Can't wait for "EA Sports MMA" to drop on Oct. 19?
You don't have to. Much like THQ's "UFC Undisputed 2010" mixed martial arts video game, EA will give fans an early test drive of their newest offering starting on Sept. 28.
Jump right into a match via "Fight Now" to experience the intensity of MMA in two weight classes: heavyweight and middleweight. Fans can take control of current STRIKEFORCE heavyweight champion, Alistair Overeem, or utilize the brute strength of former professional wrestler, Bobby Lashley. The two middleweights featured in the demo are predominantly Jiu-Jitsu fighters - the top ranked Jake Shields, as well as the always entertaining Jason "Mayhem" Miller ... By sharing the demo with friends, fans can unlock "Classic" Randy Couture as a playable character in the full version of the game.
The full version will feature Strikeforce heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko as a digitized version of himself facing any and all challengers — including UFC star Randy "The Natural" Couture, who retains control over his ancillary rights and has language in his Zuffa contract that allows him the freedom to use his likeness outside of the UFC.
The San Jose-based Strikeforce promotion has been named the "Premiere League" and art seems to be imitating life as the current agreement between DREAM and Strikeforce allows the exchange of talent for select cards, like the Shinya Aoki vs. Gilbert Melendez lightweight title fight that went down on April 17 in Nashville.
Of course comparisons to the "Undisputed 2010" video game are inevitable -- but don't call it a case of friendly competition.
UFC President Dana White had a very public war of words back in 2009 after White accused the gaming giant of turning down his offer for a video game partnership only to then create one of their own after the massive success of THQ's "UFC Undisputed 2009."
Which game the casual fan selects may depend heavily on their choice of fighters. Would you be willing to sacrifice the chance to play as BJ Penn or Anderson Silva to have a better overall game? EA Sports is banking on it and is expected to pull out all the stops in their debut effort.
For a look at the full roster for the EA Sports MMA video game release on Oct. 19 click here.