UFC: Sudden Impact (PlayStation 2 Game) - Tournament Mode Longplay - Difficulty: Hard
2- UFC: Sudden Impact (PlayStation 2 Game) - Tournament Mode Longplay - Difficulty: Hard -
UFC: Sudden Impact is a mixed martial arts game released for the PlayStation 2 in 2004, developed by Opus and published by Global Star Software. It falls under the category of fighting games, but unlike your typical arcade brawler, it focuses on recreating the sport of mixed martial arts as seen in the UFC. The game features a roster of real-life UFC fighters, each with their own unique combat styles, such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Kickboxing, allowing for a wide variety of fighting strategies.
One thing I like about Sudden Impact is its blend of striking, grappling, and submission techniques. It tries to mimic the dynamic nature of MMA by allowing players to mix things up during a fight—whether it's throwing punches and kicks or taking the fight to the ground for a submission attempt. It offers a variety of modes, including an arcade-style mode where you fight your way to the championship and a story mode that is probably the most interesting part of the game.
In story mode, you create your own fighter and train him, progressing through the ranks of the UFC, unlocking new moves, and customizing his fighting style as you go. I found this mode to be engaging because it adds some depth to the typical fight-after-fight formula, making you feel invested in your character's development.
In terms of presentation, the visuals are decent for a 2004 PS2 game, though not groundbreaking. The fighters look recognizable enough, and the animations are functional, though a bit stiff at times. What stands out more is the range of moves and how it captures the chaotic feel of an MMA match, with fighters able to transition between different phases of combat—striking, clinching, and grappling—pretty smoothly. However, the AI can sometimes feel a bit unbalanced; some matches feel too easy, while others ramp up the difficulty unexpectedly.
For fans of the sport, UFC: Sudden Impact offers an authentic experience, though it has its flaws. The controls can feel a bit clunky, especially when trying to execute more complex moves or submissions. Honestly, I would have preferred the rounds to last in real time, rather than the accelerated timer where one second feels like five. This creates a sense of urgency that isn’t necessary, as MMA is often about strategy and patience, not rushing. Still, it’s a solid attempt at bringing MMA to a gaming platform, especially considering the hardware limitations of the time.
To sum it up, if you want a UFC experience on the PS2 that balances action with some customization and depth, Sudden Impact delivers on that front. However, if you're after a more refined game with smoother gameplay and challenging AI, you might find it lacking in those areas.
PS: In this video, I’m working my way up to the gold in Tournament Mode as Andrei 'The Pitbull' Arlovski, one of my all-time favorites alongside Mark Coleman and Bas Rutten.
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