Features

There's no denying that THQ did an admirable job with its UFC Undisputed games over the last couple of years. At the same time, Electronic Arts has an extensive history of producing high quality sports games, including the FIFA, NHL and Madden franchises. Featuring the new Ignite engine that brought the likes of FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25 and NBA LIVE 14 to the next generation consoles, it shouldn't come as a shock that EA Sports UFC has so much hype behind it leading up to its June 20th launch.

Full 1080p destruction

We're the first ones to admit that graphics aren't everything. That doesn't mean we don't appreciate the beauty of a full 1080p game. Lucky for all of us, whether you own a PlayStation 4 or an Xbox One, you'll be treated to the same next generation visuals. Perhaps that's partly due to this game being a next generation exclusive, which might deliver a better experience, drastically reducing the number of people who can play it. All the more reason to buy your PS4 or Xbox One today.

Keeping with the aesthetic value of this title, EA Canada stated that it will be the first of its kind to use 3D scanning technology to create all of the real life fighters in the game. What that means to you is that Alexander "The Mauler" Gustafsson will look and move exactly as he did in that five round war with UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Jon "Bones" Jones. Not only that, but players will be able to utilise a feature called Game Face, allowing them to upload their likeness and compete against some of today's most feared warriors. For your sake, we hope you're not a bleeder.

That looks like it hurts

UFC video games had blood and bruising for quite some time now. What they haven't had was the physics the Ignite engine is capable of. Kicking your opponent in the ribs won't just make their skin turn red, you can actually see the ripple effect caused by flesh on flesh impact.

Additionally, no longer will you have to overlook your character sliding or skirting across the canvas. You will actually see them plant their feet to throw that overhand right, something that wasn't possible with previous generation technology.

As cool as realistic damage is, games can be made or broken in the details, something the crew at EA Canada fully understands. If you find yourself standing across the cage from Anthony Pettis, you can expect him to go through his authentic, pre-fight ritual. Then, when the action begins, you'd be wise to keep a high regard for situational awareness. Let him set it up and you'll wake up, staring at the overhead lights after he pulls off his Showtime kick.

Are you TUF enough?

One of the most enjoyable experiences as a UFC fan involves watching someone go from virtual unknown in The Ultimate Fighter house to UFC superstar and perhaps even champion. Well, now it's your turn. In EA Sports UFC, you'll not only have to fight your way into the house, you'll grind it out and win the tournament to earn your spot on the UFC roster. That's just the beginning of the journey, though. Not only will you work your way up from the Under Card to the Main Card, you'll also track down and take the belt from the UFC champion, then defend it if you have any hopes of making it into the Hall of Fame.

For those who prefer to test themselves against the undeniably tougher human opponents, you can do that too. You'll be able to compete in online championships and even track your stats against some of your friends. Remember when your buddy beat you at FIFA 14 and still to this day won't let it go? Perhaps you can turn the tables by dominating him in a five-round war, then do it again until he refuses to play.

A next generation fighter

While watching the UFC might not be for everyone, fighting games tend to be titles that anyone can sit down and enjoy. Boxing fan or not, most of us can recall playing as Little Mac in Punch-Out!! That was a long time ago, and technology brought us from the arcade style sports game to the simulation we see today. With all the evidence at hand, EA Sports UFC appears poised to take videos games featuring combat sports another level.

Pre-order your copy of EA Sports UFC and get access to Bruce Lee as a playable character in the game, as well as Royce Gracie, available only at GAME!