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+.