Supremacy MMA

Enter the ring and join the fight for superstardom in Supremacy MMA: a game that aims to capture the brutality and non-stop action of real-life mixed martial arts combat. The title offers a more technical approach to the sport than what we’re used to seeing in this genre, which might be good news for more die-hard fans of MMA.

A fighting game, let alone a game based on a real-life sport, has to pay close attention to its animations — which is an area where Supremacy MMA lacks in contrast with its competition. While it features a great roster of fighters — which includes the first female fighters in an MMA video game — that might not be enough to stand against its most fearsome competitors.

Familiar Faces?

One thing that fans of MMA fighting will notice immediately once they choose their characters in Supremacy MMA, is that the fighters aren’t based on real-life fighters. Unlike UFC Undisputed 3, the game lacks some vital licensing to feature any of the fighters on any real-life MMA circuit.

While it’s true that the game features two female fighters based on Felice Herrig and Michele Gutierrez, almost none of the other characters are representative of any real-life fighters. This is more than just disappointing for anyone interested in getting Supremacy MMA: it’s a deal breaker for most fans of the UFC.

Brutal Takedowns

MMA is a sport that’s well-known for its brutality, and Supremacy MMA captures this aspect of the sport quite well. From a dynamic bruising system to Mortal Kombat-style finishing moves, the game feels aggressive and relentless, which are the two words that fans of the sport will be the most pleased to hear when describing an MMA game.

That said, standard gameplay feels stiff and unresponsive. While other games (like the aforementioned UFC Undisputed series) feel fast and fluid, combat in Supremacy MMA feels almost too sluggish to bear. This gameplay makes sense for the heaviest fighters, but it’s a bit jarring seeing how the characters interact with each other in a lifeless, almost sterile arena such as this.

Arcade Action

In theory, Supremacy MMA is a much more fast-paced game than its competitors. Instead of aiming to be a true-to-life simulation of what an MMA match flows like, the game was supposed to be an arcade-style fighting game that any video game fan could approach.

The truth, however, is that the game has some serious balance and control issues that turn the experience into a borderline unplayable mess. As soon as you realize how effective grapples are, you’re left with the realization that almost every boxer in the game is severely underpowered.

The slow-paced combat and unwieldy controls might be enough to turn most MMA fans away from this game. However, if you’re in the mood for an obscure fighting game with absurd mechanics and entertaining local fights, then you might be inclined to give Supremacy MMA a fighting chance.

Pros

• Entertaining local multiplayer
• Sizable roster
• Serviceable visuals

Cons

• Terrible controls
• Almost no real-life fighters
• Laggy online multiplayer