EA Sports UFC 2

Challenging, deep, rewarding. A very good MMA simulation with realistic graphics and a complex but very satisfying control system.

With myriad improvements to both the feature set and the core gameplay, UFC 2 takes the series from prospect to contender in just its second entry.

EA Sports UFC 2 is quite simply the best MMA game there is. Loaded with improvements over the past iteration, the game still suffers from a poor netcode and a very repetitive career mode.

It's a close-to-perfectly painted picture of the core MMA experience remixed into a tiny controller and super-realistic fighters on screen.

Where the first EA Sports UFC failed to go big on content, EA Sports UFC 2 delivers big time. That it also successfully improves upon the strong foundations laid by UFC 1 in the gameplay stakes, makes UFC 2 nothing short of superlative. It's a winner.

An improvement over its predecessor in every way. But there are still shortcomings in a few areas, most notably the improved, but still uncharismatic career, while beginners will miss a decent tutorial. Nonetheless this is the MMA game any fan should get.

EA's second stint with UFC's license shows some positive growth.

There are still some small improvements to be made when it comes to getting on the level of Undisputed, but EA Sports UFC 2 is a significant improvement over the first game, and proof that the team is more than ready to step into the Octagon. Whenever it rolls around, EA Sports UFC 3 will have a hell of a game on its hands. But, for now, part two is well worth trying, especially if you're a fan of the sport.

It's not perfect yet, but UFC 2 is a great step forward: there's plenty to do and the graphics are just gorgeous.

EA Sports makes its second appearance in the UFC’s famed Octagon. The fighter’s sophomore effort is solid: it has good technique, impresses visually and feels like the real thing, although its ground game could be better. UFC 2 is a contender in the making. [May 2016]

EA Sports UFC 2 has a lot of depth to its fighting gameplay and feels very close to the sport.

UFC 2 is a step in the right direction in every aspect of the game. More modes, more gameplay options and many tweaks here and there to prove that EA Canada is indeed listening to the fans.

An evolution of what we saw two years ago, featuring even better graphics and the game modes that should have been in the original game. Despite that EA Sports UFC 2 is not perfect due the lack of 'real' rhythm during the fights and because there's still some missing game modes.

More mass and definition for one of the best looking console game on the market. The control system is not yet on the same level, though.

UFC fans won't be disappointed with the amount of value on offer here, and its hard to think the franchise isn't going in the right direction. Minor issues do nothing to distract from the overall quality.

EA UFC 2 is certainly an improvement over the original game and while it does add more game modes and more to do, it's just disappointing that the main game mode, the career mode has almost gone untouched and the new additions don't really add much to the experience.

Fans of UFC will get the atmosphere of a real UFC match, while fighting and sports game fans have enough here to have some good fun.

The visuals are stunning, the mechanics are good, the fights are crazy and the Ultimate Team is a great evolution, but the Career Mode lacks emotion and it's too short to entertain us. Also, the learning curve and the character progression are far from perfection.

EA Sports UFC 2 brings the ultimate UFC experience back to the consoles. The game looks amazing, has lot of detail and plenty of content.

Consider the bar for MMA games officially raised, as EA Sports UFC 2 improves upon almost every facet of the original, while also introducing an intuitive new grappling system and realistic knockout engine.

EA Sports UFC 2 is the culmination of what has been learned the past two years, as the game is far richer in content, has a greater focus on authenticity, and is trying to please fans of the sport over those who couldn't care less about it.

It's easier to forgive EA Sports UFC 2's shortcomings when the game's fight action is solid, understandable and enjoyable. Even if some of its components are more difficult than others, the streamlining and simplification of takedowns and transitions is a pivotal change that frees the game without making it pointlessly easy.

Quotation forthcoming.

EA Sports UFC 2 has shown its improvements over its former self and continues to play the part. A mix of power and finesse, both in ring and out, there’s no doubt this is a solid pickup for folks interested in handing out beatings like their favorite MMA fighters do.

EA Sports UFC 2 is a good combat game and a great UFC title, although is a little bit slower than the real Ultimate Fighting Championship. This second EA game has interesting modes, like Ultimate Team, a large roster of fighters, and a great 'punch' to reach the Olympus of UFC.

Those who have already found themselves smitten with the series will find plenty to enjoy the second time around.

A solid concept with wide appeal, good fun if you can look past the flaws.

EA Sports UFC 2 still isn’t fully where the series should be at by now, but it’s a step in the right direction.

This year’s UFC feels like it improves in some key areas – overall quality, game modes and such – but not enough to really feel a great leap from the past.

And still...the undisputed heavyweight champion of MMA games. [May 2016, p.86]

UFC 2 is hard to get into and not as rewarding to play as it should be, but its smart system design, presentation, and generous helping of content should keep UFC fans occupied – provided they make it through a gruelling training camp first.

EA Sports UFC 2 still has some kinks to work out, but the overall experience has improved over its predecessor.

Some issues drag everything down, particularly the lack of intuitive feedback, and the barebones tutorials, and a dry career mode, but EA Sports UFC 2 is a welcome improvement on its predecessor that shows this series is going in the right direction. It’s just not a number one contender quite yet.

EA Sports UFC 2 delivers the grandeur of MMA in a remarkable and brutal presentation. A traditional fighting game this is not, and the genuine attempts at simulating a dense sport result in clumsy combat that only on occasion captures the drama and nuance of human chess.

EA Sports UFC 2 offers much new content, but the only important change comes from the Ultimate Team mode. On the gameplay side, this new episode is quite similar to the previous one.

EA Sports' UFC 2 has some technical skill, but is missing the heart of the sport.

The lack of overall options and content creates a shallow feeling that EA Sports UFC 2 can never quite shake.

UFC 2 is the best attempt to date at turning the sport into a game, and seasoned fans will no doubt be able to overlook its shortcomings and enjoy it for what it is - a gorgeous-looking but ultimately flawed fighter.

Everything here is serviceable, although Ultimate Team’s execution falls a little flat; instead of unlocking wrestlers, you find yourself unlocking moves to use with your brawlers. But why should you have to unlock a move you should be able to do in the first place? Still, by and large, UFC 2 is a solid fighting game, and it’s easily at the head of the wrestling genre in sports gaming.

Bruising, buggy and beautiful, UFC 2 is a technically triumphant fighter, but its combat can easily flounder and frustrate.