Review by: Mitch Dyer

Fighting games are technical beasts, often requiring pinpoint precision and expert timing to perfectly execute a particular attack. UFC 2009 Undisputed works in a similar fashion, but a mild injection of developer Yukes’ streamlined Smackdown series lends accessibility to the first Ultimate Fighting Championship adaptation that’s worth fighting for.

Accessibility doesn’t mean success, though. Without putting the time into learning the complex combat you’ll undoubtedly find yourself subject to a brutal ass-whoopin’. Sure, you could mash the face buttons to dole out punches and kicks, and you’d eventually figure out that the left triggers act as punch and kick modifiers. But as soon as you find yourself wrestling on the floor of the octagonal ring you’ll be completely ignorant to what’s going on.

Deliberate analog movements mix up your fighter’s position while fighting on the ground, allowing you to reverse a grapple, gain an advantageous position, or escape a nasty hold. If you want to win fights, don’t expect an easy ride. Undisputed has complex layers that will take time to learn, to the point that anyone looking for a casual bout is likely to be surprised by the complexity. But with that level of complexity comes a satisfying amount of depth and tactical choice for those looking for something a bit more out of their everyday brawler.

Wrestling can’t be ignored, either, as it’s essential to UFC 2009. It’s a significant component to what makes the game so good, too. Matches are rarely restricted to standing fisticuffs. Don’t ever go into a match thinking that the entire fight will involve getting booted in the ear or unleashing big combos on your opponent’s body. The variety in Undisputed is sort of staggering, and a fight can go in any direction at any moment. A properly-timed flying knee, momentum-building spinning back-fist, or jaw-breaking haymaker can end the fight in the blink of an eye with an instant knockout. During a submission attempt, players will tap the face buttons as fast as possible in a tug-of-war for control – the better button-masher ends up escaping or forcing a tapout.

That unpredictability builds tension with each passing second, and abrupt ends to a brawl will have spectators screaming in enthusiastic delight regardless of whom they’re rooting for.