's great, but how does it affect Lyoto Machida?
by beery_pbr on May 14, 2009 4:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I crossed the 100 fight mark with Shogun and Chuck. I might have to pick up the X-box version from gamefly since I received the PS3 version preorder as a gift but everyone seems to be going the X-Box 360 direction.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on May 14, 2009 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lookin' Good.
Maybe in the first DLC release, they’ll include a steroid-cycling minigame.
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better. -Samuel Beckett
by themachiavellian on May 14, 2009 5:02 PM EDT reply actions 4 recs
This game will not leave my Xbox360’s disc tray. I haven’t even played COD4/WaW or anything else since the demo came out. I go straight to the demo everytime. It’s a sickness, damnit! :) I’m glad Gamepro gave it 5 stars but I’m waiting for IGN, Gametrailers, Gamespot and Giant Bomb reviews! Bet this sucker will be rockin a 90+ on Metacritic soon!
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 14, 2009 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It has flaws, sure, but godamn it is fun. I’m obsessed with it, can not WAIT to punch people’s faces in online.
10/10. -1 for technical issues and being incomplete, +1 for raw fun.
by toxic on May 14, 2009 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone else found it impossible to get off their backs when Shogun gets a take down while playing as Chuck on the higher difficulty levels? That’s my only problem with this demo…once Shogun takes it to the ground, Chuck is done for.
Oh and Chuck’s superman punch is killer.
by brandonh on May 14, 2009 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I've been on expert the past week or so....
and I always play as Chuck and don’t seem to have too much of a problem. I’ve been reading everyone saying to rotate the stick clockwise as fast as you can but I actually move my thumb from the left stick to the right stick and rotate counter clockwise; not sure if there’s a huge difference there. As long as I’m not gassed Shogun can’t keep me down to save his life.
by MauiPimpin on May 14, 2009 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I either try to kick him off from guard or when he’s in side control. Often times though I let Shogun get to full mount and then do the signature sweep (left shoulder button + minor transition) to end up on top.
by Disco1Stu on May 14, 2009 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was having the same problem which forced me to better learn how to defend against the takedown. I’m a huge fan of the knee to the head for the K.O. now.
"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn
by Day Man on May 14, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its really hard to defend against Shoguns ground game until you figure it out. After that, it becomes really easy to get back to the feet. Start at a lower difficulty level and work your way up. The ground game isn’t intuitive and a lot of it (like making a top left quadrant semicircle to defeat Shoguns rubber guard attempt) can only be learned by doing. I think the thing that was my biggest problem is I kept trying to make semicircles instead of letting the stick go back to center before trying another move. If you just rotate in a semicircle you’ll get destroyed.
by toxic on May 14, 2009 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
top left quadrant quarter circle to defeat rubber guard I mean.
by toxic on May 14, 2009 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
For UFC including the HW Division they wish they had.
by bignerd on May 14, 2009 6:58 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, they must miss the fuck out of Cro Cop.
by subo on May 14, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They actually do. The Germany show is really missing him and his star power in Europe.
by MMASuPreMaCy on May 14, 2009 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Southpaw is a glaring problem for me. I’ll still buy the game and love it…but as a southpaw and lefty…I’m offended. They better patch it or something.
by CliChe Guevara on May 14, 2009 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Knowing a little insight into game making I don’t think that will be possible. Most patches involve a movement glitch or add-on that is generally a new canvas (map, character, etc). However, southpaw stance would require an entire new game tool.
by bignerd on May 14, 2009 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They could patch a crab walk if they so desired. But I wouldn’t expect a southpaw patch. It was a conscious decision that consumers will have to decide on before even purchasing it. No sense in patching it after the fact.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 7:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would be a serious time thing, adding in a shit ton of extra animations, probably 70% more. Expect it in 2010.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on May 14, 2009 7:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My understanding is that there were clipping issues. They obviously had issues with close quarters and the models having an opposite lead foot. They can mirror any animations. It seems to be an issue of their physics model.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 14, 2009 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is the left handed fighter against a right handed fighter that is the issue and where new animations would be needed.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on May 14, 2009 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking more along the lines of just fixing the southpaw that they already have. They said that it had clipping issues, which means that they had it. I figure if they had it and left the data on the disc, then it might be able to be patched, no? I could be completely wrong seeing as though I only know how to play video games and not develop or make them.
by CliChe Guevara on May 15, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love this game.
The stand up is sick. I think I’m just going to set up my created dude’s attributes to sprawl n brawl. I’m loving putting combos together while moving backwards and stuffing takedowns. In fact, it’s pretty much the only way I win on expert….
by MauiPimpin on May 14, 2009 9:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve been playing the demo day and day out and have yet to pull off a submission, anyone able to pull it off?
by Chadsac on May 14, 2009 10:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s really hard, especially on the harder difficulties. It’s pretty much impossible on expert.
by Zack Gobie on May 14, 2009 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup, buncha times. Did you do the tutorials?
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 15, 2009 8:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I did, but with Shogun I’ll go into an armbar and tap the button and Chuck just rolls out of it and transitions on top of me. Is it better to use the joystick movements?
by Chadsac on May 15, 2009 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Click the stick to get into a sub and quickly start rotating the right analog clock wise. I also tap the buttons at the same time for good measure. I’ve done a bunch of diff subs.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 15, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll try it. I’ve gone back and done the tutorial a couple times but in the fight I just can’t pull one off, thanks for the tip.
by Chadsac on May 15, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me and my friends have spent way too much time on this game to not get it when it comes out.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on May 14, 2009 11:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I’ve probably played the demo by myself for 15+ hours, so good to work off some stress.
A man should never waste an opportunity to keep his mouth shut.
by iiowyn on May 14, 2009 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well fuck....
Now I have to buy a 360…
by EnsignFrog on May 15, 2009 12:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ehh....
The 8.0 from GI is troubling. For me, anyway.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 15, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No head movement, cage interaction, southpaw fighters , and CAF features (which is what makes most games fun and give it a longer life span) have been hurting the game in the reviews.
by MMASuPreMaCy on May 15, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I didn’t say it was without reason.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 16, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GI is lame, though 8.0 is not a bad score sometimes they give low scores even though the review was all around positive. =/
Still waiting for IGN and GT.
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 15, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GI is lame?
By far the best gaming publication.
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 15, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
EGM was the best mag in gaming until they closed it down last year in favor of going web-only for 1up.com
You know pretty soon GI will be the only gaming publication just because its owned and published by Gamestop right? That alone makes it lame lol. jk
Mike Goldberg: "You know Joe, When Matt and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up, they would pound each other behind the barn."
by xFenixKnightx on May 15, 2009 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GI is far superior to EGM
I mean, EGM was good, and was the second best gaming publication, but GI is far better put together, has the far better exclusives (by miles) and is far better written. I don’t even see how you can make the comparison… And EGM didn’t consciously decide to go web only. In fact, they clearly didn’t. EGM/1UP were purchased and they dissipated the print and fired most of the staff. That’s not exactly concentrating on a facet. And who gives a shit that GI is supported by Gamestop? They aren’t allowed to do good business? I don’t get it..
I poop rainbows.
by Blackout612 on May 16, 2009 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m very curious to see what Gamespot and Giantbomb give it.
"I see him beating Anderson Silva. I see him picking him apart. Him at a 131 years old...(trails off)." - Tito on Belfort at Affliction:DOR
by Rundownloser on May 16, 2009 12:38 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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