EA Sports Unveils the Much-Anticipated UFC 5 Release Date and Exclusive Features
The gaming community is abuzz with excitement as EA Sports officially announces the release date for the upcoming UFC 5, the latest installment in the acclaimed MMA video game series. Set to hit XBOX Series X/S and PS5 platforms on October 27, 2023, this release promises to deliver an adrenaline-packed gaming experience for MMA enthusiasts.
In a recent press release, EA Sports not only confirmed the launch date but also revealed the cover athletes for UFC 5, featuring the formidable trio of Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, Valentina “The Bullet” Shevchenko, and Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski. The company is pulling out all the stops for this edition, offering a Deluxe Edition with exclusive rewards for those who choose to pre-order.
Players who opt for the Deluxe Edition can look forward to unlocking legends of the fight game, as Muhammad Ali and Fedor Emilianenko join the ranks of exclusive in-game content. This strategic move by EA Sports adds a historical dimension to the game, allowing players to pit iconic fighters from different eras against each other in the virtual octagon.
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The UFC video game series has had a storied journey under the EA Sports banner. Initially, the franchise started with THQ, with the release of UFC Undisputed. Following THQ’s bankruptcy in 2012, EA Sports seized the opportunity to acquire the publishing rights for the UFC video games. Since then, they have released four successful iterations, featuring notable cover athletes such as Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, and Ronda Rousey.
The return of Israel Adesanya to the cover of UFC 5 has generated immense excitement among fans. Adesanya, the reigning Middleweight Champion of the UFC, previously graced the cover of UFC 4 alongside Jorge “Gamebred” Masvidal. Known for his dynamic fighting style and unique persona, Adesanya has garnered a substantial fan following, further fueled by his passion for anime. His inclusion in the game adds a layer of personality and fandom, aligning with his love for anime symbols and references during his fights.
As the countdown to the release date begins, fans can pre-order UFC 5 today, unlocking a host of exclusive content and bonuses. The release on October 27, 2023, promises to be a landmark moment for gaming enthusiasts and MMA fans alike, offering a blend of realism, excitement, and the opportunity to engage in virtual battles with legendary fighters.
Olivia’s Take:
Controversially, despite the excitement over EA Sports’ UFC 5, some view the franchise’s reliance on cover athlete changes as a marketing ploy. The recurring pattern of altering cover stars raises questions about substance versus superficial changes, especially when past cover athletes transition to other career pursuits. While Adesanya’s return and anime-inspired antics add flair, critics argue it’s more about marketable personas than game improvements. The repeated shuffle in cover stars seems a strategic move, tapping into popular athletes’ fleeting spotlight rather than focusing on substantial gameplay enhancements. This trend invites skepticism, questioning whether UFC 5 truly elevates the gaming experience or banks primarily on fleeting athlete fame.
