There were multiple fights that we were winning which ended-up turning into a horrible loss because of a miniscule mistake or very skilled (and practiced) opponent. The entire non-boxing game (including grabs, submission control, and clinches) is manipulated using the right thumb-stick; and it takes a whole lot of training. Thankfully the developers included a fantastic tutorial mode in 2009 Undisputed that will help even the newest of MMA fans learn all the basics and get a start on the advanced moves. This mode is critical to the success of the game because it’s just not fun to play if gamers don’t take advantage of the revolutionary gameplay mechanics specific only to a UFC game, so I advise each and every one of you to play through the tutorial at least once. Each of the 80+ fighters in the title’s roster have his own strengths and weaknesses, so you can choose whom to fight as in exhibition mode based on what battle style you like. Although there are a few noticeable fighters missing we have to say that the developers get an A+ when it comes to the roster size, being one of the largest ever seen in a fighting game.
The best part about the game is the exhibition mode, as that is where the true stars of the UFC are and where the really exciting match-ups will take place; and this is obviously where the developers spent the most time making sure the game was perfect. UFC 2009 also includes a “classic fights” mode that allows players to recreate some of the most exciting PPV fights in UFC history, and success in these is determined by finishing the fight in the historically correct way. As if the creators knew people were going to complain about these two modes not being enough to warrant a $60 purchase (trust us, they alone are worth every penny) there is also online fighting over Xbox LIVE and a full single-player career. The matches we participated in online were for the pretty much lag-free and turned out to be some of the most competitive time we’ve ever spent playing games over the net. The final mode, career play basically consists of a full “create-a-fighter” mode and then progressing that fighter through the ranks of the UFC in whichever weight class is chosen. The single-player portion will take players through a number of different title fights and PPV events, even including some small RPG like elements with fantastic presentation.
Graphically 2009 Undisputed shows off at every angle, the fighters look fantastic and the collision detection (Havok engine) is up there with the best in the industry. Plenty of realistic blood, fighter damage, ultra-cool knockouts, and a rock-style soundtrack will keep the most-hardcore of UFC fans happier than the day Chuck Liddell stops drinking beer. Even though the developers decided not to include any “mini-games” there is a number of different tasks to juggle during the 7-year career. Having to balance training, sparring, fighter camps, rest/relaxation, and publicity stunts with upcoming fights add a level of strategy to UFC 2009 that is unseen in many other sports titles. After putting a good number of hours into each of the game modes the underlying fact that the fighting itself is the game’s number one focus still shines through. A great presentation and plenty of extra-stuff to do means little if the action in the ring is sub-par, and with the UFC’s first next-gen venture it’s by no means sub-par. UFC 2009 Undisputed is one of the best real-life fighting games out there on the Xbox 360 and should by no means be ignored by sports fans across the globe, especially those that have been waiting to spill some blood on the octagon floor. Things went great this time around, leaving us all here at the PlanetXbox360 offices highly anticipating next year's version and the great improvements the developers can make to the title's already fantastic foundation.
