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The Grapple Game
Grappling or clinch holds are triggered with a flick towards the opponent with the right stick. Flicking up or down counters your opponent’s clinch and flicking away at the right time will cause you to catch your opponent as he shoots towards you, thereby giving you the upper hand. Already we can tell that mastering the clinch controls is going to be a little tricky. We had trouble getting the timing just right. Not difficult, just something new to get used to.
Above: From the 360 version
Now at this point, Undisputed is a game of transitions, all of which are completely smooth with zero clipping to speak of. In fact, we noticed no clipping at all even as we threw punches and face kicks. Sometimes we even hit each other at the same time. The way the fighters interact is realistic, smooth and a necessity for this type of game.
Back to transitions, what we mean is that on the ground, you and your opponent will be moving to gain a marginal amount of advantage over one another. And how this occurs is again with the right thumb stick. While our fighter was on top of Griffin, we made quarter-circle movements with the right stick, causing Evans to move a quarter-circle on top of Griffin. At the same time, Griffin was attempting to reverse our moves. It felt like a ballet of clumsiness while we tried to get the hang of it.
Above: From the 360 version
Once we finally got to the Posture Up position by clicking in the right stick, we sat on Griffin’s chest, ready to assault him with punches. Instead, we made a major rotation by flicking the right stick in more than a quarter-circle direction and our fighter went for an armbar submission - in which you attempt to hyperextend your opponent’s elbow so he submits or taps out. We hooked it in and spun the right stick furiously in circle movements while our opponent tried to fight it off. No luck. He tapped and we savored the victory.
During the rematch, we were tagged in the face pretty hard. Griffin mounted us and unleashed a barrage of punches while we tried desperately to reverse the onslaught. No deal. Our mouthpiece flew out, blood pooled on the canvas and Evans’s eyes rolled back dazed. A few more punches and he was lifeless. Knockout.
Above: From the 360 version
Everything about Undisputed is brutal, tactical and exactly how a UFC game should be. The fighters themselves are impressive character models that lend to the realistic bruising and gashes. Add to that THQ’s drive to represent the UFC brand as best as possible. Commentating audio is even ripped from the last few dozen pay-per-view bouts to be used specifically for calling fights. We didn’t have much more time with the game, but what we played was impressive, albeit tricky to get the hang of. We have no doubt with time and patience, we’ll be Ultimate Fighters.
Apr 16, 2009
