Extreme Gamer - UFC 2009: Undisputed Preview Event (2/2)

After the press conference was setting down, I had a chance to fire up a few rounds of UFC 2009: Undisputed uninterrupted. Even though I didn’t run through the tutorial, I felt ready to battle all comers. I had a few matches with our photographer, John Latimer (from Velocity Photo) and the games default A.I. settings. Trading blows and feeling out the controls, it wasn't long before we started having epic matches filled with lots of exciting spots. Fighting through a number of games each as both Liddell and Shogun, it was apparent that THQ has spent a lot of time making Undisputed feel like an original fighting game in the vein of a sports fighting game. Even though we only had the chance to make it happen with these two fighters the game felt like it will offer more then enough variety and strategic fighting for any fight game fan.

Iceman

In perspective from watching the two fighters do battle in the actual Octagon the next night, you can appreciate all the care THQ has taken to perfect the look and feel of the sport for the die-hard fans, and the casual gamer. Even if you’re not a huge UFC fan, or even a fan you should be able to get a good sense of what the actual events are like, and how the fighters throw it down in the ring. The major contributing factor to making the game seem "life-like" is the use of the Havok physics engine. The in-game physics are down right scary and even though Undisputed uses the Havok physics engine you won’t see too much of the crazy bouncing after effects that other games have been famous for. Even better, there is absolutely no clipping from what we could tell, an issue that plagues many similar styled games. Borrowing a little inspiration from their direct competition (Fight Night) expect to see some brutal slowdown replay clips that so off this technology.

After spending some time with the demo, talking to the developers and meeting GSP, we closed down the game portion of the press-event and heading down to the arena to the UFC Fight Club Q&A, followed by the official Weigh-In featuring all the fighters that will compete in UFC 97: Redemption. Watching the fans in attendance and then intensity of the fighters face-to-face shows the emotion of the sport, and how it has progressed over the years. It was interesting to see this side of the promotion and while hanging out around the Octagon before the nights event really helped put a cap on how important the sport is to everyone involved.

FightClubQ&A

UFC97WeighIn

The next day was the official event in the sold-out Bell Centre. The energy in the arena was intense, filled with anticipation and excitement. I am glad we had the chance to watch the event in a live setting because I’ve only seen the UFC on TV in the past, and in person... well, it is a different story. The energy of a live setting is unmatched as the audience gets worked into frenzy, cheering and expressing their feeling on each match. Watching UFC 97: Redemption live opened up my eyes to how the sport is meant to be seen, so It will be interesting to see how THQ translates the feeling of being at the UFC live event into the game. From the short time with the demo, you really couldn’t tell how the whole game will play out. One thing is for certain if you are a UFC fan, I’d have to recommend seeing the UFC live if you haven’t already.

The end of the weekend has come to a close and I’m fully expecting great things out of the final product. It should be noted that the last few UFC games have been less then stellar, and UFC 2009: Undisputed will be the first UFC game that fans can be proud of. Undisputed has a lot going for it, and a lot of heart behind its development. Time will tell, but unlike Anderson Silva in the main event, Undisputed is up for the fight. UFC 2009: Undisputed drops on Xbox Live, and the Playstation Network on April 23rd. The full game is scheduled to be released on May 19th in North America.

- Chris Boutilier (extremegamer.ca)

UFC 2009 Undisputed is an explosive fighting game detailing the action, intensity and attitude of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Featuring an authentic and comprehensive UFC atmosphere, including an extensive roster of the best mixed martial arts fighters in the world, players will push the envelope with a powerful new game engine and put their best fighting disciplines to the test in the world famous Octagon.

AUTHENTIC UFC PERSONALITIES: Explore a deep roster of more than 80 top names in UFC competition across all weight divisions and enter the Octagon surrounded by the sport’s popular commentators, announcers, referees, trainers, Octagon girls and more.
PHOTOREALISTIC MODELS AND EFFECTS: Absorb the world of UFC as it appears on television with photorealistic fighters who breathe, sweat and move like their real-life counterparts. Players will also experience ripple effects across the faces and bodies of their fighters from the impact of devastating punches and kicks.
CONSTANT CONTROL: Gain the upper hand in matchups with a brand new fighting game engine designed specifically for next generation systems. Emphasis on innovative, responsive and easy-to-play controls will give players unparalleled command of their fighters in the Octagon.
FIGHTING DISCIPLINES: Take down opponents and get the submission with a variety of mixed martial arts disciplines, including Judo, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Kickboxing, Boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
CREATE-A-FIGHTER: Jumpstart the career of a future champion by customizing his physical appearance and attributes, learning new fighting techniques to use in the Octagon and managing his training process through attributes such as strength and cardiovascular health.
CAREER MODE: Develop attributes, perfect moves and fight for entry into the UFC Hall of Fame.