Step into the ring with EA Sports’ latest offering, UFC 5. It is based on the ever-popular sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), where disciplines like boxing, wrestling, judo, and karate collide to create a thrilling spectacle of competition.
UFC 5 isn’t the newest in the EA Sports UFC series, but it’s the 14th game based on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) since 2000. This latest iteration aims to deliver the most realistic and immersive MMA experience ever.
Borrowing the power of the Frostbite engine used in recent Battlefield titles, it boasts stunning graphics and animations the series has never seen.
With a long history of capturing the essence of MMA, can UFC 5 live up to the hype and push the boundaries of the series?
Graphics and Realism
UFC 5 promises a realistic and immersive MMA experience. Enhanced visuals, a massive fighter roster, new animations, refined gameplay mechanics, and various modes ensure there’s something for both casual and hardcore MMA fans.
One of the most striking improvements in UFC 5 is the visual overhaul. The new fighter animations enhance the game’s realism and capture each athlete’s unique style and personality.
You can see Alex Pereira’s signature bow-and-arrow entrance or Conor McGregor’s iconic strut come to life in the game. UFC 5 also expands your finishing options by striking or ground-and-pound techniques.
The game also boasts a new damage system with 64,000+ possible facial damage combinations. More realistic effects like blood and sweat that accumulate on the octagon floor throughout the fight add to the intensity and authenticity of the combat experience. Witness the impact of your strikes firsthand, with cuts, bruises, and swelling appearing realistically on your opponent’s face.
Additionally, UFC 5 introduces more realistic blood and sweat effects that accumulate on the octagon floor throughout the fight, adding to the intensity and authenticity of the combat experience.
These graphic improvements have earned UFC 5 a “Mature” rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The game will be playable on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Series S, with no further details on PC, Nintendo Switch, or online browser versions.
Gameplay and Modes
UFC 5 offers a variety of gameplay modes to suit different preferences and skill levels. You can choose to compete offline against friends or test their mettle online against competitors worldwide.
The revamped career mode allows for the creation of a custom fighter, with the ultimate goal of ascending the UFC ranks. This mode offers an additional layer of competition through its online integration, letting you compete for glory against other players. For those wanting to heighten the experience further, strategically place bets on fights using the martial arts odds.
The game also features a roster exceeding 100 fighters, including many of the sport’s biggest names. The likes of Conor McGregor, Alexander Volkanovski, and Amanda Nunes are just a few you’ll see battling it out. In addition, the deluxe edition ups the ante by letting you play as legendary combat sports icons like Muhammad Ali and Bruce Lee.
The grappling system also receives a significant overhaul, aiming for a smoother and more intuitive experience. Gone are the frustrating mini-games of previous titles. Instead, the new system focuses on realistic grappling techniques.
The new doctor stoppage feature adds another layer of realism and strategy. If a fighter sustains a severe injury, the referee might call in a doctor for evaluation. Depending on the doctor’s call, the fight could be stopped, awarding victory to the healthier fighter.
Another noteworthy addition is the introduction of draws. In contrast to previous games that always had a definite winner, UFC 5 lets judges declare fights as draws if both fighters are evenly matched. This brings more authenticity and suspense into the experience, keeping you guessing until the final verdict.