OS X Server Performance


Recommended Posts

I didn't want to use phpMyAdmin or any web manager because I don't have the MySQL port open to the outside world and I hated using the browser even more for this type of management.

You don't have to have the phpMyAdmin interface open to the outside world. You can fairly easily restrict traffic on that port to local-only using iptables, or you can just not forward it through your router to begin with. If you just don't like how it works, fair enough; everyone has different preferences.

Alright, how about using Ubuntu Server, without the GUI, and just reinstalling apache, php, and mysql to their newest stables?

If you choose to install the latest stable versions of your software from upstream, which I highly recommend against unless you absolutely need some specific features that only the latest version provides, at least build Debian packages from them (using dpkg-buildpackage or apt-build) so they can be properly tracked (and their dependencies resolved) from the package manager. However, keep in mind that you have to worry about keeping track of the latest versions and security advisories if you choose to install local versions. It is particularly critical that you keep on top of security updates with external-facing services, such as your web server. If you use the version from the repository, not only is the binary guaranteed to work on your system, but the package maintainer worries about security. I can tell you from experience that Debian package maintainers put a lot of effort into ensuring that their packages are secure and work smoothly with the rest of the operating system.

You don't have to have the phpMyAdmin interface open to the outside world. You can fairly easily restrict traffic on that port to local-only using iptables, or you can just not forward it through your router to begin with. If you just don't like how it works, fair enough; everyone has different preferences.

If you choose to install the latest stable versions of your software from upstream, which I highly recommend against unless you absolutely need some specific features that only the latest version provides, at least build Debian packages from them (using dpkg-buildpackage or apt-build) so they can be properly tracked (and their dependencies resolved) from the package manager. However, keep in mind that you have to worry about keeping track of the latest versions and security advisories if you choose to install local versions. It is particularly critical that you keep on top of security updates with external-facing services, such as your web server. If you use the version from the repository, not only is the binary guaranteed to work on your system, but the package maintainer worries about security. I can tell you from experience that Debian package maintainers put a lot of effort into ensuring that their packages are secure and work smoothly with the rest of the operating system.

Don't worry, I always trust the repositories. :) That was something I first learned about when I once had Media Temple & GoDaddy's VPS.

I'm currently installing Ubuntu Server on Virtual Box right now, but, what's a preferred amount of RAM and CPU core usage on this 4GB Mac Mini?

If you choose to install the latest stable versions of your software from upstream, which I highly recommend against unless you absolutely need some specific features that only the latest version provides

This times a bajillion, barring special circumstances. Bleeeding edge belongs on the desktop.. servers are all about keeping it stable, one of the big selling points of the stable branch or LTS release depending on which distro you picked. Newer isn't always better.

I'm currently installing Ubuntu Server on Virtual Box right now, but, what's a preferred amount of RAM and CPU core usage on this 4GB Mac Mini?

If it were Windows, I'd do 1GB, not that it'll get anywhere near that for real usage unless you're doing some heavy lifting on it.. but I'll defer to an OSX person.

  • Like 2

Clearly a website with little traffic would function well on a VM > Mac Mini > Home Network. This is far from ideal - the end result will be frustration as both your usage scenario and setup is going to become problematic pretty quickly.

What budget do you have?

To me it seems you would do a lot better using a virtualized environment - i.e, like blue hosts for example.

Side note,

Just remember while you host / build the websites, you are accountable - I.e. you may end up in court with 4-5 clients recovering their loses.

Clearly a website with little traffic would function well on a VM > Mac Mini > Home Network. This is far from ideal - the end result will be frustration as both your usage scenario and setup is going to become problematic pretty quickly.

What budget do you have?

To me it seems you would do a lot better using a virtualized environment - i.e, like blue hosts for example.

Side note,

Just remember while you host / build the websites, you are accountable - I.e. you may end up in court with 4-5 clients recovering their loses.

How much have you read in the comments above you?

I have 101Mbps internet with all ports open. I had the fastest server Host Gator could offer, and it's pretty obvious when I'm the only one in control.

I just want to point out IF the port 80 was blocked - You would not be able to view websites LOL

Source port VS target port, if port 80 was blocking on an ISP then any attempts to connect to your IP on port 80 would be silently discarded and never reach your computer whilst all attempts to access port 80 sites (which would be using ports > 4096 or > ~40,000) would all connect fine.

How much have you read in the comments above you?

Honestly! I am cherry picking - I did not need to read much beyond your setup.

I have 101Mbps internet with all ports open.

I have 250 Mbps at home -- speed won't be an issue when you have very little activity.

I had the fastest server Host Gator could offer

What was the upload speed?

I have not used Host gator but I have used Soft layer who is same hardware and backbone. I have yet to find any home network solution with as little latency as the pipe they are using.

and it's pretty obvious when I'm the only one in control.

I am not 100% sure what you are referring to but IF you are judging terminal speeds I.e. local connectivity vs Texas, which is where a majority of Host Gator systems reside. You are correct it will be faster, however, your internet will top out being only 10 MB at some point.

P.s. Mr.XXIV in no way am I attempting to pick on you or judge you - I am looking to help you.

IF you are happy with the performance of your setup and it works - all the power to you. People have to live in the environment that is within their own means. My point is, for the same money as you have invested or with a little more investment, I am sure a better solution exists. IF you do not wish to change your solution that is great - I am glad it is complete.

In my opinion - the more simple the setup the more effective it will be for you in the long run.

I have been in your shoes before, When I created my first company it was ran off a Compaq 486 using Debian on a home ADSL line. At the time that was my means - the limitation was money - I knew I had a product but I needed to demo it live.

I am just saying - even with the equipment you have - the setup could be better.

Honestly! I am cherry picking - I did not need to read much beyond your setup.

I have 250 Mbps at home -- speed won't be an issue when you have very little activity.

What was the upload speed?

I have not used Host gator but I have used Soft layer who is same hardware and backbone. I have yet to find any home network solution with as little latency as the pipe they are using.

I am not 100% sure what you are referring to but IF you are judging terminal speeds I.e. local connectivity vs Texas, which is where a majority of Host Gator systems reside. You are correct it will be faster, however, your internet will top out being only 10 MB at some point.

Where are you located for such speeds in America?

I don't remember, I'm not the one who sends in the traffic. But my partner could prove he has enough to overload that server if he wanted to. I honestly wanted Media Temple more than Host Gator because of the latency.

I'm more in favor of ever hoping for Gigabit internet, 101 isn't enough for me.

I do not live in the US and it is a Fiber line.

Yea, I pretty much have one of the fastest in America. Sucks for US, right? LOL

The best we got now, is just the Google Fiber, and I'm anxious for it to be on this side.

Yea, I pretty much have one of the fastest in America. Sucks for US, right? LOL

The best we got now, is just the Google Fiber, and I'm anxious for it to be on this side.

Well you said 101 Mbps which is something like 11 MBs or so (Need a calculator) which is not bad even for delivering websites. It is about magnitude I.e. how many people are accessing content at the same time.

You mentioned that you maxed out a host gator package. The best hostgator package (which is pretty restrictive) is 100 mbps Uplink, so you have 1 megabit more but your I/O is probably reduced, your hardware is not designed specifically for this task and your setup has it more optimized for a desktop rather than a web server.

You will have other concerns,

Failure: For example the last Mac Book Pro I had - updated, and was stuck in a restart cycle repeatedly turning off - reaching the start-up screen and repeating. Are the users going to have to wait until you can afford a new machine? You are pushing it more than ever - it could happen at any time. In my instance I had to head home and get the disc that was supplied and start again but what if the hard drive goes?

DDos: What if you encounter this? - What preparations have you made to combat this effort?

Attack point: Now that your computer is public facing, what if the machine is compromised? Do you have the knowledge to resolve the issue?

Backups: What if your house catches on fire - no doubt your backups and machines are in the same location.

I could keep going, if the above is not relative to your situation - I will be able to find critical faults in the system.

Well you said 101 Mbps which is something like 11 MBs or so (Need a calculator) which is not bad even for delivering websites. It is about magnitude I.e. how many people are accessing content at the same time.

You mentioned that you maxed out a host gator package. The best hostgator package (which is pretty restrictive) is 100 mbps Uplink, so you have 1 megabit more but your I/O is probably reduced, your hardware is not designed specifically for this task and your setup has it more optimized for a desktop rather than a web server.

You will have other concerns,

Failure: For example the last Mac Book Pro I had - updated, and was stuck in a restart cycle repeatedly turning off - reaching the start-up screen and repeating. Are the users going to have to wait until you can afford a new machine? You are pushing it more than ever - it could happen at any time. In my instance I had to head home and get the disc that was supplied and start again but what if the hard drive goes?

DDos: What if you encounter this? - What preparations have you made to combat this effort?

Attack point: Now that your computer is public facing, what if the machine is compromised? Do you have the knowledge to resolve the issue?

Backups: What if your house catches on fire - no doubt your backups and machines are in the same location.

I could keep going, if the above is not relative to your situation - I will be able to find critical faults in the system.

I'm aware of server risks, and failures. That's why I preferred running mine at home. I plan on getting the iMac at it's best, later this year around the same time I finance my car. I actually want to find something better than 101Mbps. Somewhere.

This might seem like an odd question but why would you not just separate the two?

You have so many resources including the GUI running on your desktop that is just reducing performance and increasing your replacement cycle. Again iMac's are not designed for this work - Apple does make servers as well, a low end of this range would be much more suited.

On a bigger note, why Apple at all? This is not something they excel at!

This is something I have been trying to explain to people on Neowin, stop trying to force a screw driver to act like a hammer, IF you need both - buy both. Stop complaining when the Screw driver used incorrectly causes injury - If you cannot afford both seek finances or don't be a builder - people won't appreciate the lack of serious attention you give their lively-hoods and in the end - you will be the only person to lose out.

This might seem like an odd question but why would you not just separate the two?

You have so many resources including the GUI running on your desktop that is just reducing performance and increasing your replacement cycle. Again iMac's are not designed for this work - Apple does make servers as well, a low end of this range would be much more suited.

On a bigger note, why Apple at all? This is not something they excel at!

This is something I have been trying to explain to people on Neowin, stop trying to force a screw driver to act like a hammer, IF you need both - buy both. Stop complaining when the Screw driver used incorrectly causes injury - If you cannot afford both seek finances or don't be a builder - people won't appreciate the lack of serious attention you give their lively-hoods and in the end - you will be the only person to lose out.

Because i love having enough space, but I will have 1 or 2 Mac Mini's coexisting with each other for several types of servers. And you forgot about Apple's 12 Core Server.

Because I prefer the utilities they & the community provides, there are many possibilities and I won't give up until there's a good solution under this OS, even if running Ubuntu Server under VirtualBox.

If I could later, I'd invest in the Nitro Server Media Temple has. But I prefer doing things on my own terms. Like it or not, not everyone will agree with the same things you do, some do it better than others, I'll make do with what's in front of me in the most necessary manner.

There you go Centos - comes with gnome - Can run everything natively on it pretty easily. (This is an easy / cheap option.) Build your own desktop - research the parts and you might get it cheaper than your "iMac"

Because i love having enough space, but I will have 1 or 2 Mac Mini's coexisting with each other for several types of servers. And you forgot about Apple's 12 Core Server.

Because I prefer the utilities they & the community provides, there are many possibilities and I won't give up until there's a good solution under this OS, even if running Ubuntu Server under VirtualBox.

If I could later, I'd invest in the Nitro Server Media Temple has. But I prefer doing things on my own terms. Like it or not, not everyone will agree with the same things you do, some do it better than others, I'll make do with what's in front of me in the most necessary manner.

Hey I am not judging nor am I a Windows / Linux rep. - I am donating my time to help you. I am just trying to tell you - you can get more bang for your buck, In the end - IF it works, I am happy for you.

There you go Centos - comes with gnome - Can run everything natively on it pretty easily. (This is an easy / cheap option.) Build your own desktop - research the parts and you might get it cheaper than your "iMac"

I'm a developer & designer, I have a Mac for a reason. The server Host Gator has can't even compete with the iMac with the chosen configuration in my head. I don't need Linux with a GUI. I can run a Debian or Ubuntu with just the Terminal.

I have a Mac for a reason. The server Host Gator has can't even compete with the iMac with the chosen configuration in my head.

I am sorry but you really are speaking total ********.

The reason ALL BAR ONE website providers use ANYTHING BUT MACS for hosting is because macs are NOT designed for hosting AT ALL, from what I remember, apple has a few apple servers dotted around for their frontmost facing websites and everything behind them is NOT mac.

Honestly do what you like, but please do NOT spread more misinformation. Macs, like windows clients, are built with options designed for a desktop use except the old OSX Server for XServes which they discontinued (Probably because no-one bought them either; overpriced and again very unoptimised for server use).

If you want to learn more about the differences between desktops and servers, get a linux distro installed and compile your own kernel, selecting all the options such as timer frequency, block schedulers, latency-aiming and whatnot and you'll soon realise very quickly why macs are NOT designed to be servers - they come with one kernel and one kernel only.

I am sorry but you really are speaking total ********.

The reason ALL BAR ONE website providers use ANYTHING BUT MACS for hosting is because macs are NOT designed for hosting AT ALL, from what I remember, apple has a few apple servers dotted around for their frontmost facing websites and everything behind them is NOT mac.

Honestly do what you like, but please do NOT spread more misinformation. Macs, like windows clients, are built with options designed for a desktop use except the old OSX Server for XServes which they discontinued (Probably because no-one bought them either; overpriced and again very unoptimised for server use).

If you want to learn more about the differences between desktops and servers, get a linux distro installed and compile your own kernel, selecting all the options such as timer frequency, block schedulers, latency-aiming and whatnot and you'll soon realise very quickly why macs are NOT designed to be servers - they come with one kernel and one kernel only.

Major ********, I'm pretty sure just like every other OS, OS X is definitely usable as a server.

OS X may be not designed for the server, but with the system itself I can do anything. I have a Mac because I also have to develop for the mobile.

Since when was OS X Server discontinued?

Major ********, I'm pretty sure just like every other OS, OS X is definitely usable as a server.

OS X may be not designed for the server, but with the system itself I can do anything. I have a Mac because I also have to develop for the mobile.

Since when was OS X Server discontinued?

Since the xserve got retired, they removed the seperate mac osx server and replaced it with some product for $15 or so in the app store, and if you read the comments on it on the app store you'll see many 1 starts and customers complaing its crap, unfinished and very buggy.

You have a mac because you have to develop for mobile? Seriously - you have a mac for whatever reason you want (I don't care) but so far just so you know - every reason you've came up with is complete and utter garbage.

In fact; https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/os-x-server/id537441259?mt=12

Read them yourself.

'I never had an issue with File Read/Write Permissions with File Sharing, but after using Server, I simply can't easily edit files created by another user in the same network or workgroup? We are spending a lot of time fixing permission issues'

'With the last version adding DNS/DHCP controls back, we're finally feeling like it's becoming a server again compared to the first releases.' LOL at it being without such a basic tool.

'First, for anyone or any organization hoping for an out of box solution, fahgetit! Even though it has the web server and wiki built in, in my opinion, neither of them can serve a useful purpose.'

You've said you've had one so far for:

-> Backend web development

-> MySQL server

-> Other server

-> Desktop

-> A full server for a site

-> Mobile use

Quite a few people have told you about why not to use a mac as a server, feel free to do it if you still want to and you'll learn the hard way. Desktop use is a preference, if you prefer mac feel free to use it.

But I'm telling you now, if you get co-location hosting or whatnot with an 'imac' or 'mac mini' and you waltz on through the door with it, they'll show you the exit right away and won't stop laughing.

You've said you've had one so far for:

-> Backend web development

-> MySQL server

-> Other server

-> Desktop

-> A full server for a site

-> Mobile use

Quite a few people have told you about why not to use a mac as a server, feel free to do it if you still want to and you'll learn the hard way. Desktop use is a preference, if you prefer mac feel free to use it.

But I'm telling you now, if you get co-location hosting or whatnot with an 'imac' or 'mac mini' and you waltz on through the door with it, they'll show you the exit right away and won't stop laughing.

Womp.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Trailer park trash “sport “, fits the current White House
    • KataLib 5.3.0.0 by Razvan Serea KataLib is more than just a music player — it's a complete audio suite designed for music lovers and creators alike. It combines a powerful audio player, a flexible metadata editor, a capable audio converter, and a music library manager into one streamlined application. Core Features: Audio Player Enjoy seamless playback of virtually any audio format or even streaming video files. DJ Mode lets you mix tracks with manual or automatic crossfades. You can also load and save WinAmp-style playlists for quick access to your favorite sets. Audio Converter Convert between a wide range of audio formats effortlessly. Trim or normalize your output automatically, and even extract audio from streaming video sources. Ideal for preparing files for different devices or platforms. Metadata Editor View and edit ID3v2 tags and other metadata. Batch edit multiple files at once, and fetch missing information directly from the MusicBrainz database. You can also apply or update album art with ease. Music Library Manager Organize your entire audio collection, search across tracks instantly, and download cover images from the internet — or use your own custom artwork. KataLib makes it easy to keep your library tidy and enriched with useful info. Supported Formats: KataLib supports a wide range of both lossy and lossless audio formats: Input: OPUS, AAC, FLAC, M4A, MP3, MP4, MPC, APE, AIF, MKV, AVI, MOV, FLV, WEBM, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, WAVPack, WMA, AC3, OGA, MP2, MPGA, MPEG, DTS, M4B, DSD (DFS) Output: OPUS, FLAC, M4A, MP3, Ogg Vorbis, WAV Under the hood, KataLib uses the trusted FFmpeg engine for audio conversion and media playback, ensuring compatibility with virtually all mainstream media formats. KataLib 5.3.0.0 changelog: Added Option to select the Zoom level of the Oscilloscope visualizer. The taskbar button of the app now displays the progress of its processing tasks. The metadata text of the Visualization Video can now be aligned by the user. We can now reorder the order of the Visualizers and Metadata, in the Visualization Video Setup dialog, by removing any item and adding it again. It will be added at the end. Changed The font size of the Visualization Video can now be more than 30 points. Updated yt-dlp library to version 2026... Fixed Opening the Visualization Video Setup dialog could fail if the settings were wrong. Sometimes there were false duplicates in the Rename Tracks dialog. Tracks without metadata appeared without title in the Recent menu. Download: KataLib 5.3.0.0 | 90.0 MB (Open Source) Links: KataLib Home Page | Github | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • EA Sports UFC 6 review: Brutal, satisfying, and surprisingly accessible to newcomers by Pulasthi Ariyasinghe EA’s UFC series of fighting games has been putting out games for over 10 years now, but it’s a series I have never spent any time with. As a PC guy, the series being console-exclusive is the primary reason for that. The latest entry to the series, EA Sports UFC 6, is still not coming to PC, but I have an Xbox now. When EA reached out to see if I could have a crack at the game and give my opinion about it, I finally got the chance to see what this franchise is about. I have spent about a week playing UFC 6 on the Xbox Series X. Despite my lackluster skill with fighting games, I still have fun with entries like Street Fighter and Tekken. I quickly came to realize this is a different kind of fighting game, not the arcade titles I am usually dabbling with. Most of the week that I spent playing UFC 6 was in the career mode, trying not to get knocked out while slowly improving my combos and reactions. The review below will be from the perspective of a newcomer to the series and an amateur fighting game fan, so please forgive any mistyped lingo or series-staple mechanics I am not comprehending. In the Ring Getting a solid hit in UFC 6 is satisfying. It’s probably the most satisfying impact reaction I have seen in a fighting game. The ripples in the muscles, the spray of sweat (and blood), the meaty sound, and the subsequent stumble all carry a lot of weight. If I miss a heavy swing like that, though, I already know that I'm in for a world of hurt from the incoming counters. The fighting is a real treat. The actions aren’t as snappy as arcade titles, so a miss feels like a much bigger mistake here. This slowness did take some getting used to, but I felt the improvement in my abilities even after a few drills with basic punch and kick combos. If I’m not deliberate with my actions in the ring, whether it be a hasty retreat or a flying punch, the possibility of getting instantly knocked out is always there. The head, chest, and legs all come with their own health bars, so guarding just one area is just asking for trouble. A few hits to the head, and it's game over. Meanwhile, you won’t even be able to stay on your feet if they get damaged enough, drastically lowering the total amount of stamina available for the rest of the match. I was also encountering a large range of fighting styles to customize my own fighter with. There are a huge number of real-life superstars here from multiple eras. It’s not as exaggerated as Street Fighter or Tekken, but the way they move, evade, throw punches, or even take steps is based on their real-life counterparts. I can see this being a big draw for any mixed martial arts fan. One feature I was surprised to see here was the 'Flow State' ability. As rounds progress, a power-up meter can give a temporary boost to the unique fighting style of the selected fighter, essentially boosting what they are good at. There is an entire visual effect that kicks in when activating this, too. The surprising part was seeing something like this in a game that feels like it’s aiming to be more of a simulator than an arcade fighter. My skill level is too low to use this exactly how the game wants me to, so I ended up triggering it whenever the opponent did it as well. Streamlined vs Authentic When I first started it up, UFC 6 asked me about my experience with the series. Being genuinely new, I took its advice and opted for a lowered difficulty level and 'Streamlined' controls. Quickly, I realized that this wasn’t for me. My chosen fighters were throwing random attacks, no matter what combination the game was trying to teach me. Win streaks were happening, and I was already getting bored out of my mind just a few matches in. Turning off this mode and switching to 'Authentic' controls fixed everything right up. I was now able to control my fighter with more precision than I expected. I could control each arm and leg, which body part my attacks would aim at, and the fully customizable controls for setting up unorthodox moves were a cherry on top. None of these made me an expert at the game, but at least I was being beaten up fairly. This is not a point against UFC 6, though. Giving the option for anyone to enjoy the game is always a good thing in my eyes. There is a lot of customizability in the difficulty, with everything from slow-motion reactions to specific assists being offered as toggles. If I had a friend coming over and wanted to try a quick 1v1, the streamlined controls option is one I’d consider to make it a light and fun fight. The one part of the fighting that did not click with me was the grappling. Being taken to the ground brings in an entirely new control mechanism involving mounts and submissions that feel more like quick-time events than the heavy, tactical fighting I had seen so far while standing. The game wants me to hold sticks in certain directions to change the position or pull off submissions, trying to do the opposite actions of the opponent. Even though I tried to get used to this gameplay, it just felt like a momentum killer, and I eventually just wanted to get back on my feet to get back into the action. Legacy and Career It was UFC 6’s career mode that I wanted to play the most when I started it up. I grew up with EA Sports games, and taking my team from the ground to the top has always been my favorite task. UFC 6 has that same option but also offers a more cinematic entrance to the career experience than I expected with ‘The Legacy’ mode. This mini-campaign follows an up-and-coming fighter, Chris Carter, who is attempting to reach the heights his father had reached in the sport. Starting with a small-time gym and coach, the story follows both his growth in the space as well as the growing rivalry with a friend and fighter, Danny Lopez. The fights in this mode are very good at introducing a newcomer like me to the sport and its varying techniques. Cinematics land between the major fights, showing the growing tension between the two fighters as the years go by, feeling the pressure to not miss out on the hard-earned chances. The dialogue can be a little corny at times, especially when the bar fights kick off, but I largely enjoyed the storyline. At the end of it, I was pretty much familiar with all the mechanics of the career mode, unlocking new skills and moves, and how I needed to approach fights, both outside and inside the ring. This story mode isn’t a very lengthy one, so don’t expect an hour-long campaign. Once the conclusion is reached, Carter’s journey continues as if it’s a normal career playthrough, though I decided to start over from scratch now that I have some know-how about the basics. The career mode is very streamlined, which is to be expected considering there isn’t a team to manage like in other EA Sports games. It’s the journey of one fighter. When a fight comes up in the calendar, I could choose how many weeks I dedicate to preparing for it at the gym. A longer prep time gives the opportunity to get my fighter’s fitness up (giving a bonus during fights), earn more money and points for unlocking new skills, and gain more fans to fast-track the rise to stardom. While that sounds like a lot of things to manage, it’s more like a few clicks. There is a social media menu that sometimes pops up with canned replies I can send to fans, and the sponsors are once again a single click away from being assigned as finished. It’s the training aspect that adds a gameplay angle. Using the money from winnings and sponsorships, I was hiring different types of trainers and learning fancier moves to use in the ring. One small thing I appreciated was that it was possible to injure each other during these training sessions. If a trainer goes down in a bad way while sparring, they won’t be available for the remainder of training. If my fighter is injured, it takes valuable time and resources to heal and recuperate. Just like in real life, it makes sense not to go so hard during training sessions and save that energy for the main event. Every training or sponsorship activity I took part in used up the days and weeks I had before the next fight, bringing a balancing element to the whole ordeal. There were times I simulated most of these to just get to the next fight, but the grind for gaining even the slightest bit of advantage while trying not to overdo it is an enjoyable one. Outside of quick fights and career modes, UFC 6 also introduces an almost museum-like mode to explore a trio of fighters considered to be legends of the sport: Max Holloway, Alex Pereira, and Zhang Weili. The aptly named Hall of Legends mode is unlike everything else seen in the game. Each of these fighters has entire levels dedicated to them that I could walk around in and explore their journey into the UFC. This includes footage from real-life fights and interviews about their original inspirations and training methods. Each of these spaces is almost like an interactive documentary. Once the highlights are done, the mode offers the opportunity to take over a deciding fight from the superstars. It’s an impressive transition. Going from the real-life televised event with crowds and commentary to immediately taking over in the game has some real hype behind it. Performance and visuals It’s clear to see that UFC 6 is going for a photo-realism look with its visuals compared to any other fighting game. The fighters don’t look great in selection screens. But inside the arenas, under the flood lights, surrounded by crowds, and facing an opponent, the visuals are more than impressive. As ghastly as it is to witness, things like blood spraying into the mat and muscles reddening as they get pummeled keep improving the immersion. The fluid animations help sell the illusion even further. A missed kick carries the momentum to require a corrective step. Hard punches that glance off blocks give off the air of a hit that still took some wind off the opponent’s guard. The special moves with flips and spins look mega awkward when missing, just as they do in real life. Suffice to say, the Frostbite Engine powering this game is one of the biggest strengths of EA development studios. Playing on the Xbox Series X, the 60 FPS gameplay did not miss the mark or cause any slowdowns that I could detect. I still wish this series were on PC to see just how far the developer can push the engine. One area I continue to have issues with, surprisingly enough, is the menus. The game has fast loading screens, but almost every menu I click through has a large amount of noticeable lag before it registers. This is immensely painful in the career mode, since I have to go through multiple menus between fights to train and do sponsorships, and having a 3-second pause when selecting a simple move between pages is the only time that made me quit the game. Thanks to Xbox’s quick resume, though, I was able to instantly jump back in the next day to the same point (and wade through more laggy menus). Conclusion My primary mission going into this EA Sports UFC 6 review as a newcomer to the series was to find out if this is a good jumping-in point for someone like me. Suffice it to say, the game passed that test with flying colors. Despite the high skill ceiling, the legacy mode introduction campaign, multiple types of accessible controls, and streamlined career had me picking up the basics and fighting styles much faster than I expected. I wish I had gotten to try out competitive multiplayer during my time with the game, too, but the lack of players in the pre-release version prevented this. The impressive visuals and animations, coupled with the impact physics that let me feel every punch and kick easily, made this the most immersive fighting game I have played. The only part that gave me pause was the grappling gameplay, which killed the momentum in most fights. The Flow State amplifying system didn’t hamper the experience, but I also felt like it made more sense for an arcade fighter, not this. Easily the most annoying thing about UFC 6 was its laggy menus, which I hope get some sort of fix later. Returning series veterans might have a completely different experience from me. But for a new fan like me looking to climb ranks and see fighters get floored in spectacular ways, UFC 6 doesn’t miss a step. EA Sports UFC 6 is releasing on June 19 across Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 for $69.99. Ultimate Edition owners can already jump in via advanced access. This review was conducted on the Xbox Series X version of the game provided by EA.
    • No, Microsoft is obviously just spending money on maintaining a product with 0 users.
  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      ssd21345 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Contributor
      MarkHughes4096 went up a rank
      Contributor
    • Dedicated
      jordanspringer earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • Rookie
      Rimplesnort went up a rank
      Rookie
    • One Year In
      Markus94287 earned a badge
      One Year In
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      486
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      173
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      138
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      94
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      79
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!