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Released: 20 Oct, 2010

Reviewer: Andrew Nesvadba

Version: 1.1.93 Size: 111.0 MB

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MMA by EA SPORTS™

$0.99

Save: 80% Was: $4.99Simulation Games1.1.93Electronic Arts Inc....

PROS

MMA fighting with juicy impacts.
Customizable character; evolves over time.
Challenge mode featuring classic MMA match-ups.

CONS

Only one career save slot.
No multiplayer mode to combat friends.
The usual 'limited' announcer problem.

VERDICT

MMA by EA Sports manages to capture mixed martial arts in a way that feels great for iDevices, but its limited repertoire could hurt its long-term appeal.

Video Review

Full Review

Games that feature genuine fighting aren't easy to emulate thanks to the incredible amount of variety skill that goes in to these bouts. MMA by EA Sports is perhaps one of the best, if not the only game that tries to capture mixed martial arts in a way that feels authentic while still controlling comfortably for iDevices.

To pull this off, players will need to master a handful of controls that, depending on the style of fighter you're using, will initiate one of a handful of attacks. Movement in general is handled by tilt controls, flicking forward or back to dodge to the sides and in stand-up players can tap the quadrants to perform quick strikes or swipes for heavier blows. Transitioning to grapples requires double-swipes and from the various positions you can either swipe outwards to cancel a grapple or use other combinations to pull off submissions. Stamina plays a huge role in strategically outplaying your opponent and is expended depending on how well you defend or attack and managing to score a combo hit or submission while the other player is gassed can quickly end the match.

Should you start a career you'll have the option of customizing your player, though the options are limited and you'll be locked in to a specific fighting style. The graphics are fairly simplistic and washed out, but it's hard not to recognize the bigger stars from MMA.

The biggest weakness of MMA by EA Sports is the somewhat rigid and limited amount of options available despite the variety of fighting styles in the game, resulting in a vanilla handful of strikes, take-downs and submissions. This mars an otherwise excellent MMA title for iDevices, but it shouldn't put off sports or action fans after something this unique and polished.

App Store Info

THE MOST MASSIVELY AUTHENTIC FIGHTING GAME ON THE APP STORE! Featuring over 20 real MMA fighters like Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, and Ken Shamrock…a Career Mode with deep fighter customization…and superior visuals made to maximize the Retina Display…Experience the ONLY true mixed martial arts game for iPhone® & iPod touch® – MMA by EA SPORTS™. REAL FIGHTERS. REAL WORLD. GO BEYOND THE OCTAGON.Punch, kick, and grapple across 3 weight classes with 24 of the world’s finest fighters, including Fedor Emelianenko, Randy Couture, Ken Shamrock, Bas Rutten, Andrei Arlovski, and more. Experience arenas in the USA, Japan, and Brazil, and mix it up in a hexagon, boxing ring, or circular ring – more than just an octagon! WITNESS TRUE INTENSITY WITH SUPERIOR VISUAL QUALITYMaximized for the Retina Display, the visual quality of MMA by EA SPORTS™ is as powerful as the aggressive gameplay. Land a KO punch, watch the sweat fly off the fighter’s body, and see the blood on the mat. True MMA action and intensity is rendered in stunning detail! CREATE YOUR OWN FIGHTER IN CAREER MODEPlay out the dream of becoming a world-class MMA superstar. Select everything from your weight class and fighting style, to hair style and attitude. Even choose your entrance music! Then, train hard, boost your attribute points, and become a mixed martial arts legend. SUBMIT TO CHALLENGES OR PICK A FIGHT Unlock new challenges as you progress through the game. Take on specific scenarios like, “Defeat Brett Rogers as Fedor Emelianenko in Round 2.” Will you succeed? Or tap out? You can also choose to hone your skills in Exhibition Mode. Just pick the fighters and the arena, and throw down._______________________________________** DON'T MISS OUR OTHER EXCITING GAMES! ** FIFA 11 by EA SPORTS™, Mirror's Edge, TETRIS®, Rock Band®, SCRABBLE, Madden NFL 11 by EA Sports™, MONOPOLY & The Sims™ 3COMING SOON: Need For Speed™ Hot PursuitGIFT THIS APP: Click the “Buy App” arrow on the iTunes® App StoreBe the first to know! Get inside EA info on great deals, plus the latest game updates, tips & more…VISIT US: ea.com/iphoneFOLLOW US: twitter.com/eamobileLIKE US: facebook.com/eamobileWATCH US: youtube.com/eamobilegames

Updates

** MAKE A MAJOR COMEBACK! KEEP YOUR CAREER GOING AFTER WINNING EVERY BELT! ** Download the NEW UPDATE and enjoy an everlasting fighting career! In response to your feedback, improvements, additions, and optimizations include:• Extended Career Mode – Now after winning every belt you can keep hitting the ring with your customized fighter• iPhone 4 Crash Fix – Crashes specific to the iPhone 4 have been resolvedEnjoy a better than ever MMA by EA SPORTS experience, and, as always, thank YOU for playing!