I recent played an advance copy of THQ’s UFC Undisputed, and I have to say it’s an incredible video game. I really thought this game couldn’t live up to the hype because mixed martial arts seems like such a complex video game topic. It’s not hike the ball and throw it to the open guy, it’s not press A for punch and B for submissions. Being able to utilize different attacks and disciplines is impressive.

The gameplay is great, it was far above and beyond what I expected. The Career mode is also fantastic and it’s fairly challenging. I wish fighters could have longer careers though, I suppose that would be one gripe of mine.

This game should be a big hit, even for casual fans. The gameplay isn’t hard to pick up and the game is simply a blast. At one point, I cleaned out the entire light heavyweight division using Anderson Silva’s clinch. I also replayed some of the classic matches, including Rich Franklin vs. Anderson Silva II. I wanted to have Franklin come through and take down The Spider but instead he gained mount and just pounded away at my face. It ended quicker than the real fight.

I’m a sports fan and I’ve played my fair share of video games, but this is easily in my top five. Much better than anticipated, especially since it would’ve been easy for THQ to mail it in.

* Editorial note: I'll be out of town getting married for the next week, so I won't have any updates until after UFC 98.