Along with soccer and F1, UFC is a sport that gets the blood pumping. It is also a sport that has become famous among modern gamers for the meme, "I was told to play WWE, but I ended up playing UFC." The latest game in the series, 'UFC 6', was released on June 19.

To get straight to the point, let's start with the visuals. Utilizing the latest Frostbite engine—the same one used in titles like 'Battlefield 6'—the character models and lighting effects are flawless and highly satisfying. There is no jarring transition when moving between cutscenes and gameplay. Furthermore, the blood splatter and other effects generated during combat are rendered so realistically that the hits feel truly 'impactful.'

In tandem with the realistic visuals, the 'impact'—the core of any fighting game—is well-executed. The heavy sound and feedback that follow every punch and kick effectively capture the weight of a real UFC match.

The difficulty settings, which cater to everyone from UFC newcomers like myself to seasoned experts, are another positive point that reduces the pressure of the game. It offers three difficulty levels: Contender, Pro, and Champion. Contender mode features simplified controls, allowing players to experience the power and speed of the UFC, while Pro and Champion modes are designed for those already familiar with the sport and the game, allowing for a customized experience.

While you can jump straight into a sparring match with a custom character, there is also a Legacy Mode featuring Chris Carter as the protagonist for those who want to experience the sport's atmosphere or a narrative-driven journey. Through Legacy Mode, you can learn the ropes of the UFC, make various choices, and work your way up to the championship title.

Beyond that, there is a betting system where you can predict match results to earn points, as well as a UFC Career Mode where you can challenge for the top spot using licensed UFC fighters or custom characters. You can play as 'Conor McGregor' or 'The Korean Zombie' Chan-sung Jung and lead them to become champions. It’s not just about fighting; the experience includes talking to coaches and even trash-talking on social media, just like real athletes.

For those interested in the UFC, UFC 6 is undoubtedly a comprehensive gift set. However, it is not without its flaws. One thing I felt while playing was that the 'input lag' is quite noticeable. Since UFC is, at its core, a fighting game, smooth progression requires actions to trigger immediately upon input, but I felt a slight delay every time I pressed a button.

Furthermore, it is a console-exclusive title, supporting only PlayStation and Xbox. Unlike other sports games, UFC can only be played on consoles. If you are a PC gamer who loves the UFC and are interested in this game, you would have to buy a console. In this day and age, that’s a bit like the tail wagging the dog.

In conclusion, UFC 6 welcomes players with top-tier visuals powered by the Frostbite engine. If you own a console and are a UFC fan, it is definitely a title worth playing. However, if you are thinking about buying a console just for this game, or if you don't know much about the UFC and are looking for a substitute for other fighting games, I would suggest you reconsider.

7.5

EA Sports UFC 6

EA SPORTS UFC 6

• The latest UFC title powered by the Frostbite engine
• Effectively captures the heavy impact of real UFC matches
• Lowers the barrier to entry with various difficulty settings

• Noticeable input lag, which is disappointing for a fighting game