L.A. Times Calls UFC Undisputed a "MMA Marvel"

by Luke Thomas on Jun 19, 2009 1:18 PM EDT in News Comment 20 comments

The review isn't particularly in depth nor is this the timeliest review of released content I've ever seen, but in the wake of this FanPost (which confirms identical experiences to mine) I thought I'd post this sentiment from the L.A. Times reviewer:

Let's make something perfectly clear: The sport of mixed martial arts is not for everyone. Some find the ultra-violent marriage of boxing and martial arts too savage and gory (including yours truly). After all, isn't the object to pummel your opponent into a bloody pulp? Who wants to see that?

However, there are two things that simply can't be denied: One, MMA events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship circuit, are ridiculously popular. And two, UFC Undisputed 09 is an amazing video game.

Created by Yukes, the same developers that handled most of the better WWE games for THQ, Undisputed's smooth graphics and fluid controls are top-shelf, as are the inclusion of more than 80 actual fighters from the series.

Emphasis their's. It's important to note that what we are seeing with the video game is not just wider recognition of the sport and a shorthand method of teaching the technical intricacies, but an inching towards palatability. As skeptics or even the uninterested are turned onto the dynamism of the game play, many appear to be asking themselves, "have I been missing out on all of the fun of MMA this whole time?". Some will not make the leap beyond the game in terms of their involvement and interest in MMA, but others will use this game as a pivot point to see beyond the veneer of violence or rogue status. Quite a welcome development.

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I do find it depressing

that someone like this reviewer is still under the assumption that the simply goal of an MMA fight is to “pummel your opponent into a bloody pulp”.

Its just sadly ignorant…especially by someone who is writing in a major newspaper.

by Razreshat on Jun 19, 2009 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, that is partly the goal. Maybe a bit over dramatic, but he is a writer trying to make a point.

by szucconi on Jun 19, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I find it depressing that some MMA fans are still in denial that pummeling your opponent into a bloody pulp is a major part of the sport. I’m pretty sure Wanderlei Silva never went into a fight looking for a chess match. He went into his fights looking to beat his opponents down until the couldn’t stand any longer and then soccer kick & stomp the shit out of them until the ref pulled him off.

MMA is a violent sport and physically damaging your opponent is a big part of it. There is nothing wrong with two consenting adults beating the crap out of each other in an effort to test their skills. Fans need to quit denying the violence intrinsic to the sport and embrace it. The fighters sure as hell do.

by Steve4192 on Jun 20, 2009 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this game needs much improvement. I grew bored of it after 4 or 5 hours of gameplay. I am hoping they fix a few things in the next version, namely the flash KO’s and the difficulty of pulling of subs.

by DJ Soma on Jun 19, 2009 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

THIS

A wise man told me don't argue with fools
Cause people from a distance can't tell who is who

by thetakeover on Jun 19, 2009 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually just went to CEX and traded it in for punch out hehe

by DJ Soma on Jun 19, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have less of a problem with flash KO’s and more difficulty pulling off subs on the computer. I usually just keep my hands up against people who only head-hunt. I think I’ve only subbed the computer when I have them rocked and completely gassed. Against actual people it’s a little simpler (mostly because a lot of people don’t know how to defend) but can still be difficult.

Also, can we talk about how Wilson Gouveia has a higher Submission Offense score than Demian Maia? Yeah, that makes sense. McBlackBelt > World Class BJJ Player.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 19, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whats wrong with flash KO’s? Also the submission system is pretty easy once you understand that you need to work your opponents stamina down before you attempt one.

"Japan is half-Machida" - iiowyn

by Day Man on Jun 19, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not really true. On the harder difficulties, if you go against any guy with remotely high submissions (60+) they much of the time will be able to submit you from full stamina if they land in your guard.

I’ve gotten kneebar’d in career mode within :30 several times.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 19, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You must be playing with Lesnar.

by szucconi on Jun 19, 2009 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah, I’ve experienced this with several different guys, mostly on career mode. Bear in mind this is on the 3/4 and 4/4 difficulty considering the easiest mode isn’t even worth playing since they don’t fight back.

For a while my strategy was pull guard, rubber guard, sweep to mount, punch punch punch, they roll to back control, roll back, punch punch punch, etc. Since then I’ve evolved of course, but then I definitely experienced random, unavoidable submissions.

But whenever I would fail to pull a rubber guard on my first try, guys like Matt Hughes, GSP, etc. just go straight to a kneebar from guard and it’s impossible to stop it from happening, whether you try to finesse out or power out.

Even still, it’s much more viable to punch guys out than to try and sub them, even when they are gassed.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 19, 2009 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was a cheap joke on my part. I have never even played the game in question.

by szucconi on Jun 19, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I know. I’m just still venting about game imbalances.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 19, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well after I am kicking the crap out of the guy for 2 rounds taking little to no damage, it kind of sucks to have your mouthpiece knocked out with a weak straight punch

by DJ Soma on Jun 19, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anytime I’ve had that happen it is because I got caught in the middle of throwing a punch or kick, which can happen at any time, even if you’re winning pretty significantly.

by Ahhhoki on Jun 19, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be honest, I think UFC Undisputed needs a lot of work. I’m sure you guys can dream up the reasoning, but I think it’s important to note that this simply marks the beginning of several companies vying for the MMA Video Game Market. Hopefully with competition we will see even more quality MMA games.

I don’t know about the rest of you, but the couple people I know that play this game are not at all interested in watching MMA. I said to a friend the other day, “You like watching guys throw the same head-kick and same punch combinations over and over again but you don’t like to see it really happen?” Response: “Well, I like it but I don’t like it enough to watch it all the time.”

by Ahhhoki on Jun 19, 2009 2:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the game alot

However I must have no clue on how to play ground defense because in Career mode. Anyone with a decent ground game can full mount me in 10 seconds. Even built up my character with an 86 ground grapple defense . . . Open Guard, Side Control, Full Mount. Don’t even get me started on Rubber Guard.

Props to the game for so much technical lingo you have to learn. I can now replace Joe Rogan in a heartbeat.

by bignerd on Jun 19, 2009 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

some help with ground defense:

you need to hold the right analog stick to either the right or left to block the cpu’s transitions when you are on ground defense. You can normally only block two transtion attempts in a row, so block the cpu once or twice and then move the right stick to try to escape or improve your position. make sense?

When the cpu goes for rubber guard move the right stick in the quarter motion to block their move to rubber guard and once you get the timing down you will be able to do that to block their rubber guard attempt and move to half guard.

hope this helps.

by polevaultking on Jun 19, 2009 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the game does get kinda old

when im playing by myself, but this game is awesome when i have a few ppl over and we are all playing each other..its a great party game. also if you have buddies over before a ppv starts i like to play some of the matches that are going to be on the card that nite..its pretty cool that way.
one aspect i think ppl are overlookin is the fact that most ppl i know are just casual fans of the ufc( they might watch a ppv here and there but they really only know the real famous fighters), this game is a great way to introduce casual fans to the many different fighters that they might not really know much about…so its more exposure for all the fighters involved in the game and it helps build more stars in the ufc and its definately bringing more fans to the ufc

by baldspot23 on Jun 19, 2009 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like the game

Is it perfect? NO! Is it a fantastic improvement on the MMA video games from the past? YES!!!!

There are things that need added and changed in the game but i think that THQ now has a great foundation in place for a long lasting and successful video game franchise.

by polevaultking on Jun 19, 2009 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs