"A great game for only $20."

Firstly, I must say that UFC: Sudden Impact is a must-buy for anyone who enjoys mixed martial arts. I'll put it this way: I was having my doubts because the game received virtually no press coverage and the first review I read for it said it was pretty mediocre, but after actually throwing the game into my Playstation 2 I've come to realize that Sudden Impact is a great game. All I've heard from people is that it's exactly like all other UFC/Pride games, but that's not true at all. Well, let me break it down for you...

Presentation: 7/10

The presentation of a game is the game's first impression, so that's why I'm rating it first. Sudden Impact is okay in this department, but nothing phenomenal. The opening movie is pretty cool and the menus are average, hence the slightly above average score. Still, this part of the game should be worked on for upcoming UFC's.

Sound: 4/10

This is the worst part of the game in my opinion. The music, crowd noise, entrance noise, and fighting noises are all pretty bland. Nothing too great here, but okay. I really hope this is fixed in upcoming games, because the poor sound doesn't completely immerse you in the UFC experience like it should.

Graphics: 6/10

In a word: decent. A little dated for a PS2 game, but not even close to the worst graphics I've seen. I don't really care about graphics anyway. As long as the gameplay is good, I'll play anything... that's my motto... or something...

Gameplay: 9/10

This is where the game shines. Well, I've been a sucker for UFC's gameplay since the first one but I'll try to give you an idea how good it truly is. It's not nearly as clunky and weird as the last UFC game and almost as smooth as Pride FC's controls. You have the same old format with the buttons. You know, each face button controlling a limb and whatnot... basically, the system was good before and its good now, so they left it the same. There are a few innovations into the series as well such as the new fence mount position which is pretty cool and often devastating if you are on top. Basically, the gameplay is solid. This is the highest rated section of the review and in my opinion the most important part of any game.

Depth: 7/10

They've added a pretty cool story mode where you make a fighter, clothe him, and pick a gym to join. It's pretty cool and gives the game a little much-needed life. That's the biggest addition to the game and I'm happy with it. They could've made it more in-depth, but what can't you make more in-depth these days? Anyway, you can fight for a title in all of the weight classes and while doing so, you can unlock up to 16 characters. Sounds good to me... but I'm used to Pride FC's little-to-no depth.

Overall: 8/10

This game is great overall as long as you are a fan of the genre. If you're not, you probably won't like the game... but if you are, you'll have tons of fun with it.

Buy or Rent: Buy

Are you serious? It's only $20. Buy the thing. You'll easily get your twenty bucks-worth out of it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 04/25/04