After nearly two years of waiting, EA Sports UFC 3 is finally here and mixed-martial art fans are just as excited as ever to get their hands on the latest installment of the bi-annual franchise.
Each release has brought with it new features and options to the series that are expected to improve the game from the previous installment. But there are many that remain on the fence when it comes to making the $60 purchase.
Here are 10 things you need to know before buying UFC 3.
New Mechanics
Let’s start with one of the major marketing points of the game, the new mechanics. In UFC 3, the game features a number of new striking mechanics that will see more accurate punches and power being determined, in part, by the range of the attempt.
In addition to that, movement while striking is now possible with the new system. Players will be able to throw jabs while falling away, or even attempt an uppercut while moving to the side of an opponent. Some players may find landing big shots more difficult than UFC 2, but it’s much more rewarding when a solid hit is landed.
Grappling Remains The Same
For all of the changes to the striking mechanics, there are none with the grappling system. The mini-game like submission and clinch game returns, which is certain to turn some fans off from buying who were hoping for a major change. Of course, if you despise the current submission system, you can always choose the simplified version that involves timed button presses.
A Massive Roster
With over 230 fighters to choose from, UFC 3 creates the potential for a nearly limitless amount of fights to make. While you can’t have a Flyweight take on a Heavyweight, there are so many dream matchups to create that you could spend hours upon hours just having fun in the fight now mode.
Like Watching The Real Thing
One thing EA Sports has never been afraid to showcase is a game’s presentation, and UFC 3 is no exception. From the fans in the arena to the fighter walkouts to their in-cage mannerisms, UFC 3 aims to be the best presented MMA game ever released, and it may be hard to argue against it.
Microtransactions Aren’t Gamebreaking
Whenever a new game comes out, one of the first things players are concerned about is the impact that microtransactions will have on the experience. Luckily for us, UFC 3 doesn’t see them become too imposing for fans.
While they are, obviously, a big part of Ultimate Team, that is the only mode you will really see them impact. Everything you purchase in your career mode must be earned within the mode itself rather than bought.
Frame-rate Enhancements?
As expected, UFC 3 will run at just 30 frames per second on the base Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles. However, those who run the game on a PS4 Pro or Xbox One X will be able to play with glorious 60 FPS. That being said, if you choose the have the game rendered at a higher resolution on the newer systems like the Xbox One X, the frame rate will be capped at just 30 FPS.
Tournament Mode
There are plenty of other modes to talk about in UFC 3, but one that stands out right away is the new Tournament Mode. Players are able to set up a bracket-based tournament that can be fully customized with any number of fighters and rounds. The big selling point of the new mode is that fighters who move through the various rounds will see damage and fatigue carry over, making strategy within fights even more meaningful.
A Mode For Everyone
If the new tournament mode isn’t your cup of tea, then UFC 3 should have something to keep you entertained. From the Knockout Mode featuring Snoop Dogg to Ultimate Team to the ability to customize matches with your own rules, UFC 3 is the deepest in the series when it comes to game modes.
Real Fighters in Ultimate Team
After debuting in UFC 2, Ultimate Team is receiving a much-desired update in this year’s title. After only being able to have created fighters as part of your team the first time around, UFC 3 will allow players to collect real stars of the octagon, and form the best team possible. In addition to adding real fighters to your team, UFC 3 also adds solo challenges to the mode for those that don’t always want to go against real people.
Become the G.O.A.T
By far the biggest addition to the series, the new G.O.A.T. Career Mode sees you take a fighter from a virtual nobody to a UFC Hall of Famer. The new take on career mode will see players take part in promotions to hype a fight, work to gain a fanbase, and even fight to earn better and more lucrative contracts with the UFC.
Career mode has been much-maligned through the first two releases, and EA Sports is banking on the new G.O.A.T Career to change all of that.
What are you looking forward to about UFC 3? Let us know in the comment section below, and be sure to keep an eye out for Sports Gamers Online’s official review around launch.
UFC 3 launches on Friday, February 2 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Those who pre-order the game’s “Champions Edition” will gain access to the game three days earlier on January 30.
Want to talk sports and/or games with the fastest growing community in gaming? Join the conversation by registering at the official Sports Gamers Online Forums, and check out our Twitter and Facebook pages as well as our growing YouTube Channel!
