Ultimate Fighting Championship: Tapout

"Do you like to ground and pound or stand and fight?"

The Game,

Most everyone has heard of the ''infamous'' octagon. The Ultimate Fighting Championship has been brought to the home. Now you can fight as or against the likes of Shamrock Goodridge and more. The rules are basic no poking the eyes no biting other than that it's all fair game. Most fights end with a crucial blow one ko punch or a submission hold. You have to use defense as much as offense it is crucial. Remember most fights in UFC last only a couple of minutes.

The Graphics,

No other fighting game I have seen, except for DOA 3 come even close to capturing the details that UFC does. You can see the different muscle structure pumping when you use them. From the tattoos to the cuts and blood every thing is detailed. As with these fighting genres the most important graphics are the fighters themselves. Although this game even goes farther by having each member in the audience doing there own actions and movements. There are no cardboard audience here. You almost think that your fighter is walking along an actual video of a UFC fight it is breathtaking. Michael Buffer ''Let's get ready to ruuuuuummmmble'' does the intro's. You will be very happy with this game graphically.

The Controls,

Like a real fight defense is as important as offense. So you must be cautious cause if you leave an opening you will be on the mat. The controls take a bit of learning to master there are take down moves and stand up moves defensive moves and so on. These also change depending on what fighter you use. All around the controls are sound and are easier to master with practice.

Game Play,

There are a couple of modes available arcade, UFC, Tournament, practice and two player. Each of these modes has it's own feel. Arcade is just that arcade fighting not as much emphasis on defense and more of a whack attack. UFC is much more challenging this is more like the real thing although the computer is vulnerable to a run and gun offense. And tournament is just that where you keep records of your wins and losses in a round robin fight atmospere. The best mode of this game is 2 player because if you are similar on skill level you'll be in for a real treat. A cat and mouse attack look for an opening and attack. Watch your defense look for a submission.

Sound

The sound is good nothing special the moans and grunts sound good. The music is good and so does the crowd sound great. I wish the sound was customizable though.

Replayability,

Replayability is really good with 2 player although you will find the computer AI can be easy after a lot of practice. So find yourself a good fighting partner and you will be in for a real fighting treat. The computer play is fun it just becomes easy fast to beat it.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/17/03, Updated 01/17/03