UFC Undisputed 2010

CELEBRITY Big Brother winner, Alex Reid, is the unlikely poster boy for mixed martial arts (MMA), but even with the endorsement of Katie Price’s cross-dressing husband the sport has failed to capture the public’s imagination.

In the US, though, it’s a different story, with MMA taking the sporting world by storm. Thanks to the efforts of the Ultimate Fighting Championship – or UFC to its fans – cage fighting is now a multi-billion dollar business.

Although it’s a difficult sport to simulate – due to its combination of martial arts, boxing and wrestling – that didn’t stop last year’s UFC game making a decent fist of things. And now, 12 months later, the 2010 edition is about to step into the octagonal ring, boasting further improvements.

In Create-A-Fighter mode you can now customise pretty much anything you want, from tattoos and victory animations to body types, hairstyles and taunts. Once you’re done fine-tuning your appearance, you start the game as an amateur, plying your trade in the World Fighting Alliance. Win enough fights and you’ll attract the attention of UFC owner Dana White who’ll offer you a pro contract.

Whether you’re showing off in exhibition matches or participating in two-player scraps, you can choose from 100-plus UFC fighters. You can also relive classic matches, create an authentic UFC card based on real-world tournaments or set up an online league with friends.

As you rain down blows on an opponent, you can see (and hear) the damage you’re causing, with slow-mo replays providing close-ups of every rib-splintering punch and kick. It’s as visceral as it sounds and makes UFC Undisputed 2010 a contender for one of this year’s best fighting games.

Publisher: THQ

Price: �49.99

Format: Xbox 360 (also on PS3)

Age rating: 15+

Score: 4/5 stars