{"id":1861588,"date":"2023-11-27T10:26:16","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T15:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/plato-data\/ea-sports-ufc-5-review-thexboxhub\/"},"modified":"2023-11-27T10:26:16","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T15:26:16","slug":"ea-sports-ufc-5-review-thexboxhub","status":"publish","type":"station","link":"https:\/\/platogaming.com\/plato-data\/ea-sports-ufc-5-review-thexboxhub\/","title":{"rendered":"EA Sports UFC 5 Review | TheXboxHub"},"content":{"rendered":"

When stepping into the world of UFC 5, it wasn\u2019t just another gaming experience; it felt like a dive into the heart of mixed martial arts itself. As someone who was a huge UFC fan back in the day, getting to try out the latest cage fighting title from EA was something I approached as almost a newcomer. I shouldn\u2019t have been worried though, I slipped the gloves back on and was throwing bombs within minutes.<\/p>\n

Sure, I am aware of current fighters on the UFC roster, but the late night PPVs are something I just cannot stay up to watch anymore (getting old I know). So with my time as a UFC fan starting from when the PRIDE fighters made their way over, to kind of ending with Jon Jones\u2019 sad fall from grace, how would I feel about UFCs latest video game?<\/p>\n

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The best looking \u2013 and playing \u2013 of all UFC games?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

What has stood out most to me in UFC 5 is the damage system. The last UFC game I played regularly was EA Sports UFC 2<\/strong><\/a>, so a lot has changed in the seven years since. Witnessing fighters sustain visible injuries that visibly affect their performance heightened my immersion to levels I hadn\u2019t expected. The detailed facial animations and evolving injuries throughout the fights made me constantly weigh up my strategic choices between taking more damage or risking a decisive move. The feeling of consequence to each decision added a layer of realism that made each match feel genuinely authentic.<\/p>\n

Knockout sequences are an off-your-seat pulse-pounding adrenaline rush. Cinematic slow-mo replays following a successful KO are a visual treat, although some animations could benefit from further refinement. That said, these KOs are miles above the quality found in the UFC titles I previously played. Try out Stand and Bang mode to feel the full effect of these epic highlights; that strips the fight to the bare minimum of moves and can be a blast with a friend over some beers.<\/p>\n

The attention to detail in the presentation of EA Sports UFC 5<\/strong><\/a> is fantastic \u2013 from the lifelike pre-fight walkouts to the post-fight announcements, it all contributes to make for a true UFC-like feeling. Gameplay mechanics are notably smoother than before \u2013 especially in striking and defence, allowing for a more responsive and engaging fight. The revamped grappling and submission system feel intuitive, allowing me to focus on the thrill of the battle.<\/p>\n

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A roster that is as varied as you like<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Career Mode changes are a welcome addition, while improved training sessions and more engaging challenges add depth. Although there are moments of repetition in dialogue and limitations in customization options. I would much rather see a mode where we played through the career of a fighter similar to 2K\u2019s WWE Showcase<\/strong><\/a> mode; here it comes off as more of a tutorial than a meaty story\/career worth playing through.<\/p>\n

The introduction of the dreaded in-game currency for cosmetics didn\u2019t distract me from the gameplay \u2013 unlike in some other EA titles of late (cough, NHL 24<\/strong><\/a>). I understand games are more expensive to make, but as the in-game purchases spread throughout each mode over time, they can ruin entire franchises. That said it isn\u2019t in your face in EA Sports UFC 5; we can only hope it remains that way in the future.<\/p>\n

AI opponents prove to be a nice challenge, adapting their strategies as I progressed through the game. Frankly, in previous iterations I felt that often the AI was either running \u2018punching bag\u2019 or \u2018super god\u2019 mode depending on the difficulty mode. That\u2019s not the case here though and it\u2019s helped by a varied roster. This includes both past and present champions along with DLC characters like Bruce Lee and Mike Tyson. UFC president Dana White<\/a><\/strong> is even available should you wish to deal out some slaps to the boss.<\/p>\n

What has stood out most in EA Sports UFC 5 is the varied gameplay modes found here. Simulation mode, in particular, is a realistic portrayal of fights that truly wrap you up in the moment. Each of the available options have their own set of rules and arenas, providing a varied and well crafted gameplay experience. The layout of the main menu is simple and fights get started extremely fast, making load times shorter make the game stand out as a real Series X title.<\/p>\n

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Did we tell you how good UFC 5 looks?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The new combat intricacies are also where the game truly shines. Mastering your controls is key to delivering powerful haymakers and controlling the fight, especially in ground combat. I did not master these controls (ground combat) and would get absolutely annihilated anytime the fight hit the canvas because of this. That said I understood ground combat in UFC 5 better than any other previous UFC game from EA \u2013 that\u2019s not to say it\u2019s intuitive for all just yet. A few more tweaks and they will hit the sweet spot that they have been inching towards for the best part of a decade. If I\u2019m being honest, I stand up every single time to get back to punches and kicks as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

It must be said, EA Sports UFC 5 is stunning on the Xbox Series X; really, really<\/em> beautiful with detailed arenas and fighter models. The above-mentioned accumulation of damage during fights adds another fantastic layer of realism, though occasional glitches are a reminder that we aren\u2019t quite at full life-like graphics just yet. It may be next-gen where we start to see games like this be close to indistinguishable from reality. A scary thought indeed.<\/p>\n

Series X play has managed to give mostly steady and smooth 60fps gameplay, paired with incredible audio. That means each fight felt like a real main event. Despite the career mode feeling more like a tutorial, it is still a good starting point for newcomers whilst those who have played any of EAs other MMA efforts should find UFC 5 to be second nature. The existence of microtransactions in the store didn\u2019t significantly influence my desire to customise characters, as they are all basic items such as Hawaiian shorts or new haircuts.<\/p>\n

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Still the hardest man alive?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

EA Sports UFC 5 is a next-gen looking game with a vast fighter roster; from current day fighters to legends of the past like Rampage Jackson. Despite certain career mode shortcomings, it is a vast improvement from that played in earlier UFC games, so much so that EA Sports UFC 5 is probably the best iteration EA have made. It embodies the essence of the sport, which makes it easy to recommend for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.<\/p>\n

This time \u2013 if it\u2019s in the game, it\u2019s in the game. EA Sports UFC 5 is a must buy, and given a few tweaks for the next version \u2013 and providing they don\u2019t dive headfirst into a pile of microtransactions and filler modes \u2013 the UFC franchise from EA could become one of the greatest sports titles of all time.<\/p>\n

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