Fight Hub TV’s UFC Undisputed 3 video game review part duex

By Will gray

A week solid has passed since we at Fight Hub TV were able to get our hands on UFC Undisputed 3 and in addition to our first review this is a continuation of what we stated last week; this game is freaking awesome.

For those who are familiar with the submission system the developers used in the two previous installments, this edition is re-done and in a perfect understandable sense. The submissions are still initiated by pressing down on the R3 command* but instead of guessing which way to move the analog sticks, a new screen appears.

“Chasing the Submission” was a concept the team put together after hearing the voices of fans, they then incorporated a tool that shows how the person applying the submission needs to “chase down” the challengers stamina bar and if they can keep it overlapped until the meter expires. Once does a submission is applied and a tapout is en route.

However the opponent is just as involved in defending the submission; looking at the screen, it would appear simple to avoid the other meter from getting you. On the contrary, depending on your fighters stamina, submission defense and if you are currently rocked – they will all compound in your defense which makes the submission attempts/escapes more genuine and ultimately able to do without real game-playing skill or time spent on the console.

Playing into fatigue while avoiding a submission is one area where the fight is relevant to your fighter’s cardio. Throwing stronger strikes or “technique skills” will deplete your energy faster than the standard jab or solid strikes. For a gamer who wants to always throw high kicks, it is possible but after about five in a row, your fighter will slow and need to catch his breath before looking for the Knockout of the Night award. Try to not get in the habit of standing center cage and trading with your opponent, the AI will look for you to do this and catch you with counters – a counter shot that lands proper will rock you and in some instances, finish your fighter. Not only is the computer looking for an opening, my eight year old daughter was able to end my night very quickly by my desire to stand and trade, as she used Chuck Liddell to send me to the canvas over and over.

Career Mode is once again a big factor for those looking to achieve unlockables and play the game through. The ability to create your own fighter and their respective style, skill set, appearance and other qualities are there for the taking. The biggest addition is the ability to start a career with professional fighters on the game roster.

Starting a lightweight career with Donald Cerrone, you begin in the now defunct WFA (World Fighting Alliance) and will be faced against opponents trying to advance themselves to the big show. During the trip you can gain experience, cred and popularity which allows you to gain sponsors, clothing and other perks. Aside from the fame, the career will let you add to your skills and abilities; Donald Cerrone is known for his Muay Thai and BJJ – in the game, you begin your career at the base level for your weight class and it is up to you for deciding how you want the fighter to grow.

Another way of advancing your fighter in the game is by way of the gyms that are included in career mode. You can take your character to AKA, Jackson’s MMA, Black House, Team Sityodong, Wolfslair and others. Training with a gym will gain you their respect and allow you to learn signature moves to their stable fighters. Teaming with Black House, you are able to pick up Lyoto’s straight left hand and Anderson Silva’s front kick among other moves that will help you get UFC gold.

Authenticity is the underscore to this game and the career mode. Losses affect your cred, rankings and popularity; wins will let you either sign with PRIDE or the UFC when offers are extended. You do not need to immediately join them but once you do you will be affected in either way given your performances. Compiling a record of 19-4, “Cowboy” signed with the UFC and left the WFA as the lightweight champion.

Familiar faces are all in the upper echelon of competition and so are the skills that they bring to the cage. If you are fighting Anthony Pettis – watch for his striking; going out against Ben Henderson or Clay Guida, be ready for takedowns and defending from the bottom.

Is trying to be the best in the virtual community not your thing? Go into the challenge modes for some extra hours of gameplay. It gives you the opportunity to relive classic fights in both Pride and the UFC and bring a tremendous challenge to accomplish them.

In closing, this game is what the UFC and MMA fans deserve for a true representation of the sport. Graphics, sound and gameplay is a testament to all involved to deliver a genuine product to the industry. In future installments, some new features that need to be considered are: storylines for actions – if you land un-necessary shots before the ref calls it out, you could be classified as a “dirty” fighter and others will be looking to make an example of you. Consecutive wins in a devastating fashion upon debuting should propel you to a title shot quicker than others/ fighters who continue to ride out decisions need to wait for a title shot until they are a draw for PPV.

Are you in agreement with this review and assessment? Have ideas you want to see in the next edition of the game? Sound off in the comments or get at me on Twitter directly @BigWilly805 or @FightHubTV – We will make sure THQ hears the fans!

*This game was reviewed on the PlayStation3