GamerNode: Reviews - UFC 2009: Undisputed

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• UFC 2009: Undisputed
• PlayStation 3
• Yuke's
• THQ
• May 19th, 2009

Players can create fighters either as part of a career or for use in exhibition and online matches. Physical features, fighting styles, and biographical information -- the usual -- are included, but there isn't a particularly astounding wealth of options here. Additionally, the process is very slow, as is the entire UFC 09 menu system, with much saving and loading eating away at potential time in the ring.

To make the process slightly more bearable, audio clips from past UFC events are played during menu navigation. These keep the UFC mood intact, but after hearing the same clips repeatedly, they do begin to lose their appeal. Worse than that, though, are the commentators, who constantly repeat phrases during matches. And rounding out the general audio theme is a high-energy, licensed rock soundtrack, which again fits the UFC perfectly, but also consists of very few songs.

The game features a "classic fights" mode, where players can attempt to recreate historic UFC matches by winning under specific condition. Each match is prefaced by an introduction and promotional montage (which really just made me want to watch the real thing instead of playing), and followed (if conditions are met) by a highlight reel of the fight in question. For UFC fans, classic fights mode is sure to be an immensely enjoyable part of Undisputed.

For the less devout, exhibition and PSN matches are a quick way to jump into the action, barring the fact that PSN forces players to watch the long but well-orchestrated fighter introductions by UFC announcer Bruce Buffer. In these modes, one simply selects a weight class and combatant and jumps in the ring.

UFC 2009: Undisputed certainly has flaws -- painstaking menu navigation, limited fighting disciplines, and audio woes top the list -- but overall it is a fine fighting game that has carved out its own place in the genre with a mixed martial arts control system that is almost as well-rounded as the modern day warriors it emulates. For UFC fans, this is a must-buy, and for everyone else, it's definitely recommended.

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