The much anticipated demo of EA Sports UFC became available to download yesterday for Xbox One and PS4 owners, ahead of the game's June 17th release date. For the most part the demo delivered, demonstrating the stunning visuals and enjoyable gameplay which is sure to make this game a success among MMA aficionados and gamers alike. You are free to play as either of the game's cover stars Alexander Gustafsson or Jon Jones in a battle in the UFC's Octagon. All the visual details and flourishes which EA have been using to promote the game are here; you see the authentic UFC graphics give the details of your chosen fighter, Bruce Buffer will give an electrifying introduction and then you will be ready to get down to business. Though the AI which is set to Easy only puts up limited resistance, there is enough here to show you what the game is all about give you a good idea of how the game plays. While for the most part the demo is a success, it raises several potential issues with the game which EA should address before its launch in less than a month. As it stands the game is very good but with the amendments suggested here it will unquestionably be the best MMA game ever made. Here are the 10 broken things EA must fix before the release of EA Sports UFC:
10. Suplex Takedowns
Long gone are the days when a wrestler like Matt Hughes could pick up and rag-doll a fighter with little to no wrestling background like Carlos Newton before nailing them with an Octagon-shaking suplex. In the sport as it is today, nearly all the fighters signed to the UFC are balanced enough that they have the defensive wrestling skills to at least prevent their opponent from scooping them up and slamming them while they are still fresh. There is no doubt that the suplex takedown in EA Sports UFC needs to be toned down. EA have tried to overdramatise their slams to broaden the games appeal, but it diminishes the games allure as an MMA simulation. Of course huge takedowns like this should have their place in the game, but they should be a reward to be worked towards instead of something instantly attainable. After putting a beating on an opponent for 2-rounds you should have the freedom to put the cherry on the top of the performance with a gigantic suplex to thrill the fans good things come to those who wait.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
