‘Undisputed’ is a Knockout on the 360

For over 15 years, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has provided fans with one-of-a-kind entertainment that is not only a test of human limits, but is also the fastest-growing sport in history. Over the past decade, the franchise has also made its mark in video gaming, producing a slew of high-quality games on the Sega Dreamcast and X-Box.

While solid games in their own right, they pale in comparison to the ultra-realistic and graphically astounding “UFC 2009 Undisputed” for the X-Box 360.

With that being said, the game is brutal and graphic fun, and will keep you focused on your opponent to tap out. From the submissions to the blood and sweat that each character displays in a realistic world of extreme fighting, “Undisputed” brings an excitement that even average gamers can appreciate.

If you are a fan of ultimate fighting in general, satisfaction mixed with an entirety of fun is what you will experience. The moves that are displayed in the game are similar to reality in a way that will make you feel like you are involved in the fight itself. The commercials that show the game transit from in-game to reality are spot on.

The graphics that “Undisputed” display present an experience like no other. There are many fighting games that try so hard to suck a player into a game that displays excellent graphics but lacks the exquisite gameplay that the experienced gamer is accustomed to. That said, that’s why “Undisputed” gets it right.

For the first time in a long time, a new style of fighting enters the video-game world with a drop kick and a knockout punch, leaving you with an addiction that will have you wanting to play again and again.

The multi-player option will want to make you gather friends to sit on the couch and cherish the all-out fighting action this game has to offer. What is really impressive about “Undisputed” is the way the fighters are created, each with his own distinct style. Each fighter that you choose, whether being Frank Mir or Brock Lesnar, is built to display the same moves, have the same stamina and similar fighting technique as he does in real life.

The ability to pounce on your opponent while he is down is also one of the most incredible fighting features used in the game.

The transition from reality to game is simply astonishing. A quick trial at a store will compel you to purchase it immediately – it’s that good.

“Undisputed” even has the magnificent commentary which keeps you involved and focused throughout the fight, doing a great job with making the game realistic in that manner.

The different camera angles portray a realistic view of each fighter’s appearance.

With that being said, “Undisputed” is well worth the price. Get ready to put your opponent into submission and force him to tap out.

Anyone familiar with the Dreamcast Ultimate Fighting game or the Pride FC game released on the Playstation 2 over a half decade ago will absolutely fall in love with this title. Taking what made those games so successful and adding in some of the best character models to date, “Undisputed” is easily one of the best fighting games of 2009. Graphics aside, the game is a blast to play with friends and forces you to pick your spots the same way the competitors in the UFC do, as one missed move could put you in a situation to fend off a big strike or even worse, a submission attempt. With this type of realism and a great look, this game does an excellent job of making the gamer feel like they are watching the sport on television. Because of that, the developers of this game were selfless in creating a title that is faithful to the legacy the UFC is carving in not only mixed martial arts, but pop culture as well.

-Patrick Hickey Jr.