I’ve been playing EA UFC 6 for the past four days with a two-hour period online against developers. I’m cooking up a full review for the game, but before that, I’ll share first impressions.
In this piece we’ll likely dispel some preconceived notions — good and bad. And I’ll share the 10 things I learned that I wish I knew before I started playing. Let’s talk video games.
Key Facts At A Glance
The CPU Is Brutally Difficult
I am a very experienced EA UFC player. How experienced? I have close to 3,000 hours played on EA UFC 5. I’m no rookie. My highest division is 18, but I mostly live in the Division 14-15 range. Based on what I learned from developers, the average player is a Division 11. That said, EA UFC 6 is a new game. The CPU difficulty is no joke. I was getting routinely smacked on Legendary. So, if you try to hop into the deep end of the pool, don’t be surprised if you drown.
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UFC 6 Is More Realistic And Punishing
It’s a video game, so you’ll still land and throw more strikes than a real human fighter. That said, if you think you’ll be able to wing punches willy-nilly, you’re in for a rude awakening. The game is far more realistic with risk-reward and that could be tough for some users.
Sean O’Malley is Like a Superhero in this Game
Someone at EA Vancouver must love Sean O’Malley. The former UFC bantamweight champion is one of the best fighters in the game. He is a handful when controlled by the CPU on a high difficulty or even a halfway-skilled user. Beware of the Suga Show.
Every Fighter Is In Their Prime
Don’t bother wondering which version of a fighter you’re going to pick. Every fighter on the roster is in their prime.
EA leaned into prime-era balancing with the new ratings system, tuning names to their most dangerous form rather than their current real-life snapshot. That means a legend and a present-day contender can both show up at full strength.
Flow State Isn’t A Magic Power-Up
Flow State looks mad arcadey, but it’s not a superhero power-up. Your fighter gets a slight boost, but they aren’t invincible while in Flow State. I don’t hate the concept, but after having upwards of 40 fights with it, I still hate the visual presentation. It’s too over the top. Hopefully, we’ll be able to turn off the visuals while still keeping the concept.
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Fighting Styles Matter More Than Ever
Almost every fighter in the game is different. That is a major accomplishment on a roster this big. That said, it would behoove you to figure out the style you’re best at and to locate a fighter who marries well with your natural fighting tendency.
Grappling Looks Familiar But Isn’t
Grappling is still likely to be the biggest bugaboo for most users. The overall concept of blocking and executing transitions while managing stamina is still at the core. However, the game feels different so the timing in this aspect of gameplay feels different. Also, there are a few more animations that happen more frequently and new options like cage butterfly that add a thin layer of difference from EA UFC 5.
Career Mode Decisions Carry Real Consequences
I played a lot of career mode. My heavyweight struggled and was advised to move down to light heavyweight. There are scenarios that offer a potential quick fix to head injuries and other scenario-based features. It’s similar to what was in the last version, but fleshed out more with far more connectivity to your own career.
The Legacy Mode Is Worth Your Time
I regret one thing about my review period. I should have played The Legacy more. I got into it earlier today and it has all the charm and grittiness of Fight Night Champion’s Champion Mode. If you’re familiar then you know that’s high praise. I’ll be finishing this mode with Chris Carter. Don’t be like me. Give it a look earlier.
Arena Lighting Makes It Cinematic
Lastly, the arena lighting does something to the visuals that is both positive and negative. It makes the game look cinematic, almost like a scene from Creed. However, it does rob the title of some of the TV-style broadcast feel. I’m not sure if I like it or not. But it’s a difference.
