Gaming Target - Dreamcast: Ultimate Fighting Championship

Written by Mike Frisina on November 06, 2000

Review: Smacking men for the championship... so much like my dreams it's not even funny

Ultimate Fighting has always been one of the most controversial events in terms of realism. All of the brutal fighting with people from all over the world taking it to each other kind of reminds you of wrestling; but this stuff is REAL. But compared to the games that are remotely similar (ie. WWF, WCW games) this one really shines in terms of almost every single attribute imaginable.

The brutal nature of UFC made this game extremely hard to portray realistically. However, Anchor really took their time and produced some of the best graphics on any console wrestling game out. Detailed characters, smooth, flawless backgrounds, and many different moves executed without a graphical hitch. Little things like tattoos; bruises and body hair have been accurately reproduced as well as fighters posing to the crowd before the match starts, stretching out before bouts, and breathing heavier during the match. In all honesty, Anchor, if they chose to, could have easily based all of the game on the graphics and not worry about gameplay or features and still come up with a winner.

Gameplay could have been really questionable in this game. I mean, how realistically can you portray real fighting with real (digitized) people without making it a bloody massacre? Lucky for gamers everywhere, Anchor somehow managed to deliver a great frame-rate that only stutters occasionally and solid move execution without any choppiness in between. Most of the fighting moves were accurately done according to fighting styles, and although moves may seem the same at the beginning, once you get into the game you will see and use the great variety of moves that your player has. Although some may find it easier to fight with certain styles, I myself find it just the same to play with all the different styles.

The A.I is, in a word, HARD. They (CPU) are quick and good blockers, and quick to grapple while you are unsuspecting, and are almost unbeatable when they have you one the ground. As in most games, you must learn by starting at easy, or you will lose first round every time. You will have bruised thumbs after playing this game due to having to smash the buttons to escape holds and such. It also varies between characters, as facing a wrestler like Gary Goodbridge is much easier then facing the likes of Tito Ortiz. Many UFC fans will notice and like that.

Control in UFC is flawless if you can learn to adjust to it enough. Simple commands like punching and kicking are one button and no glitches are apparent in terms of hitting and missing. More difficult moves such as your characters specials and grapple reversals are harder to pull of but are still manageable to do in the middle of a clash. Also, quick fingers are key due to the swift fights and the brawls can be determined by someone pressing a button a half-second faster then you.

The audio keeps the quality high while not overdoing it. Cool additions like the before-the-match music and referee Big John McCarthy speaking before the match. The in-game effects are also top-notch, as (sometimes unfortunately) you will hear all the bumps, whacks and bruises. I also like how not like most games when you hit the fence it rattles and makes a noise.

Thank god though that the features manifested in UFC are quite plentiful. You can play in a wide variety of matches like Tournament, Exhibition and Create-a-Wrestler (Called Career). With the great variety UFC has, hardcore Ultimate Fighting fans will be playing this game for months on end.