UFC Undisputed 2010

UFC Undisputed 2009 was the greatest interpretation of MMA in video game history.  While that may seem like high praise, considering its past titles its not hard to see why.  Undisputed 2009 had everything that a UFC fan could want in a game with detailed fighters, different fight styles, great commentary, and the intricacies of the sport which make it unique and enjoyable.  With THQ's history with the annual WWE Smackdown Vs Raw franchise, there really was no doubt that Undisputed would become an annual title.  Did 2010's title do enough to warrant another purchase?

The first thing that you'll notice with this years UFC is the amount of fighters has increased and the level of detail has improved.  In 2009 it's pretty easy to tell which fighters were created using the in-game create a fighter feature (Amir Sadollah for one).  Each fighter in the new game was rendered individually and with over a 100 fighters in the game, it's nice to see fighter specific traits for each individual like Machida's stance or Rashad's odd jabs.  Second thing you'll notice is the huge tweaks to the gameplay.  They added in a sway maneuver which allows you to duck and dodge incoming strikes to add a whole new level of countering.  You can now submission transition meaning you can go from attempting a kimura to trying to lock on an armbar.  If you understood the last two moves then you'll definitely appreciate the changes the game has added gameplay-wise.  Cage mechanics were also put into the game allowing you to use the cage to your advantage.  Throw in an improved ground game and you have an MMA game that seems almost impossible to beat (looking at you EA). 

The career mode is also improved but unfortunately still has ways to go.  I'm 12 fights into my career and my character has stats that are laughable considering the competition they're putting me up against.  They've added a fun Event mode which lets you play through past UFC cards or create cards of your own including the intro videos and the overall presentation.  Create-a-Fighter has become more detailed and the work that you can create is amazing given the time and effort you put in. 

The feature that I was most excited about when I heard of the improvements were the fight camps.  Tragically I was more then disappointed with the results.  Thoughts of epic training sessions, camp against camp fights, customizable banners or gyms were thrown out the window when I was given a half-hearted effort which meant as much as Halo 2's old clans (worthless).  It shouldn't matter too much as long as the online fights are smooth right?  I completely agree with you itallic writing but sadly, they do not.  Online games are a laggy mess and with the precise timing you need for some of the counters, this results in many frustrated gamers like yours truly.  Occasionally I'm blessed with a great connection but more often then not I'm forced to watch world class fighters fight in what seems to be quicksand.  The major concern seems to be that most gamers can't even get into a lobby with errors showing "this session is no longer available".  My main concern is that at level 8 online with only 3 fights under my belts I'm being matched up against level 100+ with close to 1000 fights.  How does that even make sense?

Pathetic

Steep Learning Curve

Terrible Online Servers

Might not be enough content added for casual fans of 2009

Career Mode is still boring

Very Nice!

Gameplay seems to be a perfect representation of MMA

Larger roster and better graphics

More fight styles plus tons more character specific traits

Less flash KOs meaning more skilled fights

Deep and rewarding fight system

FINAL GRADE: B+

UFC Undisputed 2010 is not only a great sports title, but a great fighting game.  Fans of both genres should have a blast playing if they can learn the deep control scheme.  For fans of the UFC this game should be a no-brainer providing a very enjoyable experience.  For casual fans, or those with 2009's title, 2010 may not offer enough to warrant another $60.  I would have easily given this game at least an A- if the online wasn't so broken but as it is, this title is lucky to get a B+. 

The Karate Kid (2010)

The Karate Kid is a classic movie from the 80s that had one decent sequel and two mildly entertaining follow ups.  With the resurgence of 80s properties the last few years (Transformers, GI Joe) I was actually pretty excited to hear that one of my favorite underdog tales was to be remade and looked to be taken in a different direction.  Did the Karate Kid (or Kung Fu Kid) live up to my expectations though?

It's inevitable that I'm going to be asked whether I enjoyed the original more or preferred the remake but in both films defenses I don't really think that it's fair to compare the two side by side.  Granted they share the same name and similar premise, the differences are pretty strong and evident from the opening scene.  For one, Jaden Smith is much more younger then Ralph Macchio's character in the 80s film and the remake is set in China.  Secondly, Smith is taught Kung Fu from Jackie Chan and to be perfectly honest, the kid really does look like he can fight and is learning actual martial arts.  No disrespect to Pat Morita, but Jackie Chan actually knows his Kung Fu whereas Morita was a comedian.  Not once in the original trilogy (not including The Next Karate Kid starring Hillary Swank) did I ever believe that Macchio could hold his own.  Whereas Smith's character (Dre) truly looked like he could fight, Macchio (Daniel) was content with just constantly getting bailed out by Morita (Miyagi).  So before I continue, I don't want to compare the two films anymore because to be perfectly honest, I might actually prefer the remake. 

(Very Mild Spoilers) The story is basic 80s fodder that we've all watched before with a main character that gets bullied (Dre), who finds a way to overcome his adversities in the unlikeliest place (Mr. Han), and proves himself in a grand fashion (Kung Fu Tournament).  In the Karate Kid Dre and his mother move to China due to her career.  Dre goes to a park near his new apartment and a girl (Mei Ying) catches his eye.  This causes one of the local bullies (Cheng) to become angry and beat Dre up.  Dre, Cheng, and Mei all go to the same school and this obviously causes conflict.  Dre becomes interested when he happens upon a school teaching martial arts when he sees that Cheng is one of the students there.  After a school trip, Dre decides to fight back against the bullies.  A chase ensues until the bullies finally catch him in a corner.  As they begin to beat him up, Dre is saved by his maintenance man Mr. Han.  Dre asks Han to teach him Kung Fu to help solve his problems, but Han suggests to just go to the school that Cheng is taught at and attempt to solve things peacefully.  Like the original film, Cheng is taught by a ruthless master and in order to prevent Dre from continuously getting beat up, Han enters him in a Kung Fu tournament. 

The acting in the movie is actually better then one would expect.  I enjoyed Smith's performance although some parts seemed artificial (unsurprising given his age).  He reminded me of Will Smith's younger acting roles and given time, I can see him becoming a budding young actor.  What was more enjoyable was seeing Chan and Smith's interactions.  Their chemistry was great and I enjoyed thier training together.  The supporting cast was decent in their own right too having Taraji Henson playing a supporting mother.  The other characters were pretty one-dimensional and could easily be cast as "love interest", "bully", and "Bad Guy". 

SUMMARY

Overall I'd say that I enjoyed this movie.  At a little under two and a half hours, I was surprised that it didn't feel like it dragged.  The movie had parts that made me laugh, parts that literally had the crowd (myself not included) cheering, and an overall feel good story.  The scenery was gorgeous, the story was entertaining, and the action/training scenes were enjoyable.  Even if you feel that the original couldn't be topped (probably more because Nostalgia) or you're just looking for a good movie I'd say that it's worth checking out.

FINAL GRADE : B+