After getting in a PSN sale, here’s an EA Sports UFC 3 PS4 review in case you’re thinking of getting it too. And yes, I know nobody else has given it a similar score.
Though I’m an easy-going chap, I do like to be able to mush an opponent’s face into the floor, should civilities get to that stage. I’m referring to beat ’em ups, of course, and EA Sports UFC 3 is the grandaddy of the ground and pound.
As a martial arts fan, it’s disappointing to see the lack of coverage in styles such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Still, objectively speaking, it’s bloody hard to make that transition from real life to the gaming world without looking clumsy.
EA Sports UFC 3 PS4 Review
EA Sports UFC 3 is a gorgeous-looking game, and I’d argue that it’s perhaps one of the best-looking fighting games you can play right now. But looks aren’t everything, and sacrifices are made to playability when something looks as good as this.
Without a doubt, the striking side of the game is the highlight. Fighters enter the Octagon with ferocity and flair, taunt one another with their tribal poses and unleash a flurry of precision jabs, hooks and roundhouse kicks with some realism that you’ll be checking your brow for claret.
To counter that, the floorwork isn’t as hot and the fumbling on the ground like a fish out of water, holding the sticks in several poses, breaks the rhythm and proves frustrating. Even when you build a custom character and channel your energy into groundwork, executing a submission is fiddly and erratic.
A Game That Packs A Punch (And Kick)
We’re spoilt for choice with the numerous game modes; from tournaments to quick matches, custom careers through to UFC Dream Teams, there’s plenty on offer, which seems to be the norm for EA Sports games.
In summary, there’s a massive roster of real-life fighters – both current and Hall of Famers (Royce Gracie is a mainstay), listing all weight classes. Assuming the heavyweight would pack a punch, it’s the lighter divisions that display a greater range of versatility from their footwork through to seemingly endless stamina when taken to the floor.
The UFC series is a go-to when I play one-on-one fighters with guests, and EA Sports UFC 3 takes that crown from its predecessors. If you have played the previous iterations, you won’t notice too many changes; the UFC 3 PS4 controls remain the same, alternating the twin-stick controls for dodging and defending, while further modifying them with the shoulder buttons. If you’re a fan, you won’t be disappointed.
That’s Me In The Corner
The UFC series has always excelled in customisation, and EA Sports UFC 3 follows that model, and you can create a custom fighter that best resembles you or how you would like to appear. Aspects like nicknames are a bit cheesy, but I got in the habit of skipping the entrances of a match, so all the gumpf of entrance music, clothing, etc was wasted on me.
In career mode, you have a set amount of hours to put into training, and it will increase your stats for striking speed, footwork, takedown defence and bottom work (steady). The attributes seem endless, but not remotely complicated, as you can either balance your abilities or become a specialist in punches, kicks or takedowns.
Unfortunately, there’s a little opening for exploitation as it’s easy to overpower your fighter with striking ability, forcing a knockout in the first round each time. On the plus side, this leaves you open for counterattacks, and if you have a weak jaw or can’t prevent a submission, you’ve had it.
I don’t glorify violence, but I do like my fighting games, and there’s so much satisfaction here. We each have our preference from Street Fighter through to Mortal Kombat (I think Tekken is my thing), but UFC is easily one of my personal favourites.
