EA Sports UFC 6 brings the thrill of mixed martial arts fighting into our hands. The game features a variety of offline modes as well as online multiplayer support to keep players occupied for a long time.
The main attraction of the offline content is Career Mode, but there is also a Legacy Story Mode for those who prefer a more linear experience. The game opens with a nice animated sequence mixed with real-life footage and takes players through a detailed prologue that explains the basics, especially if you are new to the UFC series, like I was.
After the introduction, players can experiment with the different offline modes. I started with Story Mode, which introduces a new fighter, Chris Carter, and follows the struggles of his rise in the UFC. He is trying to honour his father’s legacy while dealing with his rival, Danny. The fights in this mode are usually predetermined and take place in various locations, giving the experience a more memorable touch.
This is the recommended mode for those who are new to the UFC series, as it essentially acts as a tutorial and helps players learn the ins and outs of the combat system. While the story itself feels barely functional and the writing is weak, it is still a fun way to pass the time while getting familiar with the mechanics. It is not very long either and can be completed fairly quickly, giving players some breathing room before jumping into Career Mode.
Career Mode is essentially the full journey of a UFC fighter. The story has been expanded in this sequel with more branching dialogue choices and a better sense of shaping the life of your fighter. It is a slow climb to the top, taking players through the process of learning different UFC disciplines such as Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu. This extends beyond the fights themselves and includes off-screen activities like managing a social media presence, giving interviews, and attending training camps.
The main issue with this mode is that the gameplay loop eventually starts to feel repetitive, and the core narrative does not really stand out. The branching choices feel interesting at first, but they often lead to outcomes that feel meaningless, making them less impactful than they should be. The grind to the top can also become tiresome and less enjoyable if played for extended periods.
Combat is where most of the fun comes from. The new striking system in UFC 6 has been revamped, giving each punch and kick more impact, and the entire system revolves around how you position your fighter. The unpredictable nature of the combat makes it very enjoyable, even if some of the tougher fights can be frustrating. The new physics engine also adds a lot to the interactions between fighters, leading to dynamic animations that play out depending on the positioning and timing of attacks.
A major new addition is the Flow State, which revolves around the real-world tendencies of each UFC athlete. It plays an important role in winning matches because it focuses on each fighter’s unique playstyle, making them feel distinct from one another. While it is an interesting system, it can be a little complex for players with little or no MMA knowledge. It can also lead to repetitive patterns of play that become cumbersome over time.
While the punches and kicks feel like a clear upgrade, the game does not offer many new mechanics, as the grappling and clinch systems remain largely the same as in previous entries. This, unfortunately, makes the gameplay feel slightly undercooked for a proper sequel. As a newcomer to the series, I really appreciated the streamlined controls, which make it easier to get into the flow of combat. They also help avoid overly complex button combinations during fights when trying to pull off specific actions.
EA Sports UFC 6 is one of the best-looking games in the franchise. The visuals, at least on the PS5 Pro, looked clean, and the likeness of the UFC athletes is closely reflected in the game. The depth of field, camera filters, and lighting are genuinely impressive and have been designed to deliver an authentic UFC experience. The animations are excellent and have been carefully crafted to resemble real-life fights. The damage system is also outstanding, with cuts and bruises appearing on the correct parts of the body. However, the visual likeness is not always consistent, as some fighters end up looking noticeably different from their real-world counterparts.
Overall, I was genuinely impressed by the visuals and gameplay of EA Sports UFC 6. It offers plenty of offline game modes while also including multiplayer for those interested in taking the action online. However, I was not able to spend enough time with the online component to properly judge its quality. That said, the game was a lot of fun in its offline modes, enough to keep me engaged throughout the review period. The replay value is also very high, largely because the combat system remains consistently enjoyable.
EA Sports UFC 6 Game Information
- Price: $69.99
- Publisher: EA Sports
- Developer: EA Vancouver
- Platform: PS5 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
