EA Sports UFC 4 Gameplay Trailer Shows Off Improved Grappling And Striking

Electronic Arts has released the official gameplay trailer for EA Sports UFC 4, which shows off what players can expect from its revamped combat systems. Every aspect from battling for position in the clinch to sinking in submission attempts have seen an overhaul from past entries.

Every fight inside the Octagon begins on the feet, and a new control scheme changes how striking works. It has been simplified so that multiple button taps will now unleash quick combinations that are simpler in nature, while long button holds will result in more damaging attacks. This is meant to give players more control over what strikes they are throwing and have fighter's full arsenal of techniques at their disposal.

Another striking improvement can be seen in the new clinch system, which has been built from the ground up to feel more like striking. While the previous clinch system used the same controls as grappling on the ground, players can now throw punches from different angles, engage and exit the clinch at will, and use it to disrupt their opponent's attack. It'll also add some tactical elements to the fighting game as players can back their foes up against the fence to limit movement.

Other major changes include how takedowns work, as the success or failure of a trip or tackle is no longer determined instantly. Locomotion has been added to takedown attempts, which gives both players more opportunities to deny or finish takedowns. Players can also counter takedowns with a submission attempt, which will lead into one of the new choke or joint submission mini-games that have been simplified and are more varied than in EA Sports UFC 3.

Those that enjoyed the complexity of the ground game in past installments will be glad to know that it returns via the game's legacy controls. There's also a "grapple assist" option for those looking for a more streamlined experience. Both control schemes will take advantage of additional ground positions that can occur during grappling exchanges, and it's possible to be more offensive from guard as players can use head movement to setup sweep attempts.

EA Sports UFC 4 releases August 14 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. While it will no longer feature the Ultimate Team mode, those who pre-order will be able to play as heavyweight boxing champions Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.