Ultimate Fighting Championship: Throwdown

"Throw it down, don't pick it up again."

Let me start by saying that I love UFC. It is the best example of mixed martial arts in the world. The game on the dreamcast was great and I was really looking foward to this one. What a dissapointment!

GAMEPLAY-9-The fighting here is SOLID. More moves, better moves, and most of the characters whom you love to watch their face get pounded. The game is not really smooth in its transition between scenes, but its not that bad.

GRAPHICS-4- These graphics are UGLY! They look like Big head mode. The Full Motion Video during the fighter introductions looks cheap and the super-imposed fighter looks even worse. Dreamcast did this so well, I thought PS2 was supposed to be better. This just doesn't feel like a UFC simulation. The graphics if anything are a step down from dreamcast, not even to mention X-Box. Equaly disapointing is the VERY LIMITED character creation system that allows you a whole four choices in character creation. All the models look weak. They are not very detailed and doon't really inspire any commitment from you. Everything just looks washed out and bland. Trust me there is nothing special here.

SOUND-8-The sound is good, a little glitchy and the anouncer's voice sound a little too un-natural. Maybe I'm picky but there is actualy a step down in sound from the dreamcast. The traditional UFC theme has been remixed and was recorded in a really low volume, and doesn't compare to the original version of the song. The audiance vlume varies greatly. You'll hear the usual roar while fighting when suddenly a really high pitched male voice will scream your name. It will sound as if he was right next to you in the octagon. The sound is there but really could have used some fine tunning. Not bad by any means, but the sound could have been better.

REPLAY-7- If you have never played the dreamcast or X-Box versions, you might actually get your money's worth on this game. The carreer mode allows you to create wicked characters including the rocking card girl whose a master of ninjitsu and submission fighting. This is a great game for parties although you might be better of palying DOA2 hardcore. There's plenty to do here with many modes of play like UFC Mode, Arcade mode and Tournament mode. Unfortuantly, all these modes are basically the same. Consequently, it's just not that fun.

RENT or BUY- RENT THIS GAME FIRST! If you love it, dissmiss this review and enjoy. If you think it stinks like I do, then you can move on to better fighting games.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 07/22/02, Updated 07/22/02