THQ delivers a knockout blow with its cage fighting game, UFC 2009 Undisputed. Designed by the same team behind the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw franchise, this bloody and ferocious recreation of one of the world's most popular sports allows you to step into the octagon and pulverize 82 famous brawlers as Brock Lesnar, Forrest Griffin, Tito Ortiz and B.J. Penn, among others.
An addictive Career Mode lets you embark upon a seven-year quest to become the greatest fighter who ever lived, while an equally impressive Classic Fights mode gives you the chance to recreate classic bouts while enjoying footage from the actual confrontations. It's the combat, however, that makes UFC shine.
THQ did an excellent job not only nailing the collision detection, but also different fighting styles and ground attacks. Punches and kicks connect with bone-jarring velocity, while submission moves look painfully devastating. The thrill that comes from knocking someone out or making them tap drives this game's appeal, both online and on the couch with friends.
Combine the fighting with the grand presentation, visuals that include sweaty characters, large breasted ring girls and detailed arenas, and UFC 2009 Undisputed has the teeth rattling brutality fans crave. We struggled with the at times cheap AI-controller opponents and the high learning curve, but overall, this first effort will keep you punching for months.
Our Final Score: 8/10 (Good)
