EA Sports UFC : 5 Differences Between The Game And The UFC

The octagon is set to blaze once again as EA Sports UFC 5 gears up for its highly anticipated release on October 27, 2023. In this fifth installment of the iconic Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) video game series, Electronic Arts promises to deliver a mature-rated, action-packed experience that will redefine the virtual fighting arena. Get ready to step into the shoes of your favourite fighters, grapple with new gameplay mechanics, and explore the impressive graphics and features that EA Sports UFC 5 has to offer.

A Brief History of UFC Video Games

The journey to EA Sports UFC 5 began over two decades ago, when the first-ever UFC game was released in the year 2000. Since then, the franchise has evolved, bringing realistic MMA action to gamers worldwide. With each iteration, the games have strived to capture the essence of the UFC, from its adrenaline-pumping fights to the iconic personalities that grace the octagon.

What to Expect from EA Sports UFC 5

EA Sports UFC 5 is poised to continue the tradition of delivering intense combat experiences. Like its predecessors, the game will offer players the chance to engage in epic battles against friends offline or test their skills against fighters from around the globe online. The highly popular career mode makes its return, promising fans a deeper and more immersive experience, including an online career mode for the first time in the series.

One of the standout improvements in EA Sports UFC 5 is the revamped submission and grappling systems. EA has focused on enhancing the fluidity and authenticity of this essential aspect of MMA, promising a smoother, more realistic experience for players. Whether you’re a fan of ground-and-pound tactics or prefer to clinch and submit your opponents, the new system aims to cater to all styles of play.

Release date and platforms

Mark your calendars for October 27, 2023, as this is when EA Sports UFC 5 is set to hit the virtual shelves. The game will be exclusively available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, taking full advantage of the capabilities of these next-generation consoles. Unfortunately, there are no announced plans to release the game on last-gen consoles, PCs, or the Nintendo Switch.

For those eager to dive into the action even earlier, a deluxe edition of the game is available for purchase. This edition offers enticing bonuses, including additional fighters, XP boosts for online career mode, and the opportunity to play the game three days before the official release date.

Fighter Roster

A critical aspect of any UFC game is the roster of fighters available to players. EA Sports UFC 5 has assembled an impressive lineup of fighters, both current stars and legendary icons. From Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler to Valentina Shevchenko and Jon Jones, the game promises to feature a wide array of fighters from various weight classes.

Fans who pre-order the game’s deluxe edition will gain access to even more iconic fighters, including the legendary Muhammad Ali, Fedor Emelianenko, Mike Tyson, and martial arts icon Bruce Lee. While it’s uncertain whether you’ll be able to play as UFC president Dana White or announcer Bruce Buffer, the fighter selection is diverse and exciting.

A Visual and Gory Feast

EA Sports UFC 5 marks a significant graphical leap for the series. For the first time, the game employs EA’s Frostbite engine, renowned for its visual prowess in titles like Battlefield. The Frostbite engine is set to revolutionise the game’s graphics, introducing a new level of realism, especially in the animation of hair and clothing.

One of the most exciting visual upgrades is the introduction of a cutting-edge cut, bruising, and swelling system. This system will offer players more than 64,000 possible combinations of facial damage, ensuring that fighters wear realistic battle scars as a testament to their clashes in the octagon.

Blood and sweat graphics have also received a gruesome makeover. Players can expect to see blood pools accumulating in the octagon as fights escalate, adding an extra layer of authenticity. Due to these graphic enhancements, EA Sports UFC 5 will earn the series its first “Mature” rating from the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), solidifying its commitment to visual authenticity.

Enhanced Fighter Animations and Walkouts

EA Sports UFC 5 introduces a plethora of new fighter animations that aim to make every fight unique. Whether you’re a heavy hitter or a professional kickboxer, the game’s animations will accurately emulate the fighting style of each fighter. From unique striking techniques to ground-and-pound strategies, the animations add depth to the gameplay experience.

Fighter entrances have also received an upgrade, with more walkouts and celebrations than ever before. Iconic moments like Alex Pereira’s signature bow-and-arrow entrance will be faithfully recreated. To showcase these impressive visual improvements, the replay function has been overhauled, promising super-slow-motion cinematic replays that will turn your knockout moments into works of art.

New Gameplay Mechanics

EA Sports UFC 5 introduces a host of new gameplay mechanics to elevate the experience. One significant addition is the inclusion of doctor stoppages. If a fighter sustains a severe injury, the referee can call in a doctor to assess the damage. If the injury is deemed too severe to continue, the fight will be halted, adding another layer of realism to the game.

The ground game, a core element of MMA, has been reimagined for smoother gameplay. The frustrating submission mini-games of previous titles have been discarded in favour of a new submission system designed to provide a more authentic and enjoyable grappling experience. While specific details about the new system remain scarce, EA promises that it will be a delight for fans of ground-based combat.

In a series first, fights can now end in a draw if the judges deem it necessary. This addition adds an extra layer of authenticity to the game, reflecting the unpredictable nature of real-life UFC matchups. It’s a subtle but essential feature that ensures every fight is a genuine reflection of MMA’s unpredictability.

EA Sports UFC 5 is shaping up to be a landmark title in the series, offering an array of improvements and enhancements that promise to deliver an authentic and exciting MMA gaming experience. From its realistic graphics to the revamped gameplay mechanics, the game aims to capture the essence of the UFC like never before.

As the release date approaches, fans and gamers alike can look forward to stepping into the virtual octagon, taking on the role of their favourite fighters, and experiencing the thrill of MMA in stunning detail. EA Sports UFC 5 is set to redefine virtual MMA, and for fans of the sport, it’s an event worth counting down the days for.