(Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)

Ronda Rousey Explains Why She Won’t Use Her ‘UFC 2’ Video Game Character, Early Reviews For UFC 2

(Photo by Michael Dodge/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Dodge/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Ronda Rousey recently told MMAJunkie.com that she will not use her ‘UFC 2’ video game character to play as because it “weirds her out.” 

Rousey, the video game’s cover co-star along with Conor McGregor, said she’s never used her game character because: 

“I don’t like being not as in control of my body as I should be. I don’t know all the buttons to like counter a double (leg takedown) with a Harai goshi. I’d do it in real life, but it’d be really hard (in the game).”

UFC 2 was released in stores today for Playstation 4 and XBox One gaming consoles. The game has already received some favorable reviews early on, including a 7 from GameSpot and a 84 Metacritic rating. Sherdog.com‘s Andreas Hale posted a review of the game, praising the graphics and taking issue with some of the game modes, among other critiques. You can read some excerpts from his “Gamer’s Verdict” below, as well as read the complete detailed review by clicking here

Let’s get this out of the way: EA UFC 2 is absolutely gorgeous. For the most part, the player models are all rendered beautifully and possess all the little traits that make them unique. The presentation is also top-notch, as everything is included, from the graphical overlays and Bruce Buffer’s introductions to ring walks complete with several fighters’ actual theme music. Hearing Robbie Lawler enter the Octagon to “Hold On, I’m Comin’” and seeing Ronda Rousey stomp to the cage to Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” gives EA UFC 2 that extra touch of authenticity the previous installment in the franchise lacked. The way damage mounts up as a fight progresses is also something to admire. Cuts open and spill blood onto the canvas and the fighters. It all feels dynamic, as different bruising and cuts exist based upon the location and impact of the strikes. Nothing feels better than slicing open an opponent with a short elbow and watching the blood decorate the canvas.

As for the fighting itself, the standup remains the game’s strongest point. Fighters play to their strengths, and things like height and reach matter. Animations are of the eyebrow-popping variety, except for a few weird moments where limbs get tangled and you levitate off the canvas when being swept off your feet. Knockout animations are sure to have you yelling at your TV in amazement, as they can be vicious. Also improved is the manner in which fights end. You may annihilate your opponent with a spinning roundhouse, but those follow-up strikes to ensure that he or she has been separated from his or her senses are necessary.

The biggest issue with every MMA game has been the grappling system. Although it hasn’t been completely rectified, this game represents a step in the right direction. Rather than the complicated turn-based quarter turns for position, EA UFC 2 deploys a simpler method that uses visual cues and simply has you hold the stick in a given direction to perform a transition. It sounds simple, but in practice, it’s fairly challenging, as you’re trying to keep an eye on the HUD and your opponent’s movement to decide how to make your next move. It takes a lot of time to master, but it’s fulfilling when you do finally figure it out.

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