Top 10 New Features for UFC Undisputed 3

UFC Undiputed 3 is one of the most anticipated fighting games in history.

Fans are constantly checking the internet for videos, rosters and any other information about the new game. THQ and the UFC have been slowly adding game footage and answering questions on different websites to appease fans.

Since it has been over a year an a half since UFC Undisputed 2010 was released, there has been ample time for adding new features and aspects to the game. These are the top ten that we know so far...

Checking Leg Kicks and Leg Kick TKOs

Leg Kicks were a problem in prior games. They never did significant damage, but also couldn't be defended. They didn't truly represent how leg kicks are used in MMA.

UFC 3 has solved both of these problems. Leg kicks can now do enough punishment to get a TKO, but can also be "checked" as a defense. This feature adds more complexity to the striking and new techniques for the game.

Ground Sways

Adding ground sways to the game takes away some of the advantage of picking a "Ground and Pound" fighter. In Undisputed 2010, if you were on the ground on bottom, the most you could do was hold block and try and stand up.

In Undisputed 3, being able to move side to side will help bide some time and may frustrate opposing players enough to try a new tactic. This is another step at adding realism and complexity to the game franchise.

Ground Positions with the Cage

The Octagon is synonymous with MMA and the UFC. Fighting in a cage adds many ground aspects that aren't possible in a traditional boxing ring.

Undisputed 2010 used the cage effectively with clinches, takedowns and wall walks. Having new sitting positions and transitions just add to the experience of the game and make the cage more of a tool then the fighting boundaries. 

Stamina Simulation/Competition Modes

Two new game modes have been added to Undisputed 3 in the form of Stamina Simulation Mode and Competition Mode. Developers of the game have described how this will give gamers the option to play how they want to.

Stamina Simulation Mode is being described as a more realistic experience to a true UFC fight. Kicks and takedowns can't be thrown around constantly without using up a lot of stamina. Damage will also be increased so gamers will have to take their time and play more strategically.

Competition Mode is going the opposite direction by creating a "Street Fighter" or "Mortal Kombat" process to a match. Not much has been said about this mode but it may get rid of knockouts and stamina depletion to show who can win a time length fight.

Stat Equalizer

This option is long overdue and will be great for playing one on one with friends. No longer will a roommate be able to complain about how he only lost because of the fighter he chose. George St. Pierre and Anderson Silva will no longer be virtually invincible.

Equalizing stats will create an even fight that eliminates any advantage besides move-set and the gamers ability.

Submission System

The submission system in UFC Undisputed 2010 wasn't the worst thing in the world. Most gamers were used to circling the right stick with takedowns and transitions that it made sense for it to be the same with submissions.

The problem came with how submissions were weighted in the game. Trying to submit an opponent in the game was nearly impossible even with max stats and a gassed opponent. Conversely, if you were even a little down on stamina the computer could easily submit you.

This seemed like it would be an easy fix, but THQ has redone the system so an animation appears on the screen for a submission that players circle icons around. This may distract from the realism of the game, but will hopefully aid with submissions being used more effectively. 

Entrances

The UFC is one of the most entertaining showcases in sports. Part of that entertainment is fighters showing their personalities through unique entrances. Fighters can do this with a distinct song, a country's flag or a hockey goalie mask and throwing money in the air if you're Jason "Mayhem" Miller.

Entrances add the the excitement of a fight and will add to the excitement of the video game. Hopefully THQ will give more than a few generic entrances and let songs be uploaded to the game. 

George St. Pierre at Middleweight

In one of the video Q and A's added to the ufcundisputed.com site, the question came up of switching fighter's weightclasses to set up superfights. Because of regulations with the UFC, this will not be an option, but the game developer did specify St. Pierre being added to the Middleweight class.

In my opinion, there is only one real reason for this... So gamers can play St. Pierre versus Anderson Silva. It is one of the most desired and argued over fights in UFC history. They are considered to be the top two pound for pound fighters in MMA today, and having the ability to put them against each other is a great addition to the game.

New Fighters

Madden, the NBA 2K series and countless other sports franchises add another game each year which is bought up in millions. In many cases, the only significant changes are better graphics and updated rosters.

In the case of UFC Undisputed 3, they are adding many prominent fighters who were not apart of UFC Undisputed 2010.  The contender's pack (available with pre-order from Gamestop) will include fighters like Nick Diaz and Phil Davis who could be champions in the next year.

New fighters also include the additions of the Bantamweight and Featherweight classes.

Pride Mode

The best new aspect to the Undisputed franchise as of now is "Pride Mode". The best equivalent I can think of for this is when Subway restaurants doubled their menu by offering to toast all subs. Pride Mode is featuring an all star roster of legends and enough soccer kicks to make Shogun blush.

Pride could have easily been a game on its own released later, but UFC is mixing it into Undisputed. Pride rules will not just be in exhibitions but can also apart of the Career Mode. The new mode is a great tribute to Pride Fighting Championship and the great fighters in the sport. Pride mode also gives gamers the ability to recreate classic fights, put legends against modern fighters or see how UFC fighters would perform with Pride rules.