“It’s Time” – after three years, Bruce Buffer calls out his iconic catchphrase in a new installment of the UFC series. Developed for the first time with the Frostbite engine, UFC 5 takes steps forward in the Octagon. However, there is no standing still outside
Whether it’s NBA 2K24 or now UFC 5: when a new spin-off of a series is released, it is said to be the most realistic or authentic game in the genre to date. UFC President Dana White also used these words and said before the release: UFC 5 “is the most realistic MMA experience fans can have outside of the Octagon”. Did White hit the mark or is that just an empty phrase?
“More brutal” than its predecessor
The question can actually be answered quite quickly. There hasn’t been a major competitor to UFC or virtual mixed martial arts (MMA) for years. Accordingly, it is undoubtedly the most realistic MMA game on the consoles. It remains to be seen how big the gap is.
In terms of the basic game mechanics, nothing has changed compared to its predecessor. Fighting on the ground has been simplified a little, but the game is still challenging. Successful tactics are particularly important at higher difficulty levels: Divide up your stamina, find the right time for an attack, go into an infight or land kicks from a distance?
Once you have made the right decision and landed a few hits, one thing is immediately apparent: UFC 5 is a lot more “brutal” than its predecessor. Cuts are much more visually noticeable, but also have more impact on the course of the fight. A ring doctor is now part of the game, who takes a closer look at any injuries and may even advise stopping the fight. This brings more excitement to the Octagon. Because despite their overwhelming superiority, a counterattack by the opponent can completely turn events on their head. Blocking and defense have therefore become no less important
The curse and blessing of the Frostbite engine
Having already briefly touched on the visuals, the switch to the Frostbite engine is noticeable. Both positively and negatively. Anyone who plays or has played EA SPORTS FC 24 or the FIFA parts can imagine what’s wrong with the Octagon. That’s right: the facial expressions. Whether for hits, knockdowns or walk-ons – the facial expressions are not particularly varied. For example, the players maintain a – positively expressed – poker face during critical hits.
Nevertheless, UFC 5 also impresses with its extremely authentic presentation. It’s not just the iconic “It’s Time” from ring announcer Bruce Buffer that brings the UFC feeling into your living or gaming room at home
Score deductions in career mode
So far so positive, but the latest installment in the series has one major weakness: the career mode. Although there have been some small changes, such as in the menu, there is no new story. As in its predecessor, the aim is to fight your way from the backyard to the big arenas of the world and to the top of the sport. In addition, locations such as the backyard from UFC 4 have been reused.
The career mode would have benefited from at least one other storyline. Also to stand out a little more from its predecessor in general
Recommended purchase? Not at full price
Because the big question remains: Is the game worth buying at full price? The Standard Edition costs around 80 euros on consoles – UFC 5 will not be released for PC as of now. The Deluxe Edition, which includes an XP boost for the online career mode and additional fighters, costs 30 euros more.
As there are no real selling points or ground-breaking innovations, you should wait for a discount. Unlike EA SPORTS FC, for example, UFC is not released annually, which also allows for a little more waiting time. However, once the price is reduced, the latest installment in the series is definitely worth it. The title is fun, easy to learn compared to other sports games, but also has its tricky moments – and definitely brings the UFC feeling home
