Finish the fight in EA Sports UFC 2
Step into the Octagon with UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor, former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and more than 250 UFC superstars in EA Sports UFC 2. This mixed martial arts fighting game is developed by EA Canada, and takes the UFC experience to the next level on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
On the road to creating the ultimate UFC fighting game, EA Canada focused on creating cutting-edge gameplay and adding massive depth to the many game modes contained in the game. With a new Knockout Physics System, updated character likenesses, and thousands of new animations—EA Sports UFC 2 makes knockouts more dynamic and realistic than ever before.
Game Details
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Release Date: March 15, 2016
Developer: EA Canada
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Fighting game, Sports game
Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
Take your game to the next level with tight gameplay
Right from the very beginning, you are thrust into the Octagon by participating in a heart-pounding World Welterweight title match between Robbie “Ruthless” Lawler and Canada’s own Rory “Red King” MacDonald. Here you will learn the basic movements including punches, kicks, and dodging that will be the foundation of your success as you fight your way up the ranks. For the most part, the core gameplay from EA Sports UFC carries over to EA Sports UFC 2.
When it comes to mastering EA Sports UFC 2‘s controls, there is quite a bit to learn to become an above average fighter. Although this may seem overwhelming at first, if you take your time and complete the skill challenges, you’ll be a master of punches, kicks, takedowns, submissions, and reversals. Most notably, the ground and clinch games have been overhauled with a dynamic grappling system, which now offers clear and intuitive controls.
These improvements result in fluid encounters with your opponents, which are determined by stamina and your fighter’s stats. If there is a chink in the armour of EA Sports UFC 2‘s gameplay, it clearly lies within the submissions. Performing a submission hold involves a mini-game, which requires the use of the left and right thumb sticks that can get confusing at times.
More fighters and game modes than you could ever imagine
EA Sports UFC 2 contains the largest roster ever for an official UFC game—with more than 250 MMA athletes, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll find everyone imaginable to play as on the roster, including CM Punk, up and coming star Holly Holm, and all-time fighting legends like Mike Tyson and Bruce Lee. While some characters are unlockable by making it to the UFC Hall of Fame in Career Mode, there are plenty to choose from right out of the box.
EA Sports UFC 2 has the usual modes that you come to expect including, career mode, online competition via ranked championships and quick fights. New modes added to this year’s game include UFC Ultimate Team, Custom Event Creator, Live Events, and Knockout Mode.
If you have played either FIFA 16 or Madden NFL 16 then you’ll be familiar with the Ultimate Team Mode—my favourite new mode. In this mode, you’ll create a team of up to five custom-built fighters, and compete with them both online and off. As you win fights, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for cards. In turn, these cards are used to unlock fighting styles, new attacks and boost your fighter’s stats.
The Live Events Mode is also another new feature, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You have the opportunity to earn in-game rewards by playing out real-world fights before they happen. Additionally, you can predict the results of an upcoming UFC event and if correct, you’ll be rewarded handsomely with in-game rewards.
Those looking for pure heart-pounding, stand-up fighting action will be pleased to find out that the all-new Knockout Mode does just that. Take away grappling, clinches, submissions, and you’re left with a mode that gives you instant gratification. Facing off against your opponents in a toe-to-toe battle, is both thrilling and loads of fun.
The ultimate UFC experience
No ifs ands or buts, EA Sports UFC 2 is one of the most visually pleasing sports games to date. EA Canada spared no expense, the likeness and mannerisms of each fighter compared to his or her real life counterpart is incredible. Each on screen fighter is impeccably detailed and animated—right down to the exact placement of Conor McGregor’s tattoo. Fighting fans will be hard-pressed not be pleased by this games gorgeous life-like visuals and hyper-realistic animations.
In addition to these gorgeous graphics and realistic animations, you have the ability to create your very own male or female fighter. With the capability to alter pretty much everything about your fighter including fight gear, visual appearance, and fighting style—you can let your imagination run wild.
It wouldn’t be an authentic UFC game without announcers Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg. Providing some of the best commentary in a sports game, the blow-by-blow coverage of the on-screen action is shockingly fantastic. Coupled with the roaring crows, and riveting sounds of each blow you deal to your opponent—it all adds up to reaffirm EA Sports UFC 2 as the most realistic UFC game available.
Final thoughts
It’s clearly evident that EA Sports UFC 2 is a far more accomplished and a completed package that its predecessor. Not only does it do a better job of recreating the true authentic UFC experience, its offers a full selection of game modes that will keep you busy with this game for a long time to come.
With a roster of over 250 athletes, the ability to create your own male or female fighter, an abundance of gameplay modes, fantastic visuals, and simplified gameplay—EA Sport UFC 2 is a UFC fan’s dream come true.
+ Amazing visuals
+ Astonishing amount of playable characters
+ Recreates the UFC experience flawlessly
+ Great new gameplay modes that will keep you coming back
+ In-depth controls that are easy to learn and master by playing in-game tutorials
– Submission hold mini-game can become confusing at times
OVERALL
Gameplay: 4/5
Graphics: 5/5
Sound: 4/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall Rating 4.4/5 (88%)
Get EA Sports UFC 2 for Xbox One
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Get EA Sports UFC 2 for PlayStation 4
Get EA Sports UFC 2 Deluxe Edition for PlayStation 4
