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The stop-start nature of the system frankly looks ridiculous in practice. While EA should be applauded for at least attempting to make this element of the game more accessible, whenever a grapple occurs the flow of the action is broken almost completely. However, accurately replicating the complicated ground tactics used in the sport is practically impossible in video game form - some of the grapples look like they're straight out of the Kama Sutra - and UFC 2's right stick-based mechanic simplifies the whole affair to the point where you feel like you're just shifting through a set of predetermined animations to get to the one you want. By pressing the right stick in a certain direction you can manhandle your rival into various grapples, applying punches, elbows and even foot stamps into the mix to wear them down. Using the right analog stick it's possible to get in close and force a clinch, which then triggers what feels like a separate mini-game in itself. Blocking can again be altered between high and low, and it's possible to parry incoming attacks to throw your rival off-guard and create an opening. Managing your stamina is a key concern when it's dangerously low your swings become messier and lack power, making it easier than ever for your opponent to dodge and counter. Each swing of the arm or kick of the leg depletes your fighter's stamina bar, which recharges when you stop attacking. You can modify these further by using the bumper buttons, switching between high and low blows and more aggressive attacks. When you're on your feet, attacks are split between your arms and your legs. UFC 2 therefore takes a more balanced approach, placing emphasis on measured, tactical play and giving "ground" players – that is, those who like to get up close and personal and get their opponent on the mat – a multitude of options as well. Translating these random elements is an incredibly difficult brief for any game designer, as players want to be in control of their own destiny - no one wants to get to the fifth round of a tense and evenly-matched brawl to see their efforts squandered thanks to a totally unavoidable submission move. UFC is a sport where knockout blows can come less than half a minute into a contest and match-ending grapple submissions can be applied by fighters who are on their last legs. UFC games have traditionally struggled to recreate what makes the sport so compelling, and sadly this latest offering - while vastly improving over EA's previous effort - still doesn't quite capture that all-important magic. Even if you don't have a firm grasp of the various disciplines and moves used in UFC, the accompanying explanations do a great job of indicating how the fight is progressing and who has the upper hand.Īuthentic presentation can only get you so far, however. UFC 2 also includes excellent and very natural-sounding audio commentary that doesn't repeat too often and flows nicely - almost to the point that you forget that what you're hearing is simply pre-recorded soundbites delivered in reaction to on-screen events. As fights wear on, each combatant's face becomes a mush of broken flesh and puffed-up cheeks, making it a rarity to see an unblemished smile at the conclusion of the bout. Even Conor McGregor's magnificent mop of hair is animated, and flows convincingly as he dashes around the octagon.
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On a more basic level, the graphics reach an almost photo-realistic level, with muscles rippling and sweat and blood splattering like the real thing. Signature entrances and pre-fight rituals are rendered faithfully and each competitor is imbued with a distinct personality, making them seem so much more than virtual puppets for you to repeatedly punch in the face. Fans will instantly recognise the stars, not only from their physique, but because they emulate the movements and stance of each fighter so superbly.
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The company has managed to closely replicate sporting stars in its Madden and FIFA franchises before, and the trend continues in UFC 2. EA's talent in producing graphically awe-inspiring titles is truly in evidence here.