"Let's GEDDIT ON!!!!"
The demo has been unleashed on the PSN and XBOX Live for download, and I must say, this game is and will be well worth the wait.
The demo features a tutorial for the new and old fans of the genre, to get accustomed with it's many controls. There's a lot to learn and you'll find yourself returning every so often to the tutorial for quick reminders.
The demo's Exhibition mode flows well and plays very realistically. The controls are very responsive and in-the-ring action is fast. If you blink for too long you'll either be on the ground trying to escape from a arm bar or sleeper hold, or you'll be watching the replay of a hard kick to the side of your players head, ending your game in a KO! The knockout's don't seem to be animated and look realistic, but the close-up animations during replays look to be canned (animated), taking away from an already good-looking game. The damage sustained, like cuts and swelling, look realistic, and blood ends up everywhere - on the canvas, your bodies - even if it's not yours.
The collisions are something else. Every punch and kick thrown will land, and not magically dissapear through your opponents body. Your limbs will collide with anything in it's path as it travels towards your opponents head (if that's what you're aiming for), and a clean shot will see him stunned giving you more opportunities to end the bout.
The game boasts a roster of more than 80 fighters which is a huge ask considering the detail on the player bodies, as well the environment. The commentary is second to none when it comes to any fighting game, but some lines will be repeated every now and then. Joe Rogan, more recognisable from the reality TV show Fear Factor, plays a part in the commentating.
If you're unsure about this type of game then log on to your network and try the free demo. I promise, with a little patience, you won't feel let down. "Let's GEDDIT ON!!!".