Ten reasons why we can’t wait to play EA Sports UFC 2

Only 35 sleeps left until we get our mitts on EA Sports UFC 2.

It's been almost two years since the last iteration of the game and, by all accounts, it's come on leaps and bounds in every department. Here are ten reasons why we're pumped to plug in and fight it out...

Mike Tyson and Bruce Lee

They might not be UFC fighters and it may detract a little bit from the realism of the game, but frankly we don't give a damn. Mike Tyson is a combat sports legend and Bruce Lee was one of the earliest proponents of mixing the most efficient martial arts. And because one Tyson is never enough, there are two versions of the heavyweight legend you can play as. Either live vicariously through the intimidating 'Iron Mike' years or, if it takes your fancy, play as 'Legacy' Mike Tyson, complete with iconic face tattoo... https://twitter.com/MikeTyson/status/689842217339334656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Improved graphics

EA Sports' first UFC game was accused of having somewhat clunky graphics that made all fighters look as though they had been custom-made in 'create a fighter' mode. But they've outdone themselves in the sequel to the point that strands of the fighters' hair move with the punches when they receive strikes to the head. Damage absorbed by fighters is also much more realistic which means that Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald can be recreated in all its gory glory. Even the lower profile fighters and referees look more realistic and, as is the case with almost all newer versions of video games, the gameplay has taken an enormous step up. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJgUsTMZ8mw

Roster

It's a numbers game and where the original UFC game had 120 fighters on the roster, EA Sports UFC 2 has more than doubled that with 250 fighters available for selection. Ten weight classes means more title fights, and more title fights means more super fights. The best of the current crop of fighters are all there, with Conor McGregor, Jon Jones and Anderson Silva all ready to be put to the test - while there are also downloadable legends like Bas Rutten and Kazushi Sakuraba. The depth in weight divisions is reflected on the roster with an incredible 41 lightweights up for selection.

Fantasy cards

Want to revisit the amazing UFC 189 card? Want to put together your fantasy UFC 200 card? No problem. With EA Sports UFC 2, you can play Joe Silva and put together your dream card with, as mentioned above, more fighters than ever before. Imagine it, Diego Sanchez vs. Gilbert Melendez prior to Carlos Condit vs. Robbie Lawler prior to Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson. You have that power!

Ultimate Team

This is a first. Regular players of EA Sports games will be familiar with how the 'Ultimate Team' mode works but this is a tad different. In EA Sports UFC 2, you will be able to pick teams of up to five fighters and then take on opponents' teams in online or offline competitions to accrue coins which you can then use to unlock special moves and attributes.

KO mode

Don't want to get embroiled into a grappling contest with Demian Maia? Understandable. Fortunately, EA Sports UFC 2's 'KO Mode' means that you don't have to worry about being smothered by a wet blanket of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu mastery. You can stay on the feet and go full Griffin-Bonnar by competing in a stand-up war. Everything goes, except a takedown. Don't even think about a bloody takedown.

CM Punk

OK, we're more curious than excited to play as the former WWE superstar, but this is certainly an interesting development. The developers have had nothing but guesswork to work with when putting together what they believe Phil Brooks will be good at - and what he'll be absolutely atrocious at. He's rumoured to have the worst in-game rating of all fighters - which is justified as nobody has seen him fight yet - but you'll get the chance as he recovers from yet another real-life injury.

Attention to detail

A lot has changed since 2014 (when the original EA Sports UFC was released) and, by the sounds of it, the game developers have thought of absolutely everything. As you make the walk to the octagon, you'll be adorned in your Reebok fight kit, whether you like it or not. https://twitter.com/Reebok/status/688947849866964992 If you're involved in a title fight, you'll get the new full production in the corners with the spotlight focusing on you and only you. Everything is, quite simply, more realistic with real fight audio being added to give the virtual fights a greater sense of authenticity.

New ground game

We mentioned the 'KO Mode' above, which is for the fans of those Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em kind of fights. But there is also great gameplay for those who love a battle - getting in some double underhooks before dragging the fight to the ground where you can show off your elite passing skills. If you're just getting started in the grappling realm, EA Sports UFC 2 offers you an all-new grappling assistance display which will allow you to learn how to best transition into more superior positions and set up sequences that lead to submission opportunities. And once you're confident on the mat, you can avail of much more independent control of the ground exchanges.

More realistic striking

Not only is the stand-up much more lifelike in terms of how fighters set up, throw and react to strikes, it feels like the particular style of each fighter is represented in the game. The inimitable way that each fighter carries himself/herself makes it feel like you're watching tape, rather than playing a video game. You can be "nice and flowy" like Conor McGregor or a flat-footed brawler like Diego Sanchez, whatever takes your fancy.