EA Sports is back in the octagon, ready to launch its latest title, UFC 5, designed to elevate the MMA experience.
Mind you, this isn’t just another addition to the EA UFC franchise; it marks a significant evolution. Developed using EA’s Frostbite engine, UFC 5 promises a graphical overhaul, realistic fight progressions, and dynamic facial damage, ensuring fans are in for a visceral treat. But that’s just scratching the surface.
Scheduled for an October 27 release for both PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, UFC 5 is the first MMA title from EA since the summer of 2020, breaking a three-year hiatus. The much-anticipated wait is about to reward fans with a detailed “Real Impact System.” This innovative feature is touted to capture the genuine ebb and flow of MMA bouts. The fighters will bear visible damage, but their performance will echo the wear and tear they endure during fights. It’s a system that will mirror the realistic deterioration and fatigue fighters experience, connected directly to the onslaught they’ve encountered in the octagon.
The new engine doesn’t just stop at aesthetics; it also promises enhanced fluid and particle physics. Now, as sweat and blood are exchanged between fighters, players will notice a tangible difference, with the sweat and blood dripping and splattering in a manner more authentic than ever before.
In the gameplay department, significant improvements are evident. The grappling system, a problem in earlier editions, has been revamped. EA has shifted from mini-games to a more intuitive transition-based system, aiming to recreate the chaos and skill of MMA ground combat more organically. The striking system also benefits from mo-cap work, with the aim to mirror diverse striking styles more accurately. Notably, the facial damage has caught attention, with EA using A.I. doctors to assess and manage a fighter’s injuries, adding another layer to the realism.
Eager fans have already been treated to a dazzling reveal trailer. Although it lacked actual gameplay, the trailer was rich in information, giving glimpses of what’s in store. From alternate character models, known as Alter Egos, to legends like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Bruce Lee, the trailer had fans at the edge of their seats. Especially intriguing is the Bruce Lee Alter Ego with potential attires from his iconic movies.
But choices await those ready to step into the digital octagon early. EA offers two editions: the Standard and the Deluxe. The Standard Edition, priced at $69.99/£69.99, includes bonuses like Alter Egos for Alexander Volkanovski and Valentina Shevchenko, a 30th-Anniversary Vanity Bundle, and online career mode XP boosts. However, the Deluxe Edition, which sells for $99.99/£99.99, is a bonanza, with early access, a plethora of legendary fighters, the Bruce Lee Bundle, and the Origins Bundle featuring stars like Conor McGregor and Leon Edwards.
While combat remains at the heart of UFC 5, EA has not ignored the importance of modes and post-match experiences. With new gameplay modes, including online career mode, Fight Week challenges, and regular content updates synced with real-world UFC events, players will stay engaged.
Emphasis has been laid on the progression of user-created fighters, providing depth to online battles across divisions as well. Further, the introduction of draws and enhanced ref mechanics, capturing those split-second decisions to save fighters from excessive punishment, enriches the game.
UFC 5 enters a packed gaming month, with titles like Alan Wake 2, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 launching. Still, with its enhancements, it stands tall, offering a unique blend of realism and intense action with a hint of fan service.
