UFC 2014 (EA Sports UFC) A Solid Start to EAs MMA Franchise on Xbox One
Score: 7/10
EA Sports UFC (2014) is the first entry in EAs reboot of the UFC video game series, and it brings the thrilling world of mixed martial arts to life with impressive graphics and a solid fighting system. The game offers a deep, strategic combat experience that accurately reflects the brutality and intricacies of the sport. While the game impresses with its visual fidelity and gameplay mechanics, it doesnt quite hit the mark in terms of content variety and polish, especially for those who expect more from a fully-fledged franchise.
Gameplay: The core of EA Sports UFC is its fighting mechanics, and they are designed to give players a realistic MMA experience. The striking system is fluid, allowing players to control punches, kicks, and clinch attacks with a combination of buttons and analog stick movements. The ground game, which is a crucial element of UFC fighting, is well-implemented with an intuitive submission and transition system, making it feel like a true battle on the mat.
One of the most impressive features is the presentation of the fights themselves. The movement of fighters feels realistic, with animations capturing the subtlety of each fighters style. However, some of the animations can feel stiff at times, and theres a noticeable lack of fluidity in the transitions, especially when compared to later entries in the series.
The game also includes a career mode where players create their own fighter and work their way up from the lower ranks to become the UFC champion. The career progression feels rewarding, though it can become repetitive, especially with a limited number of fight types and somewhat basic progression mechanics. The "Ultimate Team" mode, where players can collect cards and build their fighter's skills, is a fun addition but feels a bit underdeveloped.
Graphics and Sound: The visuals in EA Sports UFC are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the game. The Xbox One version delivers incredibly detailed fighter models, with facial animations and expressions that make the fighters feel alive. The arenas and crowds are well-rendered, and the lighting effects add a level of realism to each fight. The close-up camera during knockouts and submissions is intense and immersive, making the game visually satisfying.
The sound design is also solid, with commentary from well-known UFC announcers providing the familiar broadcast feel. The crowd reactions, punches, and body impacts all sound authentic. However, the commentary can be repetitive, and sometimes doesnt feel as dynamic as the action in the ring.
Content: While EA Sports UFC offers a decent selection of fighters, including UFC stars like Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, and Ronda Rousey, it lacks some of the depth and roster diversity that fans expect from a UFC game. There are fewer match types and customization options compared to later titles in the series. The game does offer multiplayer modes, where players can compete online, but it doesnt feel as refined or robust as the single-player experience.
The lack of a deep training mode and limited options for customizing your fighter can be a letdown for those looking for more control and variety. Theres also no real story mode, which feels like a missed opportunity in a sports game of this nature.
Replayability: The game does offer a fair amount of replayability through career mode, online play, and unlocking different fighters. However, the repetitive nature of some modes and the lack of a more substantial roster or story content limits the games long-term appeal. Multiplayer can extend the game's lifespan, especially with friends, but players may find themselves running out of fresh ch
