Weekly Demo Watch
Weekly Demo Watch
By Liam Martin
UFC Undisputed 3
What is it? The third game in Yuke’s mixed martial arts fighting series adds, among other things, PRIDE mode, a mode dedicated to the utterly brutal PRIDE Fighting Championships. Alongside updated visuals and presentation, there is also a new submission system, tons of fighters and countless tweaks to the gameplay mechanics.
What’s in the demo? Players can choose to participate in single round exhibition matches under regular UFC rules or in PRIDE mode. UFC fights feature Jon Jones and Anderson Silva, while PRIDE battles take place between long-term rivals Quinton Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.
How is it shaping up? Although not a massive departure from previous releases, UFC Undisputed 3 is looking like the series’ best game yet – once you turn off the frankly irritating in-game tips, that is. Though not blown away by the ring entrances – which, aside from a few flashing lights, seem a little lifeless – the game really comes into its own. Land that perfect strike, or conquer the cat and mouse submission system, and fights can be over in an instant. It’s very exciting, especially in close contests where it’s essential to mix up strategies, flitting between strikes and takedowns.
As for the game modes, PRIDE mode is absolutely barbaric, particularly if you’re able to knock an opponent to the mat. Once down and dazed, you can stomp your rival in the head, go to town with strikes, or, if they’re in the right position, hit them with some well placed knees to the head followed by a soccer kick! It’s pretty nasty. UFC mode is no picnic either, giving players the opportunity to use the cage for leverage and counters.
Despite the countless strikes, grapples, throws and submissions, the controls are actually fairly simple. Strikes are mapped to the face buttons, while clinches and takedowns are performed by using the analogue sticks. Modifiers such as body shots and character-specific specials are achieved by holding either the left trigger or bumper button while striking. There’s also a simplified control method, which makes clinch transitions a little easier to perform. The regular controls shouldn’t take too long to get used to, however, despite the fact that there’s so much depth and variety.
The in-game visuals, meanwhile, are superb. The lack of onscreen clutter – energy bars and the likes – makes for a highly immersive experience, where it’s more important to keep an eye on injuries and cuts instead of meaningless and unrealistic gauges. The animation is also excellent, resulting in some great looking knockouts and takedowns, especially satisfying when timed to counter an incoming strike. UFC Undisputed 3 definitely has a lot of potential, although we think the career mode will be the making or breaking of it.
When is it released? UFC Undisputed 3 will be released on February 17.
Powerup Heroes Kinect
What is it? PowerUp Heroes Kinect lets players live out their superhero fantasies in a series of one-on-one Kinect-based battles against villainous computer characters.
What’s in the demo? The demo features two one-on-one battles from the game’s single-player campaign. The first battle is a straightforward fight to the death, followed by a slightly more difficult best of three rounds challenge.
How is it shaping up? Released last year to fairly mediocre reviews, it’s clear to see why PowerUp Heroes Kinect hasn’t set the word alight. The game plays like a really slow and plodding old-school beat-em-up, which would have seemed dated ten years ago. And while granted, we’re basing our opinions purely on the demo, the action lacks variety and the campaign is short on personality. After each fight, players unlock a new suit, giving them access to a new set of abilities and superpowers, which unfortunately, does little to stop the boredom from setting in.
On the plus side, the Kinect controls are well implemented – for the most part, at least. The Kinect sensor picks up special moves quickly and accurately, only really having a problem registering close-range kicks (in my experience). Switching between suits is as simple as holding up your left arm, while special moves are performed by acting out a series of poses. It’s such a shame, therefore, that the game isn’t at all exciting!
When is it released? PowerUp Heroes Kinect was released last October.
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