EA Sports UFC 5 Reviews
EA Sports UFC 5 deftly combines elements from sports simulation and fighting games into the best overall MMA game yet.
Even with its shortcomings, EA Sports UFC 5 delivers an exciting MMA experience regardless of the mode in which you compete. Fighting your favorite UFC stars never gets old, and the adrenaline rush that comes with knocking your opponent out in a fierce back-and-forth battle makes it hard to resist the allure of stepping back into the Octagon for one more fight.
EA Sports UFC 5 is the only game in town when it comes to the MMA genre, so it can be tough for fans of the series to ignore it, especially for those who are into the online ranked mode. But stagnation can be the death of a franchise. The overhauled graphics and new cut system are enough of an upgrade to satisfy some fans, but if you’re someone who enjoys the single-player modes, you’ll have pretty much the same experience by playing UFC 4 or even UFC 3 instead.
EA Sports UFC 5 is a great fighting game that recreates this successful competition like never before, both its staging and its beastly side thanks to a spectacular damage system and great modeling of the fighters. Although in general it is a continuity game in many aspects, the online Career mode is one of its great successes.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
UFC 5 is a very good fighting game with a lot of depth to it, and will provide plenty of entertainment for UFC fans. The career mode feels quite basic though and a bit more depth to it would have been welcome. There are also bugs that need addressing and the flailing of limbs when fighters get tangled makes things look a bit comical. Still, this is worth stepping into the Octagon.
EA Sports UFC 5 fulfills its premise and sets a new standard for the franchise through a huge leap in overall immersion and the debut of the game-changing Real Impact System. But the lack of attention given to other areas may underwhelm those who were hoping for something more.
The thrill of the fight is fantastic in UFC 5, with improved visuals and animations, and gameplay that elevates fights to a new level.
A gritty and tough combat game that is both fun and rewarding. UFC 5 will keep you coming back until you are the champ.
Moving to Frostbite makes UFC 5 look better than ever in the ring. The new ground game system is a welcome addition, but some odd bugs and occasional presentation problems make UFC 5 a win, but by split decision.
After a fairly great entry in UFC 4, EA Sports returns with another stellar entry in its fighting series. The addition of a deeper impact system, changes to the submission system, and new striking mechanics make UFC 5 not only more fun to play, but just as thrilling as its predecessors have been.
UFC 5 is a significant leap forward from the past and a game that holds the discipline it tries to simulate in high regard. The approach is deep and requires both effort and concentration even in the less simulative mode. On the other hand, it can be very rewarding once the mechanics are mastered. The transition to Frostbyte has been positive, not so much in the graphical leap, which is evident, but in the animations and links that concatenate them.
Review in Italian | Read full review
UFC 5 is the best release in the franchise. The new submission system is a massive improvement on previous iterations and the cinematic knockouts never get old. Tweaks in the combat create a nuanced system that opens up a range of options to attack. Although I did encounter the odd camera issue and the game could use a mission-based tutorial, each aspect in the octagon has been thoughtfully designed to replicate the sport.
EA Sports UFC 5 doles out impressive blood-soaked Frostbite visuals and a double-dose of M-rated attitude, but don’t let the new swagger sway you. While the action remains satisfying enough, it hasn’t evolved in any significant way, and a lack of compelling content continues to be an issue for the series. UFC 5 may deliver the razzle dazzle, but it needs to work on its fundamentals.
While not a particularly significant leap over its predecessor, EA Sports UFC 5 nonetheless tightens up and improves the series' fighting mechanics, while offering an expansive roster of fighters, and a nice selection of modes. Punchy.
UFC 5 is a good game, but the move to a new engine isn't as revolutionary as it has been in the past for other EA franchises. Sure, it looks and sounds better, but I could never escape the feeling that I was just playing a nicer-looking UFC 4. If you have that game you don't need to buy this one, you'll enjoy your time all the same.
EA Sports UFC 5 is a solid, if not particularly inventive, follow-up in the series. It can be fun, warts and all, but long-time fans will want for more.
Generally speaking, UFC 5 manages to establish itself on the scene, presenting several improvements both in terms of graphics and gameplay.
Review in Italian | Read full review
With UFC not being a yearly release like Madden or NHL, I would expect a little bit more polish by now. Sure there a plethora of modes that I briefly touched upon earlier, but there doesn't seem to be any freshness to the game. Simply put, everything seems a bit…familiar. That might not be a bad thing for those who put in serious hours with UFC 4, but if you're looking for innovation, UFC 5 misses the mark in that regard.
UFC 5 is a must buy for fight fans and an easy entry point for newcomers to get into the action.
UFC 5 surpasses its predecessor in most of its sections and is a title that 100% meets what MMA fans expect.
Review in Spanish | Read full review