Can the UFC bring the fight to the virtual world?

With the rising popularity of the UFC, it was almost inevitable that a game would eventually spawn from the blood and sweat of the octagon. UFC: Undisputed promises to utilize gorgeous gameplay and enhanced physics to produce the greatest amount of realism that video games offer today. Submissions and knockouts aside, most gamers realize that no matter how hard a company tries, these games fail to live up to their namesake and fall face first to the mat. Can THQ deliver the knockout and create the next legendary sports series?

Currently, there is little information on the next generation UFC game, but what we do have is worth its weight in heavyweight gold. The initial gameplay video of Liddell vs. Jackson is simply stunning, and speaks volumes for what the finished product will eventually be in early 2009.

The moves and reactions the characters produce in-game behave exactly as they do in the octagon. THQ promises the player full control over all these actions, to produce the closest look and feel to actually fighting within the square-circle.

While THQ promises new and improved feel and gameplay over its rival fighting games, they do intend to add in character creation and career modes to improve its longevity and replay value.

THQ has yet to answer the most important question of all: will this game be playable over Xbox LIVE, or the PSN? It’s safe to say it will be playable online—or else THQ should just throw in the towel now. The success of any game essentially hinges on its online capabilities these days. Although this may or may not define UFC: Undisputed, make no mistake that THQ plans to take shots that leave scars on the competition, come release, and proudly chant “It is all over….”