The Doggy Bag: One Special Rematch

I’ve seen quite a bit of MMA video game updates on Sherdog.com lately, and I wanted to thank you for giving me the heads up on the UFC [Undisputed 2010] demo release. I downloaded it right away and have been playing it ever since. I’ll be buying this for sure. Have you played it, or did you just write about the game because it’s MMA related? If you have played it, what did you think?
-- Paul from Long Island

Mike Fridley, managing editor: Thanks for the email Paul. I am indeed a fan of video games and was lucky enough to grab the demo on Thursday evening, so I’ve had a few days of hands-on “research” with the Xbox 360 version.

It’s clear that this game is a huge upgrade from the previous version at first glance. The slick menu and easier navigation tools really stand out. Down are the load times that hindered last year’s title. The graphics and collision detection are much improved, but what really stands out is the revamped gameplay.

The fighters included in the demo not only look and fight like their real-life counterparts, they feel authentic. Lyoto Machida’s stance and movement are dead on. Mauricio “Shogun” Rua’s awkward mechanics are exact. Rashad Evans’ looping punches look realer than imaginable. The way Quinton Jackson counters and defends punches is replicated to a T.

The biggest upgrade gameplay wise has to be the clinch. In this years’ edition, there are many more positions on the inside that can be taken advantage of. You can transition easy to the Thai plum, work a dirty-boxing game or position yourself properly against the fencing to score a trip takedown.

Also quickly noticeable are the new grappling mechanics. The guards are much more active, and it’s possible to really control a fight on the floor. There’s a fair amount of new submissions and positions, as well.

New animations have made matches feel more like a legit pay-per-view broadcast. Knocked out fighters are attended to. Cuts are checked by a doctor and can be stopped depending its severity and location on the face.

My only beef with the game thus far is the low submission frequency. Just like THQ’s first UFC effort, it seems that you must wear your opponent down before securing a fight-ending sub. Let’s hope that’s limited to the demo version or the solid submission defense ability of the four fighters included.

Stay tuned to Sherdog.com, the UFC Undisputed Community and the game’s official Web site as more information is announced in lead up to its May 25 release.

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