Tag: video games

UFC Undisputed 3: New Game Pushes MMA Further into Pop Culture Relevance

Ladies, if you’re reading this and you’re still trying to figure out what to get your man for Valentine’s Day (assuming there’s to be any gift-giving reciprocity on this most Hallmarky of Hallmark holidays), then you may want to consider standing in li…

Ladies, if you’re reading this and you’re still trying to figure out what to get your man for Valentine’s Day (assuming there’s to be any gift-giving reciprocity on this most Hallmarky of Hallmark holidays), then you may want to consider standing in line at your local video game purveyor on Tuesday to grab a copy of UFC Undisputed 3.

OK, so that isn’t likely to happen much, but wouldn’t it be interesting if it does?

A mixed martial arts video game serving as the jumping-off point for a seismic shift in America’s culture of consumption—that has to rank right up there among UFC president Dana White‘s most coveted fantasies, alongside Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao opting to settle their Cold War-style score in the Octagon and getting Carmen Electra and Marilyn Monroe to do the ringside walk.

That aside, the release of the latest UFC video game will serve as a noteworthy barometer of where MMA currently ranks in the nation’s collective sports conscience. The previous edition proved to be something of a boondoggle for developer THQ, which saw the game’s sales check in well below expectations.

Of course, much has changed since May of 2010, when the last UFC Undisputed was released in North America. The UFC has absorbed WEC and Strikeforce and has begun broadcasting some of its best bouts on FOX and the network’s cable television affiliates.

Big steps for the once-fledgling sport, to be sure. Now, if only the powers-that-be at the UFC headquarters could find a John Madden-like figure to serve as the face of its video-game franchise.

Hmmm…how about “Gracie UFC”?

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UFC Undisputed 3: Why Latest Installment Will Have Been Worth the Wait

Throughout the years, we’ve seen how video game developers can shortchange loyal customers by producing new installments of franchises as if they’re hotcakes.But developer Yuke’s is doing it right, ensuring UFC Undisputed 3 lives up the series’ growing…

Throughout the years, we’ve seen how video game developers can shortchange loyal customers by producing new installments of franchises as if they’re hotcakes.

But developer Yuke’s is doing it right, ensuring UFC Undisputed 3 lives up the series’ growing reputation.

After a two-year wait, UFC fans and gamers will be able to get their greedy paws on the latest installment next Tuesday. And, it figures to continue the tradition of blowing gamers away.

First thing’s first: the gameplay. You can bump up the graphics and modes all you want, but if your gameplay is off, so is your product.

This year, UFC Undisputed 3 gives you more adaptable gameplay, including an updated combat system and a new submission system. You are given two choices as far as the control system: Pro and Amateur.

In Amateur, you use the thumbstick to perform moves, while Pro utilizes a more complicated system that includes button control.

The new submission system uses an octagonal gauge now, giving you more control over your submission attempts than simply hammering on the thumbstick.

You also have a variety of new moves and ground positions, feinting, new KO animations, whip knees, a redesigned striking system emphasizing jabs and quick strikes, and “Finish the Fight,” which allows you to keep striking your opponent until the referee pulls you off of your opponent.

There’s also more of an emphasis on leg-kicking. We’ve all executed leg-kick KOs before, but now kicking an opponent’s leg throughout the fight can result in leg-kick TKOs. It provides a more real feel to the game and gives gamers another strategy to implement against their foes.

And, now stamina plays an even bigger role in fights. If you rush into a hold on the ground, it won’t be as effective as if you ground-and-pound and wear out your opponent first.

Beyond that, Pride FC fans will be happy to know the mode has been included in this year’s version. As we all know, you are able to kick opponents on the ground and do head-stomps in Pride FC. This is also available in career mode.

In all, UFC Undisputed 3 appears poised to be a knockout, and my advice is to run to the store first thing on Tuesday.

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UFC Undisputed 3: Newest Virtual MMA Game Offers More Brutality and Simplicity

The release of UFC Undisputed 3 is only a week away and video game/MMA fans like myself are psyched. THQ and Yukes have set out to make this year’s version an improvement over UFC Undisputed 2010. Many believed the game’s submission system was too comp…

The release of UFC Undisputed 3 is only a week away and video game/MMA fans like myself are psyched. THQ and Yukes have set out to make this year’s version an improvement over UFC Undisputed 2010. Many believed the game’s submission system was too complicated and that it was intimidating to gamers.

UFC 3 has addressed that with a new submission system. It’s designed to make the submission mini-game easier to maneuver, as well making easier to see whose winning the struggle for control on the ground.

UFC has also beefed up the roster to contain 150 fighters total upon shipping, with more promised through downloadable content in the future.

This year the roster will feature Pride and UFC fighters. This is a first in a UFC game and is a product of Dana White’s acquisition of all things Pride in 2007. 

The game goes to great lengths to distinguish the different styles and feel of a UFC event and a Pride Event. Take a look at these two videos:

 

 

The Pride intro comes equipped with the female ring announcer badly in need of an exorcism. It’s great fanfare and if you’ve ever seen a real pride bout, you know the recreation is on point.

The UFC intro is equally as authentic. The fighters mannerisms are nailed, right down to Anderson Silva slithering into the Octagon for battle.

Don’t think for a minute that the more simplistic approach means less brutality. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Check these in fight videos:

 

 

Rampage and Jon Jones battle their way to victories there in brutal matches. You also saw a glimpse of the submission system, which is similar to the system used in WWE 12, also made by the game developer Yukes.

All in all, this is a nice demo, the action is front and center. Battling with 150 fighters is extremely exciting and THQ has boasted new dynamics to the career mode as well. Hopefully those add some longevity to the title.

We’ll have to wait on the full game to enjoy those things. It’s set to release on February 14, 2012, until then check out the free demo available on XBOX Live and PSN.

 

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Knockout of the Day: Marius Zaromskis Channels his Inner Eddy Gordo against Bruno Carvalho

Props: MMAFighting.com

Fights taking place in North America just haven’t worked out for the cheesily-nicknamed Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis. Heading into last night’s “Rumble of the Kings”, the DREAM welterweight champion was 0-3 with one no contest on North American soil. Arguably just as bad, his politically incorrect nickname typically is replaced with the totally original “Raging Demon” moniker.

Unfortunately for Bruno Carvalho, last night’s “Rumble of the Kings” took place in Stockholm, Sweden.


Props: MMAFighting.com

Fights taking place in North America just haven’t worked out for the cheesily-nicknamed Marius “The Whitemare” Zaromskis. Heading into last night’s “Rumble of the Kings”, the DREAM welterweight champion was 0-3 with one no contest on North American soil. Arguably just as bad, his politically incorrect nickname typically is replaced with the totally original “Raging Demon” moniker.

Unfortunately for Bruno Carvalho, last night’s “Rumble of the Kings” took place in Stockholm, Sweden.

Zaromskis utilized a flawless Eddy Gordo impersonation on his way to a first round TKO over Bruno Carvalho. He improves to 16-6 with one no contest with the victory. Bruno, meanwhile, drops to 13-5.

Your move, Sensei Seagal.

UFC Undisputed 3 Releases Pride Roster

THQ has finally released the full roster for UFC Undisputed 3 rosters when it revealed the Pride Mode earlier this afternoon.The highly anticipated video game is set to hit stores on January 3rd, 2012 and can now be pre-ordered at your local electronic…

THQ has finally released the full roster for UFC Undisputed 3 rosters when it revealed the Pride Mode earlier this afternoon.

The highly anticipated video game is set to hit stores on January 3rd, 2012 and can now be pre-ordered at your local electronics provider.

The video game will be available in Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

As expected, Anderson Silva will be featured on the game’s front cover, winning by a landslide in this year’s voting process.

This will be the largest roster-filled video game the UFC has released as it will home over 150 mixed martial artists.

After releasing all seven weight classes, THQ has wrapped up it’s roster releases with the new addition of ‘Pride Mode’.

If you missed out on the previous roster releases, you can view them by clicking the following weight divisions: Bantamweight, Featherweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Middleweight, Light Heavyweight, and Heavyweight.

Surprisingly, this year’s Pride roster doesn’t include Fedor Emelianenko, Ricardo Arona, Kazushi Sakuraba, or Alistair Overeem.

This year’s Pride roster consists of 33 fighters: (listed below)

Bob Sapp

Antonio Rogerio Nogueira

Dan Severn

Don Frye

Gary Goodridge

Gilbert Yvel

Heath Herring

Kevin Randleman

Mark Hunt

Mark Coleman

Mirko Crocop

Kazuhiro Nakamura

Mauricio Rua

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson

Rameau Sokoudjou

Vitor Belfort

Wanderlei Silva

Murilo “Ninja” Rua

Jens Pulver

Marcus Aurelio

Takanori Gomi

Anderson Silva

Chuck Liddell

Dan Henderson

Murilo Bustamante

Akihiro Gono

Carlos Newton

Denis Kang

Paulo Filho

Phil Baroni

Royce Gracie

Ryo Chonan

Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC Undisputed to Return in January with Pride Mode. No, this is Not a Joke


Of course, you wouldn’t expect us to make inappropriate jokes about the UFC in the first place. Props: ufcundisputed.com

As a gamer, it sometimes confuses me that I get so excited about the release of new sports games. Other than updated rosters and an occasional gimmick that actually pans out, I’m essentially buying the exact same game every year. Not to mention that for every new feature that I’ll actually use, such as the truck stick in Madden games, there are two or three that I’ll either ignore or downright loathe. So for me to actually be excited about the newest edition of UFC Undisputed is sort of an accomplishment.

Earlier this week, THQ and the UFC released details regarding the game’s development. Set to be released in January of 2012, UFC Undisputed 3 will be available for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 gaming consoles. Obviously, UFC Undisputed 3 will feature the addition of featherweights and bantamweights, improved graphics and new camera angles, just like every other sequel to a sports game. For those of you looking to get in touch with your inner Mayhems, the game will also have fighter entrances. What is especially noteworthy though is that the game will also allow players to play in Pride mode.

For those of you thinking that this just means players will get to use soccer kicks in the Octagon, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. The game will not only feature authentic Pride environments (read: a ring), but also Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros doing commentary. That alone has potential to be an awesome gaming experience, although the competition for best video game announcer is pretty stiff. Naturally, you will also be allowed to use soccer kicks, knees to a downed opponent and head stomps.

Official trailer, courtesy of the UFCTHQ YouTube page, after the jump.


Of course, you wouldn’t expect us to make inappropriate jokes about the UFC in the first place. Props: ufcundisputed.com

As a gamer, it sometimes confuses me that I get so excited about the release of new sports games.  Other than updated rosters and an occasional gimmick that actually pans out, I’m essentially buying the exact same game every year. Not to mention that for every new feature that I’ll actually use, such as the truck stick in Madden games, there are two or three that I’ll either ignore or downright loathe. So for me to actually be excited about the newest edition of UFC Undisputed is sort of an accomplishment.

Earlier this week, THQ and the UFC released details regarding the game’s development.  Set to be released in January of 2012, UFC Undisputed 3 will be available for the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 gaming consoles.  Obviously, UFC Undisputed 3 will feature the addition of featherweights and bantamweights, improved graphics and new camera angles, just like every other sequel to a sports game. For those of you looking to get in touch with your inner Mayhems, the game will also have fighter entrances. What is especially noteworthy though is that the game will also allow players to play in Pride mode.

For those of you thinking that this just means players will get to use soccer kicks in the Octagon, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.  The game will not only feature authentic  Pride environments (read: a ring), but also Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros doing commentary.  That alone has potential to be an awesome gaming experience, although the competition for best video game announcer is pretty stiff.  Naturally, you will also be allowed to use soccer kicks, knees to a downed opponent and head stomps.

Official trailer, courtesy of the UFCTHQ YouTube page, after the jump.

(SF)