Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. Nov 27, 2023
    90
    EA Sports UFC 5 is probably the best iteration EA have made. It embodies the essence of the sport, which makes it easy to recommend for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
  2. Nov 9, 2023
    88
    UFC 5 surpasses its predecessor in most of its sections and is a title that 100% meets what MMA fans expect.
  3. Jan 10, 2024
    85
    Ultimately, UFC 5 is in an interesting space – it’s a sports sim that also holds appeal for casual fighting fans. While not perfect, this is the best rendition of the sport to date, and a great launching point to take the series in exciting, new, more narrative-driven directions.
  4. Nov 8, 2023
    85
    A really good simulator, with several improvements in both graphics and gameplay. The technical section is excellent, with maniacal attention to detail, while the gameplay is fluid and the combat system quite solid. The content offering is also top notch, especially the new online career. It will certainly satisfy lovers of mixed martial arts.
  5. Oct 27, 2023
    85
    While not a particularly significant leap over its predecessor, EA Sports UFC 5 nonetheless tightens up and improves the series' fighting mechanics, while offering an expansive roster of fighters, and a nice selection of modes. Punchy.
  6. Oct 27, 2023
    85
    UFC 5 is a must-buy for fight fans and an easy entry point for newcomers to get into the action.
  7. Nov 6, 2023
    83
    UFC 5 really succeeds in giving players the visceral feel and impact of MMA fighting while providing a solid set of modes that will keep players engaged for a good amount of time. Sadly there are a few missed opportunities and I feel like more casual fans will drop off quickly as a result.
  8. Nov 6, 2023
    82
    UFC 5 is EA Sports' most ambitious bid to date. After a hiatus of almost 3 years, the best Mixed Martial Arts category returns to the next generation consoles, but it's not all roses, as the game is very good in most areas but fails in the most important little things.
  9. Nov 7, 2023
    80
    Having watched UFC and MMA for many years, making sure I catch every main PPV I possibly can, and met a handful of fighters, I really enjoy watching the competition, and what UFC 5 does so well is recreating the brutal sport. Being accessible enough for those that want to simply stand and bang by button mashing, to the hardcore fans that want to showcase their submission skills online, UFC 5 is the latest contender to enter the octagon, being as real as it gets, though can feel like simply a prettier UFC 4 at times.
  10. Nov 3, 2023
    80
    EA Sports UFC 5 successfully grapples with the challenge of enhancing an already dominant franchise in the MMA gaming world.
  11. Oct 30, 2023
    80
    After a fairly great entry in UFC 4, EA Sports returns with another stellar entry in its fighting series. The addition of a deeper impact system, changes to the submission system, and new striking mechanics make UFC 5 not only more fun to play, but just as thrilling as its predecessors have been.
  12. UFC 5 is the strongest MMA game ever released, and I’m excited to see where the team takes it online. But if you’re not interested in fighting other players, there’s probably not enough meat in the career mode to fully recommend it right now.
  13. Oct 27, 2023
    80
    The thrill of the fight is fantastic in UFC 5, with improved visuals and animations, and gameplay that elevates fights to a new level.
  14. Oct 27, 2023
    75
    UFC 5 is fun to play, looks great, has a ton of fighters, though the career mode is a glorified tutorial. If you love the sport this seems like the best one yet, and should be well worth checking out.