Best UFC Games

Key Takeaways

UFC 4 received a mixed reception due to its lack of immersion, clunky animations, and arcade-like design choices, disappointing fans.
UFC 2, despite criticisms of moving away from earlier games, had better gameplay and attention to detail with character models and arenas.
UFC 3 focused more on multiplayer and had a large player base, but repetitive knockouts and lack of ragdoll physics were drawbacks. UFC Undisputed 3 was highly regarded for its realistic gameplay and in-depth career mode.

As a lifelong MMA enthusiast and avid gamer, I must say that the THQ-produced UFC Undisputed series holds a special place in my heart. Having grown up playing these games during their heyday, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I think back to those times.

Mixed martial arts, a sport rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, is now attracting more focus in the gaming industry too. Excitement is building around EA Sports’ upcoming release of UFC 5, as gamers eagerly anticipate a top-tier fighting game that mirrors the real-life intensity of the sport amidst numerous other games offering fantastical combat experiences. The UFC, the premier organization for mixed martial arts, has collaborated with developers since the year 2000 to create genuine gaming experiences, but not all titles have been equally well-received by fans.

With each installment of UFC moving more into mainstream popularity and athletes constantly developing fresh techniques, players are eagerly anticipating these advancements in future editions. As UFC 5 plans to incorporate elements like cuts and doctor interventions that were absent before, it’s worth revisiting some of the most popular games from the series to understand what initially made them so captivating.

10 UFC Personal Trainer

A Hands-On Approach To Combat Sports Gaming

Developer: Heavy Iron Studios, THQ
Released: 2011
Platform: Xbox Kinect

The Xbox Kinect was an early device that combined motion sensing technology with gaming, offering a rudimentary Virtual Reality experience. It’s no wonder that sports games were some of the most sought-after titles in this format, as even UFC joined the fray with their own “UFC Personal Trainer” game. This title offered high-intensity and fast-paced workouts, making it an excellent introduction to martial arts for gamers, as well as a useful tool for amateur and budding fighters looking to enhance their skills.

9 UFC Tapout

The Early Xbox Game Was Ahead Of Its Time

Developer: Dream Factory
Released: 2002
Platform: Xbox

Dream Factory’s UFC Tapout marked a substantial advancement in mixed martial arts gaming, and its successor, UFC Tapout 2, further bridged the gap between MMA games and boxing titles such as the Fight Night series.

Although both UFC Tapout and Tapout 2 had a modest roster and relatively simple Career options, they didn’t offer the same level of realism or immersion as competing boxing games. However, these classic titles still evoke nostalgia for long-time fans, thanks to iconic fighters like Tito Ortiz, Matt Hughes, and Jens Pulver being part of their lineup.

8 UFC Throwdown

This Playstation Classic Holds Fond Memories For Retro Players

Developer: Capcom
Released: 2002
Platform: PlayStation 2

Released in 2002, UFC Throwdown stood out in the combat sports gaming world with its variety of game modes and advanced grappling and striking system for that era. It offered more gameplay options than Tapout and had a more user-friendly interface overall.

Produced by Capcom, it’s not surprising that this project, backed by more resources, garnered more acclaim than its competitor. As the PlayStation version of Tapout, it naturally had some advantages due to being on the PlayStation 2, while Tapout was still running on the original Xbox.

7 EA Sports UFC 4

This Title Pushed The Boundaries Perhaps Too Much

The latest entry to UFC by EA was met with a wide range of opinions from both fans and critics. While it boasts the largest roster ever in the series, the game’s immersion is lacking, animations are awkward, and certain developer decisions regarding cosmetic elements have been considered over-the-top. As a result, the gameplay feels more like an arcade experience compared to its predecessors, appearing less realistic overall.

The career mode underperformed, and an emphasis on victory dances rather than substantial gameplay improvements wasn’t what fans anticipated. Introducing “Coach Davis” didn’t significantly address these issues. Additionally, missing features like saving fight replays, viewing extended highlights, identifying opponents’ previous matches, and checking rival contenders’ records were all letdowns.

6 EA Sports UFC 5

Improved Upon Its Predecessor In The Right Way

In comparison to its forerunners, EA Sports UFC 5 didn’t bring many new gameplay elements, and its career mode seemed quite similar. Yet, it boasted a more extensive roster and minor enhancements that collectively improved the game slightly. The significant online player base added diversity and challenge to the gameplay experience for UFC 5.

In the latest installment, UFC 5, you’ll find an updated roster featuring legends such as Fedor Emelianenko and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Those who have played earlier versions will notice some similarities in gameplay mechanics, while newcomers are provided with a user-friendly guide to make the experience seamless. Notably, grappling has been enhanced, focusing more on scrambles and submissions compared to previous games.

5 EA Sports UFC 2

The Great Character Models And Animations Still Hold Up Today

Developer: EA Sports
Released: 2016
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One

2016, right smack in the middle of the McGregor-Rousey frenzy, I’d say it was an ideal moment for a UFC video game to dominate the market. It did manage some impressive sales, but the criticism rolled in fast, as it moved even more distant from the vibe of the earlier Undisputed games, and it certainly didn’t escape the “EA Treatment” when it came to microtransactions and in-game currency.

In comparison to its previous version, gameplay has shown a noticeable enhancement, outshining the experience in UFC 4 significantly. The game’s developers have paid close attention to detail when creating character models and environments, with global arenas showing greater complexity than what is seen currently.

4 EA Sports UFC 3

A Revamp In The UFC Series Which Introduced Many New Features

Developer: EA Sports
Released: 2018
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One

After the huge success of UFC 2, EA Sports came out with another installment in 2018 – UFC 3 for me as a gamer. Compared to its predecessor, not many gameplay changes were made, but it’s clear that the developers prioritized multiplayer over the detailed Career Mode we’ve grown accustomed to from the Undisputed series.

Discontinuing the ragdoll effect after knockouts might have been an oversight, as the limited number of animations for each knockout can make gameplay and viewing experiences repetitive. However, UFC 3 boasted a substantial player base and was particularly well-received in online match-ups.

3 UFC 2009 Undisputed

This Trailblazing Game Set A New Standard For MMA In Video Games

Developer: THQ
Released: 2009
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

Prior to EA taking over the franchise, THQ was responsible for developing the UFC “Undisputed” series. The inaugural game in this series, UFC 2009 Undisputed, introduced an authentic blend of martial arts styles while emphasizing the evolution of fighters’ training and ground-based technical skills.

Initially, grasping ground controls and submissions might have seemed challenging, but they laid the foundation for all subsequent games and have undergone minimal alterations since then. Featuring legends like Georges St. Pierre and Anderson Silva, UFC 2009 Undisputed stands as a timeless classic.

2 UFC Undisputed 2010

Improved Upon Its Predecessor And Was Received Well By Audiences

Developer: THQ
Released: 2010
Platform: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360

2010’s UFC Undisputed, following the footsteps of its 2009 predecessor, didn’t quite revolutionize the series like the earlier game did. However, it introduced several upgrades, such as improved graphics and smoother, more precise animations, that enhanced the overall gaming experience. The game boasts a roster with notable fighters like Matt Serra, Rampage Jackson, and Mirko Cro Cop, emphasizing on showcasing these athletes accurately, thus creating a realistic gaming atmosphere closely resembling the actual sport.

Although the Undisputed series was developed using an engine that is older compared to the EA titles, it boasted far more authentic and true-to-life character models, along with distinct and identifiable fighting styles for each character.

1 UFC Undisputed 3

Laid The Groundwork For All Subsequent UFC Games And Contained More Features Than EA Titles

The final THQ-developed UFC game, UFC Undisputed 3, preserved many elements that contributed to the success of its predecessors, while also enhancing them by introducing a more comprehensive career mode emphasizing training and growth alongside actual fights. The game offered numerous new techniques and submission options, making it highly realistic and enjoyable among all UFC series games.

Including “Pride” in the game added more credibility as a preparatory platform for the main UFC. It had its unique rule set, allowing kicks to opponents on the ground, which other games might find beneficial to emulate. This game is highly appreciated by sports enthusiasts and gamers alike, often being referred to as a top pick among fans.

2024-09-12 06:54