2003 · DreamFactory · Fighting · Simulation

UFC: Tapout 2

Xbox exclusive

UFC: Tapout 2 is the second game released on the Xbox based on the popular mixed martial arts organization.

Released: 20 March 2003
Platforms: Xbox
Genres: Fighting Simulation Sports
Developers: DreamFactory
Publishers: Take-Two Licensing
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Perspective: Third person
Country: Japan
Age ratings: ESRB T

About

UFC: Tapout 2 is a 2003 fighting video game developed by DreamFactory and published by TDK Mediactive for the Xbox. It is based upon the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). The game is a sequel to UFC: Tapout. The sequel game was released in North America on March 20, 2003, for the Xbox console.

The subtitle Tapout refers to a fighter tapping his hand indicating that he has submitted to a submission hold. A tapout, along with a knockout, judge's decision, and referee stoppage, is one of the ways of ending a UFC bout.

Keywords

martial arts
bloody
hand-to-hand combat
artificial intelligence
human
polygonal 3d
melee
grapple
finishing move
button mashing

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Development

In Summer 2002, almost a year before its release, Crave Entertainment asserted that "Tapout 2 will feature a completely overhauled core game engine. 'With the changes in the engine, an enhanced AI, upgraded career mode, and new fighting moves, we're practically putting the gamer right in the middle of The Octagon,' said Rob Sandberg, senior producer at Crave Entertainment. 'Tapout 2 will look and play noticeably different from any previous version, and I think fighting game fans will be very impressed.'" As later reviews from March 2003 demonstrate, Tapout 2 was ultimately published by TDK Mediactive and developed by DreamFactory.

Reception

The game received "average" reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. Four-Eyed Dragon of GamePro said, "UFC: Tapout 2 is a solid sequel and a well-rounded brawler. The latest showing of this brutally realistic fighter franchise proves that this series can go the distance, despite its rollercoaster ride on other systems." Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot said, "Overall, UFC: Tapout 2 has some strengths, but they're the same strengths that the previous Tapout game had.

The game doesn't really bring anything new to the genre, and the game's AI flaws make it a very dull single-player experience. Even devout fans of the sport would be better off with the previous Tapout game, or, if they own a PlayStation 2, THQ's Pride FC." Hilary Goldstein of IGN said that if "you didn't buy the first Tapout, then the sequel is definitely a worthy pick-up. The game's a lot of fun for both single and multiplayer.