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Is UFC 4 Still Worth a Knockout Purchase? A 2024 Verdict

So, you’re circling the digital octagon, eyeing UFC 4, wondering if it’s worth stepping into the ring this late in the game? The short answer? It depends, but more often than not, the answer is yes, especially if you can find it at a reasonable price. While UFC 5 has taken center stage, UFC 4 still packs a punch, offering a solid MMA gaming experience that balances accessibility with satisfying depth. It’s a game that catered well to newcomers and lapsed fans, and its single-player content and roster keep it relevant even now. If you want to learn more about gaming and its impact on society, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Why UFC 4 Still Holds Its Own

UFC 4 landed with a clear mission: to be more accessible and engaging than its predecessors. And, for the most part, it succeeded. Here’s why it remains a contender:

Improved Accessibility: The overhauled grappling system was a game-changer, making the ground game less intimidating and more intuitive for newcomers. No longer were takedowns and submissions exercises in frustration.
Engaging Career Mode: The career mode offers a genuinely addictive loop. Building your fighter from a fledgling prospect to a UFC legend is rewarding, with meaningful choices impacting your career trajectory.
Strong Online Experience: UFC 4 features a more cohesive online experience compared to UFC 3. Matchmaking is generally smooth, and the competition can be fierce, providing ample opportunity to test your skills.
Satisfying Gameplay: The core fighting mechanics are solid, delivering a blend of arcade-style fun and strategic depth. Mastering the striking and grappling game is immensely satisfying.
Cosmetic Microtransactions Only: Unlike some sports games, UFC 4 largely avoids pay-to-win microtransactions. The focus is on cosmetic items, meaning your skill, not your wallet, determines your success.

Where UFC 4 Falls Short

Of course, UFC 4 isn’t without its flaws:

Career Mode Repetitiveness: While initially engaging, the career mode can become repetitive after a few playthroughs. The training sequences and fight routines can feel grindy over time.
Visual Imperfections: While not a visually bad-looking game, UFC 4 looks dated compared to current-gen titles, particularly UFC 5. The character models and animations lack some of the polish found in newer sports games.
Frustrating AI: The AI can be inconsistent, sometimes exhibiting predictable patterns and other times pulling off superhuman feats of reaction and strategy.
Dated Roster: Since UFC 4 is no longer the current installment, its roster and updates will fall behind the fighters and stats that come with UFC 5.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy UFC 4

UFC 4 is a worthwhile purchase for:

Casual UFC Fans: If you enjoy watching UFC fights and want a fun, accessible game to play casually, UFC 4 is a great option.
Lapsed UFC Gamers: If you haven’t played a UFC game in a while and want to jump back in, UFC 4 offers a streamlined and engaging experience.
Budget-Conscious Gamers: If you’re looking for a solid fighting game at a lower price point than newer releases, UFC 4 is a good choice.

You might want to skip UFC 4 if:

You Already Own UFC 5: The improvements in UFC 5 generally justify the upgrade, offering superior graphics, gameplay refinements, and a more up-to-date roster.
You’re a Hardcore Sim Gamer: If you’re seeking the most realistic and simulation-focused MMA experience, UFC 4‘s slightly arcade-leaning gameplay might not be your cup of tea.

UFC 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is UFC 4 better than UFC 3?

Generally, yes. UFC 4 features a more accessible grappling system, a more engaging career mode, and a more cohesive online experience compared to UFC 3. It’s often considered the superior game.

2. Is UFC 4 too hard for beginners?

While UFC 4 has a learning curve, especially for mastering the striking and grappling mechanics, it’s more accessible than previous entries in the series. The tutorial mode and simplified controls help ease new players into the game.

3. Is UFC 4 still addictive?

Yes! The blend of arcade-style fun and strategic depth, combined with the engaging career mode, makes UFC 4 a highly addictive experience for many players. The GamesLearningSociety.org can tell you more about how game mechanics encourage player engagement!

4. Is UFC 4 ok for a 13-year-old?

UFC 4 is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, due to blood, language, mild suggestive themes, and violence. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to play.

5. How long is a round in UFC 4?

Each round in UFC 4 lasts 5 minutes. Non-championship fights are three rounds, while championship and main event fights are five rounds.

6. How long is the UFC 4 career mode?

A fighter’s career in UFC 4 typically lasts around 40 fights, regardless of how careful the player is.

7. How do you unlock Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua in UFC 4?

Players who pre-ordered UFC 4 received exclusive access to play as Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Other players can unlock them by completing Career Mode on the hardest difficulty or by purchasing them in the store.

8. What is the most powerful move in UFC 4?

The outside overhand punch (haymaker) is considered one of the most damaging punches in UFC 4, capable of flooring opponents when timed correctly.

9. Who are some of the best strikers to use in UFC 4?

Some of the best strikers in UFC 4 include Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, Anderson Silva (Legend Version), Amanda Nunes, and Alexander Volkanovski, thanks to their high punch speed and power.

10. Is UFC 4 good for new players to the UFC game franchise?

Yes, UFC 4 is more accessible to new players than previous installments, thanks to its overhauled grappling system and streamlined controls.

11. When was UFC 5 released?

UFC 5 was released on October 24, 2023.

12. What is the minimum age to fight in UFC?

The minimum age to fight in the UFC is 18 years old, with no upper age limit set by the State Athletic Commission.

13. Can you call people out in UFC 4?

Yes, in UFC 4, you can interact with fans, fighters, and promoters to shape your career, including calling out opponents on social media.

14. What happens if you stay in the WFA in UFC 4 career mode?

Staying longer in the WFA (World Fighting Alliance) in UFC 4‘s career mode increases your starting rank in the UFC.

15. Are there 3-minute rounds in UFC 4?

No, typically UFC matches are 5-minute rounds. Regular UFC fights feature three 5-minute rounds, while title fights and main events have five 5-minute rounds.

The Final Bell: Is UFC 4 Worth It?

Ultimately, deciding if UFC 4 is worth buying hinges on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re seeking the absolute latest and greatest MMA gaming experience, UFC 5 is the clear choice. However, if you’re a casual fan, a lapsed gamer, or simply looking for a more budget-friendly option, UFC 4 remains a compelling and enjoyable fighting game that’s more than capable of delivering hours of knockout fun. It’s a solid entry point into the UFC gaming world, and it continues to pack a punch long after its initial release.

Is it worth it to buy UFC 4?