UFC 4 marks the return to innovation from the series. While UFC itself is focused on bringing mix martial arts to private islands, EA Sports is focused on bringing a whole new revamped game play system to UFC 4. This includes a whole new submission system that can be executed from standing positions and grappling on the ground. The focus on two simple mini games have replaced the antiquated tactics of UFC 3 when performing or defending from a submission as well.

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This time simpler inputs are available to players in the clinch. While bringing your fighter through the all new career mode fighters will have access to more intuitive controls, making it easier to drive your opponent up to the cage and preforming trips, throws, and active take downs. In addition, take downs aren’t as quickly decided giving the defensive player more options to block take downs instead of just relying on stats.

Improvements have been made in the stand up striking game play as well. While players won’t hear Joe Rogen’s classic reactions to big moments, high impact moments are still a big focus. Striking is now more responsive, requiring less simultaneous button presses for big impact moves. Players simply need to tap a button for weaker moves or hold the button press for stronger hits and the fighters reaction will be more visceral with facial and body defamation has been a major focus for the title.

Grappling on the ground isn’t as complicated as in past games. Easier to perform analog stick controls are used for offensive and defensive maneuvering. EA Sports have redesigned the ground and pound game play to be more dynamic and exciting offering more postured up position tactics and more offensive options and defensive techniques. UFC 3 released early on in 2018 so developers had plenty of time to make all these improvements to the series and unlike NHL 21 which was recently delayed due to development issues, these changes didn’t seem to affect the release date of the game.

As with every EA Sports title the announcement of the cover athletes is still an proud tradition for the company. This year expect both Israel Adesanya and Jorge Masvidal to represent the Ultimate Fighting Championship box art when the game releases.

UFC 4 launches on August 14 for PS4 and Xbox One.

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