PS4

Published on March 29th, 2016 | by Chris O'Connor

UFC 2 PS4 Review

I first came across the UFC through TUF (the ultimate fighter) reality TV show late at night… at first I was intrigued by the odd assortment of men bunking in a luxury mansion… then the fights began. I had heard about mixed martial arts but hadn’t really watched it… before long though I found I had gone through a whole season and was itching for more.

UFC 2 by EA throws the TUF experience into the pre-established mix in a great way that really flows with the career mode development of your fighter. Prior to this release my main UFC gaming experience lay with UFC Undisputed in 2010 which was a great game in its own rights but the torch has well and truly been passed.

At first I was a little concerned about controls as a former take on mixed martial arts gaming had resulted in a horribly complicated control system that made it feel impossible to get any real control. Fortunately UFC 2 lets you jump in and lay the hurt down… but the further in you get the better you will need to get at more than just the basic standing game… but when you achieve that long sought victory it feels all the sweeter.

Graphics/Audio

Graphically this is a pleasure to behold. You can see the damage build as you work your opponent… bruises and cuts form and can help to give you that sniff of possible victory. The commentary is brilliant too with Mike and Joe bringing you right into the world of the UFC. Sound effects also add to the overall UFC experience.

Final Thoughts?

Simple enough to pick up, but tricky to really master, UFC2 has a lot going for it and if you are a fan of the sport it’s certainly worth the purchase. The roster is right up to date and if you feel a bit quirky (and don’t mind a bit of DLC) you can add Mike Tyson and Bruce Lee to your roster.

Game Details

Primary Format – Games – Playstation 4
Game Genre – Sport
Rating – MA15+
Game Developer – EA Canada
Game Publisher – Electronic Arts

Key Features

KNOCKOUT GAMEPLAY

Knockout Physics System – A revolutionary new physics-driven hit reaction and knockout system delivers more visceral, more rewarding, and more authentic KOs than ever before. Every knockout is now unique, and finishing the fight has never been more satisfying.

Next-Level Submissions – Surprise your opponent with a flying armbar from the clinch, or with a quick transition from a knee bar to a heel hook. The addition of standing submissions and submission chaining (sequences) takes EA SPORTS UFC 2’s grappling game to the next level.

Dynamic Grappling – For the first time in any MMA game, experience the freedom of independent fighter control in every grappling situation. Simultaneous two-fighter interaction brings the ground game to life with greater responsiveness and variety.

Ultimate Defense – You can’t hurt what you can’t hit. Greater control over your fighter’s head movement lets you slip and dodge incoming strikes with amazing fluidity. Add an improved blocking and parrying system to the mix and you have new tools to fend off your opponent’s most devastating attacks.

UNMATCHED CHARACTER VISUALS & FIGHTER ROSTER

Ultimate Fighter Likeness & Animations – Out to defend its title as the undisputed champion of sports-gaming visuals, EA SPORTS UFC 2 ups the ante again.

• A new facial modeling rig, the introduction of hair physics, and improved strike deformation work to make every impact more realistic than ever.
• Thousands of fighting and signature animations bring personality and a new level of athleticism to MMA’s stars. You’ll recognize Conor McGregor’s high hook kick, Ronda Rousey’s patented pre-fight bow and stomp, and many other moves bringing personality to fighters.

Biggest Ever Roster – EA SPORTS UFC 2 offers the deepest ever roster of any fighting simulation. Featuring a mix of MMA’s biggest stars and brightest up-and-comers, step into the Octagon as current and former UFC athletes, MMA legends, and maybe even a couple surprises.

A MODE FOR EVERY FIGHT FAN

Career Mode Depth & Authenticity – Whether your goal is to be the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, or the first female fighter inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, you control your career.

• Training Camp: An all-new training camp system makes preparing for each fight a balancing act between developing your fighter’s abilities and risking an injury that could make your next bout even more challenging.
• Female Fighters: For the first time ever in a UFC game, create a female fighter in Career Mode and guide them to UFC greatness.
• Career Defining Moments: Start in The Ultimate Fighter®, then move on to fight authentic contenders as you progress in your pursuit to be a UFC Champion. Encounter career-defining moments that will deliver heightened atmosphere and put more at stake inside the Octagon.

UFC Ultimate Team – The first-ever “Ultimate Team” experience in a 1v1 fighting game.

• Create your team of up to five fighters in different weight classes using EA SPORTS UFC 2’s deep customization options.
• Compete in online or offline competitions to progress your fighters and earn coins.
• Collect coins to buy packs which deliver special items used to boost fighter performance.
• Customize your fighters with items from packs which improve or change moves, attributes and perks – all of which work together to sculpt your team members into the most explosive in the UFC.

KO Mode – With no grappling to worry about, unleash the punches, kicks, knees and elbows in this fast, fun, and furious mode; perfect for any fan looking to let the fists fly against their friends. The rules are simple…the fight doesn’t stop until someone gets starched!

Custom Event Creator – UFC events deliver excitement at every turn and picking the fight card is at the heart of creating one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world. Step into the shoes of a matchmaker and build the fight card of your dreams by choosing from hundreds of mixed martial artists. Select iconic venues, authentic referees, and custom fight settings, then play the event from start to finish and make sure the results live up to the hype.

Online Championships – Step into the online Octagon for an all new Title Chase. Compete with your favorite fighters and test your skills against other warriors from around the world. Go on a win streak to earn a title shot in your division and defend the belt as long as you can. With an updated division progression system, as well as an all-new Title Chase and featured fighter system, you’ll have more reason than ever to build your online legacy.

Live Events – Predict. Play. Win. Pick which fighters will win real matchups in upcoming UFC events and then bring those predictions to life inside the virtual Octagon. Win in-game rewards and propel yourself up the leaderboards of the most immersive fantasy prediction game you’ve ever played.

Create A Fighter – Taking character customization to the next-level, EA SPORTS UFC 2’s Fighter Creation tool goes deeper than ever with robust facial sculpting, tattoo customizations and for the first time, the ability to create female fighters. Players can also sculpt their own GameFace uploads to perfection…before they get touched up in the Octagon.

TOOLS TO MASTER MMA

Grapple Assist – Mastering the art of grappling can be an intimidating pursuit, but thanks to the all-new grappling assistance display, it’s easier than ever. Visual aids help players with ground game transitions, submissions, takedowns and much more, all in real-time, so that anyone can finish the fight like a pro.

Practice Mode – Even the top mixed martial artists can’t win on natural ability alone. It takes dedication and a willingness to perfect their craft. Jump into Practice Mode and experience a no-consequences environment designed to let you master the basics of striking, grappling and clinch-work at your own pace before putting your skills to the test in real competition.

Skill Challenges – EA SPORTS UFC 2 offers 12 new mini-games to help players learn and perfect stand-up, clinch, and ground disciplines.

About the Author

Chris O'Connor Father of four, husband of one and all round oddity. Gaming at home since about 1982 with a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Moving on to the more traditional PC genre in the years that followed with the classic Jump Joe and Alley Cat. CGA, EGA, VGA and beyond PC's have been central to my gaming but I've also enjoyed consoles and hand helds along the way (who remembers the Atari Lynx?). Would have been actor/film maker, jack of many trades master of none.

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