The critically acclaimed and best-selling MMA video game franchise returns to take players inside the Octagon with UFC Undisputed 3, delivering intense UFC action focused on brutal toe-to-toe combat, impressive visual presentation and increased accessibility...

UFC Undisputed 3 is the latest version of THQ's mixed martial arts video game, and boy have they improved the series with this release. If you thought UFC Undisputed 2010 was impressive... well, wait until you get to grips with this updated offering. The developers have really listened to fans criticisms of the previous games in the series to deliver one of the most impressive fighting games on the market.

New to this game is 'Pride Mode', a brand new submission system, new ways to finish the fight and increased accessibility through both traditional and simplified game play controls.

One of the first decisions you have to make when starting the game is whether to go for the professional or amateur control system. The professional system is a little trickier to get the hang of, but worth it if you're prepared to put the time in.

Gaming modes include:

'Exhibition' (one-on-one matches); 'Game Mode' (where you can chose between 'Career Mode',where you start from the bottom and work your way to the top; 'Title Mode', climb up the arcade ladder; 'Title Defence', unlocked when you've completed 'Title Mode' with one fighter; 'Tournament Mode', which allows you to compete in tournaments; 'Ultimate Fight Mode', which allows you to relive/rewrite existing UFC/Pride matches; 'Event Mode', where you can create your own event); various modes on Xbox Live; as well as the ability to create your own fighter, highlights reel, logo and banner; and 'Tutorials' that walk you through the basics.

The new 'Pride Mode' allows gamers to compete within the legendary Pride environment featuring official announcers and renowned Japanese MMA league rules, including brutal soccer-style kicks, head stomps and ground knees to the head.

There's also a new submission system and more options to take advantage of a downed opponent.

Those that have enjoyed the previous games in the series will love what THQ have done here. This is a blast from start to finish.

10

Nick Smithson