UFC Undisputed 3

The size of the bars is dependent on a number of factors, such as the fighter's stamina, their submission skills, and the amount of damage they've taken to the body part being submitted. It's less frustrating and random than spinning the analog stick, and the fact that the bar size is dependent on the fight makes it feel like a more integrated part of the game, even if the actual art and design itself is somewhat obtrusive, feeling removed from the rest of the game.

Smaller embellishments help polish THQ’s licensed fighter. Undisputed 3’s more simplified submission system allows for easier transitions and is a lot more intuitive. A much-needed tutorial system helps initiate new fighters to UFC’s complex systems. The introduction of Bantam and Featherweights as well as the Pride license help UFC Undisputed 3 feel like the most complete Ultimate Fighting experience to date.

UFC Undisputed 3 is the best MMA game available on the market, but like even the best fighters there is still room for a little improvement in a couple of areas. UFC fans will love it. Newcomers may come to love it due to the better accessibility the game offers. UFC Undisputed 3 has a good career mode but the strength really lies with facing other human opposition. This is not a simple brawler but a tactician’s fighting game, and on that note UFC Undisputed 3 deserves your attention.

Career mode offers a variety of training and fighting styles for you to climb to the top of the UFC in your own way. While gameplay is overall a great experience, I would like to see more control given to my fighter when it comes to the sway system, and I’m not completely sold on the new submission mini-game. I’d recommend this game for both the hardcore UFC fans who are looking for depth and an accurate depiction of MMA skills, as well as the first time player who will now have more ease of control in joining the fight.

Outside the cage, the biggest improvements are to the career mode – as in Fight Night, you can now play through as an existing fighter rather than creating one, so you can finally take Takanori Gomi to the lightweight crown. Training sections are more structured, and there’s a vast store of footage that’s unlocked when you hit milestones, too.

Ultimately, though, UFC Undisputed 3 is still a game that's best enjoyed with likeminded fight fans, on the same couch and with the same competitive spirit. There's still room for the perfect MMA game, one that's more organic, more convincing and probably even more violent, but for now, just strap those gloves on and enjoy the madness.