This morning, the team behind EA Sports UFC released another short video in their ‘gameplay series’ on YouTube. This installment, entitled ‘Feel The Fight’, focused more on the intricate details of the game. As I’ve mentioned in an earlier post about the game, a lot of EA Sports UFC’s success will be based on it’s impressive mechanics, and this video provides a nice sneak peak at what’s in store.
While THQ’s Undisputed series certainly made fighters look bloody at times, I always felt that there was no weight behind anything you really did. EA Sports UFC seemingly addresses that, with the video focusing on the impacts, force and timing of strikes, trips, submissions and throws, to much greater effect. The video demonstrates the rippling and contortion of skin and muscle caused by absorbing powerful strikes; the tearing of skin and the bloody aftermath of being in a brawl; and the extreme exertion that goes into defending or attacking a submission.
Although all of the obvious effects of a fight are nice, it is the more unseen effects that impressed me more in this latest teaser for the game. Another issue I had with THQ’s games was that fighters seemingly glided around the Octagon, with little emphasis being placed on footwork. Now, right of the bat, EA has addressed this and played up the importance of footwork and stance, underlining the devastating effects that a seemingly minor change in stance can have on a fight. Likewise, the stamina system in previous games was largely unnoticeable. Although fighters would get slower, they never looked or felt like they did. As the title suggests, EA Sports UFC wants you to feel the effects of gassing in a fight, and the video showcased a few minor details, such as heavier breathing and open-mouthed fighters to enforce the idea that when the game says you’re tired, you are tired.
There weren’t any huge new reveals in the 1 minute and 52 second-long showcase, but what was shown was promising. With the game right around the corner, I look forward to seeing how all of this plays out.
You can see the video in question below:
