Fight fans can start the countdown for UFC Undisputed 3, the third MMA game from THQ, now scheduled for release on Feb. 14, 2012. Last week STACK got a chance to sample some game play at the UFC Undisputed 3 preview event in Las Vegas (see video above). Below, we break down four aspects we particularly like.
Entrances
Finally, entrances. Developers, gamers and fans can look forward to watching their favorite fighters stroll down the aisle, complete with sponsored T-shirts, authentic music and real-to-life corner men. In UFC mode, look for the entourage surrounding your fighter to be extremely realistic. When playing in Pride mode (see below), you can anticipate era-specific entrances for your favorite fighters.

Pride Mode
One of the most iconic fight organizations in MMA history, Pride Fighting Championships is recreated down to the smallest details. Pride entrances include the pomp and circumstance the Japanese-based promotion was known for, including fireworks and a certain screechy announcer. Developers consistently referred to this as a “game within a game.” There are Pride rules—dealing with head kicks to downed opponents and adjustable round lengths—as well as broadcasters from the era, Bas Rutten and Stephen Quadros. You’ll also get to select from Pride-era versions of fighters like “Rampage” Jackson and Wanderlei Silva.

A Gigantic Roster
Now including the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, UFC Undisputed 3 features over 150 fighters, with many more sure to come in future downloads. And each fighter is replicated down to the smallest detail. (Fighters are unusually picky about their hair styles.)

A Simplified Submission System
The first two Undisputed titles featured the Shine, a method of spinning the right stick on the controller to complete or break out of a submission. Gamers can now rest their thumbs, as there’s a new, easier-to-use system that takes physical aggression out of the process.

UFC Undisputed 3 will be available for XBox 360 and PS3.
Photos:  THQ