So you want to be an Ultimate Fighter? The much anticipated game from THQ has finally hit the shelves and we tested it out. Hit or all hype?
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UFC 2009 Unleashed features more than 80 real UFC fighters and has Canada’s own Georges “Rush” St. Pierre featured on one of the covers.
Features Being the first game released by UFC under President Dana White, no stone was left unturned. This game has Tutorials, Exhibition Match, Create a Fighter, Career Mode, even participate in a Classic Fight Mode between rivals of the past.
The Career Mode is the most interesting aspect of the game. In the beginning, you’re initiated by Dana White, who tells you about your next fight. Everything a fighter would encounter in real life will happen in this mode; autograph sessions, camp invites, photo shoots, training routines, playable sparring, and reading news about what your next opponent is saying about you, plus a lot more!
Create a Fighter Mode has extensive customization available. You can create your own fighter look. From fighting style to the type of hair on the fighter’s chest, anything can be molded to your liking.
The Tutorials are great to have if you want to quickly know how to execute a specific move or if you just want to practice. The only thing lacking is the option to bypass certain tutorials.
Classic Fight Mode has fights from UFC 66 and later; unfortunately there are no fights with Hall of Fame fighters like Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock.
Feature Rating:4 out of 5
Graphics The graphics in this game are unreal. They capture every blemish on the fighters; their stubble, hair, mole(s) and mannerisms. Even the card girls, cut men, referees, and trainers are shown in great detail. The load time is slightly longer, but that’s expected from high quality graphics. Loading is also frequent and can be time-consuming when you’re anxious to start the next fight.
Graphics Rating: 4 out of 5
Gameplay It’s simple, if it’s in the UFC, then it’s in UFC 2009 Unleashed. For the most part, the realism happens in Career Mode. The gamer has to build the fighter’s skills from the ground-up while encountering distractions during training. Commentators, Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, are a big part of the whole experience and definitely do a great job providing enthusiasm.
Gameplay Rating: 4 out of 5
UFC 2009 Unleashed, available on PS3 and XBOX 360, is definitely a hit with us!
