UFC: Tapout 2
Encyclopedia
UFC: Tapout 2 is a video game in the fighting genre based upon the Ultimate Fighting Championship
(UFC). The game is a sequel to UFC: Tapout
. The sequel game was released in North America
on 20 March 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.
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.
, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell
, Carlos Newton
, Pat Miletich
, and B.J. Penn. Released screenshots also show off character models for "Big Daddy" Gary Goodridge
, "King of the Streets" Marco Ruas
, Bas Rutten
, and Jeremy Horn
. One of the new fighters making his debut in UFC: Tapout 2 is Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante
."
According to GameFaqs
, the game also features the following unlockable fighters:
gave the game four out five stars, because "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
rated the game a 6.7, saying, "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
gave the game a 7.1 out of 10, arguing 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. However, if you've played the original, this one really isn't worth the $50. While there are improvements and more fighters, it's just not enough to merit spending that much money. If you see it later for $20 or maybe even $30, definitely grab it, but I was pretty disappointed in how little was changed. This series needs an overhaul next year if it's to go anywhere besides down the drain."
Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the largest mixed martial arts promotion company in the world that hosts most of the top-ranked fighters in the sport...
(UFC). The game is a sequel to UFC: Tapout
UFC: Tapout
UFC: Tapout is a video game in the fighting genre based upon the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The game was released in North America on February 28, 2002 for the Xbox console....
. The sequel game was released in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
on 20 March 2003 for the Xbox
Xbox
The Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
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.
Development
In Summer 2002, almost a year before its release, Crave EntertainmentCrave Entertainment
Crave Entertainment is an American video game company. It was founded in 1997 by Nima Taghavi. Its headquarters is in Newport Beach, California...
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
TDK Mediactive
TDK Mediactive was a California-based video game publisher owned by TDK that published video games based on licensed properties such as:* Conan * Aquaman: Battle for Atlantis * Robotech: Battlecry * Robotech: The Macross Saga...
and developed by DreamFactory.
Roster
Before its release, Crave Entertainment revealed that "UFC: Tapout 2 will feature an enhanced roster of real-life mixed martial arts superstars, the most of any UFC game to date. Confirmed on the roster are UFC notables Tito "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" OrtizTito Ortiz
Jacob Christopher "Tito" Ortiz is a Mexican-American mixed martial artist and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, having held the title from April 14, 2000 to September 26, 2003. Along with fighters like Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell, he was one of the sport's early stars...
, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell
Chuck Liddell
Charles David "Chuck" Liddell is a retired American mixed martial artist and former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion. Liddell has an extensive striking background in Kempo, Koei-Kan karate and kickboxing, as well as a grappling background in collegiate wrestling.As of his...
, Carlos Newton
Carlos Newton
Carlos Newton is a Canadian mixed martial artist and former UFC Welterweight Champion. He is considered one of the true pioneers in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts. Known as the "The Ronin", he competed worldwide in the biggest MMA organizations including UFC, Pride FC, IFL, K-1, Shooto and most...
, Pat Miletich
Pat Miletich
Patrick Jay Miletich is a retired American mixed martial artist and a current sports commentator. He is known for his fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he became the first UFC Welterweight Champion and UFC 16 tournament champion....
, and B.J. Penn. Released screenshots also show off character models for "Big Daddy" Gary Goodridge
Gary Goodridge
Gary Goodridge , nicknamed "Big Daddy", is a Trinidadian and Tobagonian-Canadian former super heavyweight kickboxer and heavyweight mixed martial artist fighting out of Barrie, Ontario. Goodridge is known for his hard-hitting fighting style and showmanship...
, "King of the Streets" Marco Ruas
Marco Ruas
Marco Antônio de Lima Ruas is a retired mixed martial arts fighter and instructor. Most notably, he was the UFC 7 Tournament Champion and is considered one of the earliest examples of the complete mixed martial artist, highly skilled in both striking and grappling.-Biography:Ruas is famous for...
, Bas Rutten
Bas Rutten
Sebastiaan "Bas" Rutten is a retired Dutch mixed martial artist, Karate and Taekwondo blackbelt, and kickboxer. He was a UFC Heavyweight Champion, a three time King of Pancrase world champion, and finished his career on a 22 fight unbeaten streak...
, and Jeremy Horn
Jeremy Horn
Jeremy Graham Horn is an American mixed martial artist. He is one of the most experienced fighters in the sport with a professional record of 88–21–5...
. One of the new fighters making his debut in UFC: Tapout 2 is Middleweight Champion Murilo Bustamante
Murilo Bustamante
Murilo Bustamante |Lion's Den]], Ikuhisa Minowa, Ryuta Sakurai , Dave Menne and undefeated top ranked Middleweight Matt Lindland .-Instructor lineage:Mitsuyo "Count Koma" Maeda → Carlos Gracie, Sr...
."
According to GameFaqs
GameFAQs
GameFAQs is a website that hosts FAQs and walkthroughs for video games. It was created in November 1995 by Jeff "CJayC" Veasey and was bought by CNET Networks in May 2003. It is currently owned by CBS Interactive. The site has a database of video game information, cheat codes, reviews, game saves,...
, the game also features the following unlockable fighters:
- Big John McCarthy by winning a silver belt with all characters in Championship Mode.
- Bruce BufferBruce BufferBruce Anthony Buffer is the main octagon announcer for Zuffa main events. On UFC broadcasts, he is introduced as the "Veteran Voice of the Octagon." He is the half brother of the well-known boxing and wrestling ring announcer Michael Buffer, and is President and CEO of their company "The Buffer...
by winning 33 consecutive matches in Arcade Mode. - Larry Landless by winning a silver belt with all but 1 character in Championship Mode.
- MaskMaskA mask is an article normally worn on the face, typically for protection, disguise, performance or entertainment. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes...
by winning a gold belt with all but 1 regular character in Legend Mode. - Skyscrape by winning a gold belt with all regular characters in Legend Mode.
Reception
The game received mixed reviews. Four-Eyed Dragon of GameProGamePro
GamePro Media was a United States gaming media company publishing online and print content on the video game industry, video game hardware, and video game software developed for a video game console , a computer, and/or a mobile device . GamePro Media properties include GamePro magazine and...
gave the game four out five stars, because "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
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
rated the game a 6.7, saying, "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
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
gave the game a 7.1 out of 10, arguing 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. However, if you've played the original, this one really isn't worth the $50. While there are improvements and more fighters, it's just not enough to merit spending that much money. If you see it later for $20 or maybe even $30, definitely grab it, but I was pretty disappointed in how little was changed. This series needs an overhaul next year if it's to go anywhere besides down the drain."