EA Sports MMA

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 52
  3. Negative: 5 out of 52
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  1. MMahar
    Oct 19, 2010
    9
    Ok, got an advanced copy and here are my thoughts...Quite frankly, sets the standard with Striking in the MMA genre. Love the career mode with different gyms and leagues around the world (really puts the world wide emphasis of the sport into it, and gives me some flashbacks into the martial arts lore of it all...ex. remember Bloodsport?). The submission system is different and a bitOk, got an advanced copy and here are my thoughts...Quite frankly, sets the standard with Striking in the MMA genre. Love the career mode with different gyms and leagues around the world (really puts the world wide emphasis of the sport into it, and gives me some flashbacks into the martial arts lore of it all...ex. remember Bloodsport?). The submission system is different and a bit simplified compared to UFC, but I'm getting use to not frantically mashing, etc. on the controller. Love the potential of the live broadcast feature too! I really hope EA gets the UFC license in the future...DANA, FORGET THE PAST, EA KNOWS SPORTS GAMES AND WILL GIVE THE UFC IT'S PROPER VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE!… Expand
  2. wilkat87
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    i have been a fan of mma for the last ten years and have bought all the mma games i could back to the 1st ufc game on the dreamcast and onto the pride game on ps2 aswell as the imports from japan like k-1 dynamite, im fan of ufc undisputed 2009/2010 of this generation there great fun but pretty much every match would end in KO this is where EA sports MMA surpases THQ efforts the matchsi have been a fan of mma for the last ten years and have bought all the mma games i could back to the 1st ufc game on the dreamcast and onto the pride game on ps2 aswell as the imports from japan like k-1 dynamite, im fan of ufc undisputed 2009/2010 of this generation there great fun but pretty much every match would end in KO this is where EA sports MMA surpases THQ efforts the matchs flow much better and the submission system is much nicer than shining an anolg stick, the carrer mode is great traviling the world is a great touch and fighting with diffrent rule sets is awsome especially fans of pride or k-1, the lack of ufc fighters is annoying but you can always put your favorite fighter in using the game face feature, overall EA sports MMA is a solid entry into this sport and i cant wait to see what thay will do next until then im going to continue to enjoy EA sports MMA 10/10… Expand
  3. Groper83
    Oct 19, 2010
    10
    I was skepticle at first and have been a fan of the UFC by THQ since it first came out. I played the demo for EA SPORTS MMA and wasn't all to impressed, espicially with the a i of the computer. However after playing the full version of the game I'm really impressed. This game definitely runs smoother and is alot more balanced than UFC. Infact I wold recommend this game to just aboutI was skepticle at first and have been a fan of the UFC by THQ since it first came out. I played the demo for EA SPORTS MMA and wasn't all to impressed, espicially with the a i of the computer. However after playing the full version of the game I'm really impressed. This game definitely runs smoother and is alot more balanced than UFC. Infact I wold recommend this game to just about anybody. Excellent Game.… Expand
  4. Josephuci
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    Great game all around and I believe this game is a great base for EA to keep pumping out future MMA games from here on out. The Career, Online, Presentation, and flow of the game blow UFC Undisputed of of the water giving it great replay value, something Undisputed 2010 clearly lacked. Great job EA!
  5. jarv419
    Oct 26, 2010
    9
    First off I am a huge mma fan. Have been since the introduction of this sport back in the nineties. I owned both UFC Undisputed 2009 and 2010(and any other mma title). Loved them as a fan of the sport. As a gamer not so much. In short, I traded both in at Gamestop for this game. I was repaid 10x over. EA Sports MMA is the best mma game to date. The depth all around is amazing. You reallyFirst off I am a huge mma fan. Have been since the introduction of this sport back in the nineties. I owned both UFC Undisputed 2009 and 2010(and any other mma title). Loved them as a fan of the sport. As a gamer not so much. In short, I traded both in at Gamestop for this game. I was repaid 10x over. EA Sports MMA is the best mma game to date. The depth all around is amazing. You really get to explore the sport of mma and not just a company. Career mode takes you deep in as you start out fighting in lesser known leagues and venues fighting your way to the big time. With different rule sets for each league as in real life mma. Gameplay is off the charts. Gamers really have to play smart and use different strategies for different fighters. Controls are easy for anyone to learn. Yet still must be used in a strategic fashion in gameplay. No button mashing. No rotating the controller till your thumbs give in. And as for the roster of fighters, not as big as Undisputed. Some may be lesser known to casual fans but are just as tough or skillful as any in UFC. That's why this game is great it gives new fans a look into the world of mma with fighters from all across the globe. Not in an organization. A must buy for mma fans.… Expand
  6. Tataobr
    Oct 26, 2010
    9
    Best MMA game ever! The gameplay is so much better than Undisputed series, the host may be not know to everybody, but it is still a great game. Career mode is just brilliant!
  7. pungaboy
    Oct 25, 2010
    10
    UFC Undisputed has a lot of things going in its favor. Great license, great fighters, great commentary great presentation. Unfortunately none of these things can make up for the fact that it is a terrible experience to play it. EA may not have all of the best fighters (just the very best - Fedor? Rutten? Jacare? Couture? Miller?) but the game has it where it counts. Every facet of theUFC Undisputed has a lot of things going in its favor. Great license, great fighters, great commentary great presentation. Unfortunately none of these things can make up for the fact that it is a terrible experience to play it. EA may not have all of the best fighters (just the very best - Fedor? Rutten? Jacare? Couture? Miller?) but the game has it where it counts. Every facet of the gameplay is superior to the Undisputed series. Better striking, better grappling, better submissions, better career mode, better AI, better online. If the roster is a sticking point for you - they have a create-a-fighter feature. Last Saturday I was playing Brock Lesnar vs Cain Velasquez in EA Sports MMA with hundreds of other people online. Bottom line: Don't get suckered by the UFC license - if you want the best MMA game on the market, buy this game. If, however, you want the best UFC game on the market... Yeah, still buy EA Sports MMA - and then go download or create all your favorite UFC fighters. This game actually does the sport and it's athletes justice.

    Anyway, I'm off to add a beard to my Lesnar.

    P.S. -It's probably a 9/10, but I'm giving it a 10 to fight the troll on this thread giving it zeroes.    … Expand
  8. shalabi84
    Oct 26, 2010
    10
    The only negative reviews from users is that "There aren't UFC fighters". First of all there are FIVE former champions and more than a handful of former fighters. Secondly, take the opportunity to learn about these amazing fighters. Joachim, Alvarez, JZ, Aoki, Mach Sakurai, Werdum, Fedor, Miller, Kawajiri... the list goes on. If you're a UFC nuthugger, do yourself a favor, watch Joachim vThe only negative reviews from users is that "There aren't UFC fighters". First of all there are FIVE former champions and more than a handful of former fighters. Secondly, take the opportunity to learn about these amazing fighters. Joachim, Alvarez, JZ, Aoki, Mach Sakurai, Werdum, Fedor, Miller, Kawajiri... the list goes on. If you're a UFC nuthugger, do yourself a favor, watch Joachim v Alvarez or Aoki v anyone and tell me what you think of Jon Snuggie Fitch and Gray Snoozefest Maynard. The game is top quality and even the small annoyances are being patched. Plus you can add all your overhyped UFC favorites with fightershare anyway.… Expand
  9. sakuraba1982
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    THE PEOPLE LEAVING NEGATIVE REVIEWS HERE ARE A BUNCH OF RETARDS, HOW CAN YOU COMPLAIN THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE UFC FIGHTERS IN IT??? ITS NOT A UFC GAME IDIOTS, ITS NOT STREETFIGHTER!!

    OH AND WHERE IS BROCK LESNER ?? THAT WOULD BE FROM THE FAKE WRESTLING FANS WOULD IT?? I love ufc also but this game is far superior, no lag online fluent transitions and good striking Head stomps +    THE PEOPLE LEAVING NEGATIVE REVIEWS HERE ARE A BUNCH OF RETARDS, HOW CAN YOU COMPLAIN THAT IT DOES NOT HAVE UFC FIGHTERS IN IT??? ITS NOT A UFC GAME IDIOTS, ITS NOT STREETFIGHTER!!

    OH AND WHERE IS BROCK LESNER ?? THAT WOULD BE FROM THE FAKE WRESTLING FANS WOULD IT??

    I love ufc also but this game is far superior, no lag online fluent transitions and good striking

    Head stomps + soccer kicks anyone??

    take the time to learn the game before hating on it

    AWESOME    … Expand
  10. Anim8or
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    Best fighting game ever made. I also find it funny that the negative reviews are all 0 and all back to back, and all by members who have never reviewed any other game... suspect? Sorry UFC/THQ.. this is a much better game than yours even if you spam the metacritic wall with fake reviews.
  11. jaemes
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    If you actually know MMA , you'll enjoy the roster EA has given all of us.
    The game mechanics is done very well imo.
    Also, I prefer not breaking my controller when I'm trying to get out of a submission (aka UFC)

    EA is moving 2 steps forward, while THQ/UFC is moving 3 steps back.
    UFC in general is lacking in most aspects.
  12. MoMoShiftin
    Oct 27, 2010
    10
    Awesome game, online works, almost completely balanced and probably will be after the first patch. The stand up is exciting, realistic and the knockouts are devastating. While the ground game is deep and strategic. The submission system is fun as hell and results in amazing submission battles. The presentation could use a little cleaning up but the graphics make up for it. Although itAwesome game, online works, almost completely balanced and probably will be after the first patch. The stand up is exciting, realistic and the knockouts are devastating. While the ground game is deep and strategic. The submission system is fun as hell and results in amazing submission battles. The presentation could use a little cleaning up but the graphics make up for it. Although it doesn't have as big of a roster, this game destroys UFC Undisputed 2010 by a long shot.… Expand
  13. Dwalk27
    Oct 28, 2010
    8
    LOL, at the negative reviews from people to dumb to read anything about EA SPORTS MMA or even check it's wiki page 3-4 months b4 release, if you didn't have your head buried in the sand, you would have realised from day one, that ufc wasn't going to be participating in this game, apart from randy because he didn't sign his lifetime likeness royalty rights away to zuffa like most otherLOL, at the negative reviews from people to dumb to read anything about EA SPORTS MMA or even check it's wiki page 3-4 months b4 release, if you didn't have your head buried in the sand, you would have realised from day one, that ufc wasn't going to be participating in this game, apart from randy because he didn't sign his lifetime likeness royalty rights away to zuffa like most other fighters. how can you get mad at a game for your own stupidity in not reading up about it? there were countless previews stating there were no current ufc fighters except randy, they said it in nearly every demo video they did of the game, it's like me getting angry there are no Star Wars characters in Battlestar Galactica, ufc isn't the be all and end all of MMA, but apart from the dumb people on here, the game is actually pretty good, i do enjoy UFC 2010 alot more, but this game beats it in alot of areas, especially training, i played about 80+ hours offline on 2010 and the mundane training exercises drove me up the wall, Submissions are also set out better, and save your controller from unwarranted abuse, the character creation is alot better as well, the blood is very realistic and smears on the fighters body very well, career mode is a bit meh, i like what they have done with it, and it's not as tacky as ufc 2010, but when 90% of your fights are against cpu created fighters, the whole wonderlust associated with beating a big name star is completely taken away, any animation outside the ring is horrific, and not any better than ufc's terrible attempt, but the fighter visuals look great, except they tend to distort and look unnatural when shown in cut scenes like intro's and whatnot, the way their shoulders pop out when they raise their arm, it is just very last gen, but overall the game seems great, and is a welcome to the very very small niche market of mma, hopefully this will force THQ to pick their game up on ufc 2011 and maybe add The Ultimate Fighter as a feature, as there isn't really much ufc can do except make the career mode more immersive and interesting, add TUF, and maybe revamp the menu's again, but hopefully these 2 titles can grown side by side and force each other to improve, so that we the consumer get the best deal.… Expand
  14. fedorp4p
    Nov 27, 2010
    9
    Good game. Its only going to get better. There trying out a new game and I was really surprised how they took barely anything for the other big contender in this catagory, the UFC Undisputed series. Being a avid MMA fan myself a love that a game has come out that will open up ufc fans to the other great fighters from around the world. The roster is strong with the head fighters being MMAGood game. Its only going to get better. There trying out a new game and I was really surprised how they took barely anything for the other big contender in this catagory, the UFC Undisputed series. Being a avid MMA fan myself a love that a game has come out that will open up ufc fans to the other great fighters from around the world. The roster is strong with the head fighters being MMA Legend Randy Couture and the widely considered best MMA fighter of all time Fedor Emelianenko. I see alot of UFC fans and a few reviewers here stating its an unknown roster, far from the truth if you truely know MMA. The UFC has 50% of the worlds top fighters, this game has the other half. The controls at first are very ton to get the hang of especially if you have been pay the undisputed games alot, but it is very gratifying to learn them and be able to counter and knock an opponant out with a perfectly timed counter punch or kick. The submission game is also gives you an extreme adrenaline boost and is not just all about mashing but using timing and finding that sweet spot to finish your opponent. The graphics are also a step in the right direction, the blood is very realistic and knockouts seem to be different each time not just a re-running cycle of five or so set KO's. I would highly recommend this game to any MMA fan that wants to learn more about MMA in general and the fighters that fight not just in the UFC but all around the world.… Expand
  15. GneticSuprFreak
    Oct 20, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. BEFORE I get into EA MMA I would like to lead in with a little insight as to where MY review comes from! I also have been an MMA Participant/Fan since the Beginning! I have Played everything from UFC on Dreamcast, Tapout 1 & 2 on XBOX, UFC Sudden Impact & PRIDE FC on PS2, Throwdown on Nintendo GameCube, UFC Undisputed 2009/2010 & NOW EA MMA on 360! That was Not meant to be a BragFest but rather a recap of Where My Opinions/Comparisons come from! The Original DreamCast UFC was, of course, the GroundBreaker that Started it all! UFC 2009, to me, was The BEST MMA game to Date! 2010 Seemed like a Rushed (to beat EA to release!) Cash grab and NOT Much More than a Roster Update with Few Real Notable changes. The Event Mode being the Most memorable & my personal Favorite. Now for EA MMA!: First off if they would have named it something like "EA Sports Presents MMA Featuring StrikeForce!" there Might be LESS complaints about "where are the UFC guys?"! Maybe! From the beginning I Too did Not give much chance for EA's MMA title. Like a Lot of Fellow gamers I fell into the "If it doesn't have the More Well Known UFC Fighters It will Probably Not be as Good!" category! I am GLAD to say I was Wrong there! There are So Many Exclusive fighters that are as good or Better than their UFC counterparts In there own respective weight classes! There are also Very Extensive Fighter Creation/Share tools (They are Far Superior to THQ UFC's current version!) that Offer NEAR Perfect UFC Clones! For those Longing for Dream matches like Brock Lesnar vs Fedor Emelianenko Here is the Place to get it! Well this is as Close as we can get for now at least! There are also other Various COOL Options to keep fights from getting stale. Venue Locations, Ring Types (Round, Boxing & Of Course Octagonal) Plus being able to set Rule types are a Nice and Refreshing change of pace! I haven't jumped into the Career mode so I can't comment on that Yet. I feel compelled to voice my concern and comment that ONLY EA can Tank (No. Not Paul Abbot!) its MMA Game at this point by Pulling the Online support like it has done with a Lot of its other Franchises! For MMA and just Fighting Game Fans alike EA Sports MMA is the BEST way to put a Digital BeatDown on/with your friends! I feel the Competition here Is a Good thing! Look at how Tekken, Soul Calibur & Street Fighter and Forza & Gran Turismo Push each other to improve! THQ and EA can continue to Pour quality features into their Games! In the end we win! Like Arcade Style Fighting, Racing Games etc... I have NO problem owning 2 MMA games. IF they are Both well made & are each worth having! My reviews tend to be scatterbrained! For that I apologize. My Main goal is to Help Fellow gamers that are fans of the Same genre be able to enjoy quality games! This Also put a BullsEye on me for tweens & Other ADHD FOOLS to Jab at MY Review Instead of My Online Fighter! Keep in mind witty review Blasters: My review does NOT Hit Back. I DO!… Expand
  16. total_gamer
    Oct 23, 2010
    10
    ok, I got this game because I wanted something better than the UFC game. I was disappointed, the competition is better. EA just fell short on this one. Game play is a substantial step below the competition and other EA games - did they go cheap on development and spend everything on marketing this thing? Stick with the real thing and get the UFC game.
  17. DualRadius
    Nov 18, 2010
    8
    EA Sports MMA is certainly more "pick up and play" than the UFC game that's been out for a few years. EA has put in a nice career mode, and Bas Rutten is your "trainer" / guide through the game. I've only been through 10 fights, but the game is well done overall. Is it GREAT? At this point, I don't think so - but it is very good. I returned UFC after just a few days - not because the gameEA Sports MMA is certainly more "pick up and play" than the UFC game that's been out for a few years. EA has put in a nice career mode, and Bas Rutten is your "trainer" / guide through the game. I've only been through 10 fights, but the game is well done overall. Is it GREAT? At this point, I don't think so - but it is very good. I returned UFC after just a few days - not because the game wasn't good - but because the career mode was just too complex for me. I will certainly hang on to EA's game for a while. My first love still remains NHL 11 though... :)

    KD    … Expand
  18. Bonedaddy
    Oct 30, 2010
    5
    I'm a huge MMA fan and I wanted to love this game. I really did. But it is so absolutely meh. There isn't anything wrong with the game per se, but it just feels like a budget title and lacks any and all oomph. Boring, predictable and ho-hum to the point of coma inducing, but it DOES work as intended so I am compelled to at least give it a 5. But I am NOT compelled to reccomend it.
  19. Isara
    Oct 24, 2010
    0
    Bad game all around. Unknown roster, only two UFC fighters. Bad controls with the buttons. Fight stick is okay though but not enough to save the game. Boring single player mode, very little replay value.
  20. awesomeness12
    Feb 26, 2011
    0
    Poor and boring fighting game gets knocked out in seconds.Animation is robotic, fighting is boring as hell and very little replay value. Not to mention it has a really bad career mode. Buy Ufc instead.
  21. gamingisgreat
    Aug 21, 2016
    7
    EA Sports MMA was EA's first attempt at an MMA game before acquiring the UFC licence,and it's solid for the most part.

    The gameplay is solid,the ground game is set to the face buttons for transitions,takedowns,engaging in a clinch etc.,while strikes are on the right stick.I like control scheme,but the ground game is made too easy by it.The striking and clinch are better balanced    EA Sports MMA was EA's first attempt at an MMA game before acquiring the UFC licence,and it's solid for the most part.

    The gameplay is solid,the ground game is set to the face buttons for transitions,takedowns,engaging in a clinch etc.,while strikes are on the right stick.I like control scheme,but the ground game is made too easy by it.The striking and clinch are better balanced thankfully.There is no UFC licence,but a few of it's fighters from the time (2010) are in the game.There is an unlicensed version of PRIDE in the game,without the foot stomps or soccer kicks unfortunately.The career mode is pretty basic too to be honest.

    The graphics are quite good,but the framerate hitches occasionally,and load times are extremely long.Some loading screens can last longer than a fight.

    Sound design is good,with solid commentary etc.,and the soundtrack is very good too.

    EA Sports MMA is a solid game when all is said and done.It would have been great with more licences,a more interesting career mode,and much shorter load times.Pick it up if you want a solid MMA game on the cheap.    … Expand
  22. mekmillan
    Aug 21, 2016
    3
    The load times between fights are longer than the actual fights. Also, the submission controls are awful and the career mode is basically the same fights over and over again after you win the belt. About the only thing good about this game is that you can beat up Fedor.
  23. Jonnyblond77
    Dec 16, 2019
    9
    This game hits that sweet spot of fun for an MMA game. Yes I love the UFC games up to even the most recent ones but this game was so easily accessible and fun that it didn’t matter if it wasn’t all that deep. To me a game has to be fun. Sure some people love realism to the point where a game takes the rocket scientist approach to learn every little thing about the gameplay wise where youThis game hits that sweet spot of fun for an MMA game. Yes I love the UFC games up to even the most recent ones but this game was so easily accessible and fun that it didn’t matter if it wasn’t all that deep. To me a game has to be fun. Sure some people love realism to the point where a game takes the rocket scientist approach to learn every little thing about the gameplay wise where you have to understand sophisticated controls and moves to play it. This game is pretty easy to pick up and play that if two people play it...then good times are had by all...it’s an older game but even to this day it’s fun to put in the Xbox 360 and gave a blast… Expand

Awards & Rankings

60
#60 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
60
#60 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
82
#82 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 63 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 48 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 63
  3. Negative: 0 out of 63
  1. Thunderbolt
    Jan 26, 2011
    70
    This is a very well realised first attempt by EA and one that won't require much tweaking should there be any subsequent additions to the series.
    Read full review
  2. games(TM)
    Jan 20, 2011
    90
    A veritable knock-out. [Issue#102, p.100]
  3. GamingTrend
    Jan 20, 2011
    85
    EA Sports MMA brings a nice package to the ring.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »