UFC Undisputed 3 Review
Developer: Yuke’s
Publisher: THQ
Platform: PS3 (reviewed), Xbox 360
Release Date: 17th February 2012
UFC Undisputed 3 is the most recent addition to the relatively young series of mixed martial arts games. The team at Yuke’s haven’t rushed the release of the third game and it is clearly evident that they have taken their time to produce a game that is as accurate and rich in detail as it is in UFC history. This version looks like it will be important for the future of the as it is a lot more accessible and less daunting than its predecessors.
I should begin by stating that I am no expert in the world of MMA; I only know a little about fighting terms and the ‘art’ of fighting. With previous UFC Undisputed games this might have led to problems grasping the finer details of the game. A button bashing Street Fighter gameplan is not going to win you fights here. Undisputed 3 however, appeals both to the hardcore MMA fan who knows the UFC roster inside-out and to the novice who has no idea what a submission hold is. This is where the developers have really struck gold; making the game much more accessible to the casual fan while still holding the level of complexity for the more seasoned player. While UFC is not exactly a pick-up and play game, it won’t take long for a newbie to learn how to hold his fighter up in the Octagon.
As soon as you boot up the game for the first time, you’re given the option to play with either a Pro or Amateur transition control. This relates to your use of the right thumb-stick in grappling situations; the Amateur controls require you to just flick the stick up or down, while the Pro controls need more precise rolling of the thumb-stick in order to transition through different grappling positions. Once that decision is out of the way, you’re prompted to begin an in-depth training mode that teaches you how to control your fighter starting with the very basics. Each section is explained to you by both a commentator and through the use of computer controlled characters before you attempt to mimic what you’ve been shown. On top of all this, you can also avail of in-game hints which pop-up and pause the action to remind you how to control your fighter through the upcoming action. These helping hands are a great tool to introduce a new player into the game, as the complex nature of MMA combined with the use of the controls in certain situations can be quite daunting to get to grips with.
There have been quite a few additions to the game this time around. Not only do players have the vast choice of a huge UFC roster, but the now defunct Pride Fighting Championship roster has also been included along with the option to play certain games with the more aggressive Pride rules (Pride allowed head stomping which is forbidden in the UFC). Players are given the option to play a standard Exhibition game through either Pride or UFC rules which also influences the ‘fight night’ appearance of your game. There is also a big change which effects one of the core fight mechanics; submissions. When you engage or are engaged in a submission, an octagon appears on screen which is quite simply the board for a cat and mouse style mini-game which represents the struggle of a submission. This is an interesting feature that requires tactical use as both fighter’s stamina levels influence how easy or difficult the mini-game can be. It is also a welcome move away from the traditional button bashing that featured in older wrestling games to defend against your fighter tapping out.
Another massive feature where Undisputed 3 excels is its Career modes. You have the choice of playing through a UFC or Pride championship with an existing fighter, or you can start from the bottom with the Create A Fighter Mode. With CAF you build up your own fighter’s appearance and fighting style, and then you take him through the World Fighting Championships with the aim of working through Pride and then on to the big time at UFC for a title shot. Between each of your fights you can choose to improve your fighter by training; either improving your various statistics through different exercises and drills (punching bags, one-on-ones, transition movement challenges), or you can join a fighting camp to perfect new moves by sparring. You are also able to implement a Game Plan for the next fight, which temporarily boosts certain stats, depending on what plan you opt for. The plan also gives you in-fight challenges (for example win by KO in the first round), and if you can complete these your fighter might gain a permanent increase in his stats. Added to all of that, you also earn shop credit which can be used to improve the standard of training your fighter receives, which in turn improves the height cap on how high you can raise your fighter’s stats.
The graphics look realistic and the character models move naturally. The game is very detailed, but in all the right areas; the developers don’t make you waste time on making you have to shape every feature of your fighters face, but you do have to put time into choosing the right fighting style for you. The only fault I could find with the game was the horrible loading times. Even after a required install on the PS3, the game is constantly making you wait while it loads up. There is a long wait when you start up the game (especially if it auto-connects online), more waiting as it loads up each menu and finally a huge wait (2-3 minutes at times) as you load up a fight. This is something a gamer never wants to be put through.
UFC Undisputed 3 acts as a bible for any UFC obsessed fans, but it also serves as a great starting point for anyone who is looking for an introduction to the sport. The more elastic learning curve allows this game to be so much more accessible to the everyday gamer and not just to those who tune in to watch every big fight night. Investing some time to learn the ins and outs of Undisputed 3 can give some promising rewards, especially when it comes to using your skills in online play – unlike the majority of beat-em-ups out there. Looking for a challenge that will give you good time for your money? My advice, buy UFC Undisputed 3.
Score: 9/10
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