UFC Undisputed 2009

Gamers have become used to THQ bringing out annual updates to their WWE franchise, with each game either trying to go all out simulation (as is the case with the last few WWE vs Smackdown games) or trying to be accessible with an arcade approach (such as Legends of Wrestlemania). UFC Undisputed 2009 comes across as a deep and technical fighting game, yet it still remains accessible to the grappling novices out there. Fans have had to wait 5 years to see the unique brand of mixed martial arts (MMA) come together in video game form, and thankfully, it just so happens to be one of this generation's best fighting games.

Unlike other fighting games, UFC 2009 starts you off in the deep end, giving you a good thrashing from the very first round. That's because the control system requires some getting used. The controls are divided into two main areas of expertise, namely the ground game and the standing game, and if you're somebody with two left thumbs, then the initial learning curve is going to be exceptionally steep. But you'll be rewarded quickly enough, keeping high levels of frustration at bay.

The fighting system focuses on stamina levels rather than a health bar. If you start throwing too many kicks or punches, your fighter will tire and your attacks will have the power of a wet tissue. Not to mention you'll be far more susceptible to getting knocked out. This system makes for some great to and fro battles as you try and conserve your energy while whittling away at your opponent's stamina. Much like the real UFC fights, most won't last more than 3 full rounds, with KOs, TKOs and submissions usually happening early on. The fact that there's an achievement for getting a KO in under 20 seconds against the CPU is a good indication that fights are more a battle of attrition, than a blitzkrieg of punches.

Of course with this being a MMA title, you're also going to have to make some choices as to your fighting style, with Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Boxing being your options when it comes to your primary style, and BJJ, Judo and Wrestling being the grapple styles on offer. Picking the right style and sticking to its strengths is paramount if you want to have a chance in your fights.

The implementation of the stamina system proves its worth during the career mode, where you can create a custom fighter, and battle your way through the rankings to get a shot at the UFC title. You need to train your fighter between bouts, but you have to keep an eye on your stamina so that you're not dead on your feet when you step into the octagon. This extra layer of strategy makes for an interesting career mode.

Other than the obligatory career mode, there's the usual selection of exhibition and classic fights to jump into if you want to try out the licenced fighters. The one mode that will probably keep you busiest though is the Xbox LIVE fights, with a well supported local community and regular online tournaments. UFC 2009 is a revelation online, with close to no lag when playing against opponents - even when they're on the opposite side of the world - making this probably the most playable fighting game I've tried online.

In regards to the graphics, the fighter models put anything done in the WWE games to shame, and even Fight Night's pugilists don't look as good as this. The sweat, blood and bulging biceps of each of the fighters has been recreated in intricate detail and has to be seen to be believed. The same can't be said about the crowds watching your fights. They seem to have been made from paper cut outs, but luckily the camera angle during fights stays low to the octagon, preventing you from taking too much notice.

UFC 2009 is loaded with great commentary, which manages to be both informative and interesting without managing to fall into the usual pitfall of becoming repetitive.

UFC Undisputed has hit the nail on the head when it comes to making an accessible fighting system, with button mashing being possible but you'll need to learn and practise if you want to truly master the game. Probably its greatest achievement comes with the fact that you never feel frustrated or cheated when learning its nuances, but rather being rewarded. This makes it far more palatable to those of us who don't want to have to memorise hundreds of combos. With lag free online play, a fun career mode and a great fighting system on offer, this is one game that is sure to be a knock out with fighting fans.

Pros: