IGN is the first company to my knowledge to do extensive hands-on testing of the early version of the upcoming UFC video game. Their first impressions are extremely positive, the whole article is worth reading for gaming fans. The article is extremely long, so I picked out a couple interesting sections:
Last night we got our hands on UFC 2009 Undisputed for the first time, and, while the game’s still far from complete and its control scheme has yet to be finalized, we can safely say that this game has all the makings of a future champ.
The game’s controls are still a work in progress, but the control scheme we played with was fairly intuitive and easy to use. The controller’s main face buttons controlled right and left punches and right and left kicks, while the right shoulder buttons controlled blocking and the left shoulder buttons controlled attack elevation (L1 for high and special attacks, L2 for low strikes and takedowns). Grappling was handled entirely by using the right stick, and the grappling system itself was both complex enough to add an exciting strategy element to the game and simple enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
Each fighter is assigned a striking style and a grappling style that dictates his moves in the Octagon, and each style is packed with a very nice amount of variety. However, gamers won’t have to worry much about which type of punch or kick to throw at which range, as the game’s AI automatically gauges the situation and triggers the appropriate strike animation. So, a simple left punch from the outside will automatically produce a jab, while the same punch button, pressed while in close proximity to your opponent, will produce a hook. Similarly, a punching special attack from farther away would trigger a spinning back fist, while the same command will trigger a spinning back elbow at close range.
I am very excited about this game. THQ is banking on this game to save them financially, and as a result I think we will get the best game possible.