Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 38 out of 56
  2. Negative: 0 out of 56
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  1. Feb 3, 2018
    EA UFC 3 is closer to nailing this whole UFC video game thing than the comparatively thin EA UFC 2, but while this one has plenty of meat on its bones, it lacks connective tissue. In fight parlance, it’s a solid mid-tier fighter, a gatekeeper to the top rather than a championship-caliber contender.
User Score
4.2

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 297 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 84 out of 297
  1. Feb 26, 2018
    1
    *Those who haven't noticed, I have changed my review to a 1. You'll see why with a detailed review.*

    Ok. Let me get it started. I want to
    *Those who haven't noticed, I have changed my review to a 1. You'll see why with a detailed review.*

    Ok. Let me get it started. I want to clarify that I'm not a bias consumer. I, for one enjoyed UFC 2, even though many people hated it. I hated cheesing. I hated in-game exploits to cheat the system. But I was still very successful playing online. Also, I'm going to refer as the number 3 installment as "this game" because it isn't worthy of it's name.

    But this game is by far their worst installment. My issue on the game is not only repetitive modes that this company relies on every year, but the gameplay. I am not a fan of the gameplay whatsoever. The mechanics of course will change because of the introduction of a brand new game, but making it overwhelmingly complicated for no exact reason is ridiculous. Just to uppercut you have to press 2 buttons? Just to block low you have to press the left and right trigger? JUST TO SPIN KICK YOU HAVE TO PUSH 4 BUTTONS!?!

    But whatever. Lets get to the gameplay in it's full aspects. Most people who have a problem with the stand up aspect of the game will tell you how slow the characters move. Compared to UFC 2, certain character move like a damn overloaded Tank. Other characters can feel a little smoother, but not natural. UFC 2 was able to capture the ability to use realistic swift footwork and the ability to control spacing, unlike this game.

    The countering system is another problem I have. You would think rewarding patient counter fighters would be a good thing. Of course it's just another problem. First of all, the countering system is delayed. It doesn't react on contact. On UFC 2, you were able to sway from punches and kicks with a simple system easier by holding LT with the help of the left analog stick. Not this game. EA has divided the natural swaying system into 4 variations of countering a strike. Yes, it is true you can plant your feet and sway, but it is not nearly as natural and effective as it was on the last installment. Not to mention you have to use the right analog stick. Terrible choice of mechanics. Second of all, with the new system, everyone has became this Mayweather like counter fighter who constantly ducks and sways just to counter with a hook or uppercut. Forcing everyone to do the same.

    The stamina system is a complete joke. If a player decides to constantly overwhelm you with strikes, giving you no room to fight your fight, naturally you would want to wait them out. NOOOO. Not this game. By the 1st round, the player pressing should get a slight, but not drastic change in stamina. By round 2, the player should feel the difference in the character. By round 3, there should be a noticeable stamina difference by comparison. You should easily pick them apart. By round 4, the stamina of the player should be pretty much depleted. By round 5, they shouldn't have stamina left. On this game, you are able to fight round 1 all fight long. No stamina consequences. It's a joke.

    The ground game is the same as UFC 2, but with new and slower transitions. A player who has the ability to defend transitions can keep someone on their back for as long as he/she wants to with a great grappler. Meaning, even if the player on it's back is able to defend transitions, there's no real way in escaping other then slowly transitioning. You just have to take the slow and painful punishment until the round is over, you get a reversal, or you get finished. Even if you fake transitions. Simple.

    This isn't even the root of my problem with this game, but this is already too much to swallow. If what you read still doesn't concern you by the slightest, be my guess. There's a reason why most of the user ratings from all sites and consoles have terrible scores on them. Take my word for it. This game is trash. Trash. Trash. And more trash. If you buy this game, I'll be disappointed in you.
    Full Review »
  2. Jan 30, 2018
    10
    Career mode is hell fun to play.. gameplay is great including strike.. grappling is kinda annoying and kinda frustrating.. graphic look greatCareer mode is hell fun to play.. gameplay is great including strike.. grappling is kinda annoying and kinda frustrating.. graphic look great especially fighter model Full Review »
  3. Feb 20, 2018
    0
    I've played maybe 2 hours last night, from midnight to 2AM on the day it came out. I stopped. I knew I wanted to try to get a refund andI've played maybe 2 hours last night, from midnight to 2AM on the day it came out. I stopped. I knew I wanted to try to get a refund and figured "they" could see how much time was spent playing it.

    Apparently PlayStation has a policy not to refund ANY pre-order purchase no matter how much you hate your brand new game and no matter how little you've played it. They could learn a thing or two from Steam and Origin!

    This game is not for the casual players. Maybe people who spent hours and hours mastering the inextricably complex controls will enjoy it. If you're just looking to push play and have fun, this is not you. I can't even imagine inviting friends over for a UFC pay per view and trying to quickly teach them how to play.

    I wasted 100$ on the champions edition and I know I'll hate every minute of playing it until I give up and accept it as a sunk cost. It's too late for me but save yourselves... Don't buy this game!
    PS: I took the time to create a metacritic account just so I could write this review to help you avoid wasting your money. Let's call it my good deed of the day.
    Full Review »