One thing you can say about the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is that there will be blood- by the bucketload.

UFC: Undisputed 2009 on the Xbox 360 seems content with a bit less blood staining the octagon than previous instalments, but still serves up a full course of violence and skill.

This isn\'t your average quick-out-of-the-blocks fighting game. UFC: Undisputed requires a fair amount of training, and a fit thumb. The nature of UFC dictates that fighters should be capable of both striking while on your feet, and grappling when off them. It takes some doing to be capable of both, but once you’re there UFC: Undisputed turns into a highly satisfying game.

Controls

For what could actually have been extremely complex, the controls are pretty much straight forward. Mastering them is another story, as attacking success varies according to your distance from your opponent, plus you must keep your defences up if you want to survive. Timing is also a key aspect to UFC: Undisputed, much more so than in other fighting games. A well timed counter attack is critical and will flatten your opponent more quickly, while also helping you to take them down to grapple on the ground.

Your Fights

After mastering the basics a career mode awaits. Here you can build your character and start him off on his many blood soaked fights. For those just wanting to get down and dirty in the octagon, career mode might be the wrong choice as it includes further training sessions between bouts.

Exhibition matches might be more your thing, or you can choose to fight one of the UFC classic fights. Since UFC isn\'t as well known here in SA as say WWE, we really enjoyed the pre-match videos that show the run-up to the original fight. It gives a good background to what the UFC is all about, as well as serving as an introduction to the fighters of the UFC.

UFC: Undisputed 2009 is an intense, high level fighting game that involves more than just hitting buttons. It might not have the characters of WWE: RAW, or Mortal Kombat vs DC universe, but if you\'re looking for a fighting title that requires serious skill, UFC: Undisputed 2009 is just the ticket.