UFC Undisputed 2010 Review
With the midnight release of UFC Undisputed 2010 on May 25th, the gaming world was once again fused with the high energy of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Just like the 2009 version, UFC Undisputed 2010 pulls away from “button mashing,” as the game’s mastery lies in attention to detail. The game also surpasses its predecessor in visual graphics, game play, useable MMA styles, fighters, and an overall upgrade of Career mode and tons of other features. The familiar stars from UFC 2009 are back with improved moves, and new fighters have been added, leaving every weight class stacked to the ceiling with warriors from unique fighting styles.
The best way to explain the game’s changes is that everything from 2009 is still there (classic fights, Career mode, exhibition, etc.) but more in-depth. For example, classic fights are now categorized by way of win, and both fighters have multiple unlockable objectives. From the beginning title screen, you can see that there are clearly more game playing options as well. In the live mode, gamers can still fight each other, but now there is a training camp creation option. For 400 Microsoft points, you can create your own training camp to compete against other camps online (Heavy Hands will launch its own training camp in a few days).
The Career mode is where most of the changes occurred from 2009 to 2010, and you can tell the designers (THQ) really paid attention to detail. In the 2009 version, it was easy to get stuck in the grind of building up your attributes (Strength, Speed, Cardio). First, you would have to level out your chosen standing, and then ground schools second, then spar like there was no tomorrow to max out your skill set until you retire. In the 2010 version, this strategy will not work (it took me a couple of “Careers” to figure this out!).
There is a new feature called “point loss” in 2010, in which neglecting training or sparring for too long will lead you to lose the points you’re earned for your attributes or skills, respectively. This new management style feels more like you’re setting a training schedule for your fighter in order to make sure none of the points are lost, while at the same time “shopping” for different moves from other training camps. Oh yea, make sure your fighter doesn’t get injured from overtraining by watching the fatigue/ conditioning percentage as well.
Undisputed 2010 seems more in harmony with MMA culture than 2009 did. The flow of progression in Career mode doesn’t feel limited or generic; instead it truly feels like you can create a unique fighting specialist complete with strengths and weaknesses. If UFC Undisputed 2009 was a slam dunk, 2010 just shattered the backboard.
~Ghetto
