There are a few things to consider. On the one hand, you have to remember this is a downloadable
game...and for a downloadable game, there’s a lot to like here. I mean, this has the look
of a retail release. It’s not some 2D platformer or a puzzler, this is a legitimate 3D fighting
game with a distinctly non-digital feel.
And that alone is pretty impressive.
In fact, Bellator: MMA Onslaught makes a first impression as forceful as a fist to the face.
Then you look a little deeper, and you start to see the effect of its limitations.
Case in point, the audio is a bit choppy.
And there’s no commentary.
And there’s only eight fighters.
I mean, unless you make CM Punk.
Bellator: MMA Onslaught is, at least in theory, an interesting game. This is a fighter based
on the MMA organization Bellator...think UFC, only with less Joe Rogan. You beat the crap
out of people with a wicked arsenal of attacks, spilling blood across tournaments, singles
and online matches.
The interesting part comes from the game’s design approach. Bellator has more in common
with a game like Virtua Fighter than its UFC counterparts. This is really an arcade fighter
at heart. In fact, the team at Kung Fu Factory likens the game to the MMA equivalent of a
game like NFL Blitz.
And that approach works just fine. I mean, personally, I actually prefer that to some
complicated fighter with more needless complexities than naked chokes. See, that’s letters...N
and C...anyway, the problem with Bellator: MMA Onslaught isn’t the basic gameplay.
It’s actually two things. One, the limitations of digital distribution take an obvious toll.
And two, which is related to one, there’s just not enough here.
In fact, the game easily gets most of its depth from its character creator. Now, the
aesthetic options are limited—uh, case in point, you can only put tribal tattoos on
the arms, which is just unspeakably douchy—but the cool part is that you can customize their
entire move sets. And that’s awesome.
It’s just you’ll spend more time making people than fighting them.
So obviously, this is a mixed bag. If you’re a serious MMA fan looking for a serious Bellator
title, this game is not for you. But if you’re cool with locking up with a simpler fighter,
Bellator: MMA Onslaught hits you right on the chin. For a downloadable game.
Kind of.
