Undisputed review

Undisputed aims to set a new standard for boxing games, blending realism with engaging mechanics that make every fight feel strategic. Developed by Steel City Interactive, this title offers a layered experience, designed with input from the boxing community during its Early Access phase. From the outset, it’s clear the developers wanted to capture the essence of the sport by emphasizing not just throwing punches but also mastering the art of defense, movement, and countering. And because it’s been about a decade since the last major boxing game, we were eager to see if it would live up to its potential.

At the core of Undisputed is its deep combat system, which offers more control than many past boxing titles. The game’s mechanics allow players to be as tactical as they wish, utilizing a wide range of punches, feints, and defensive maneuvers like slipping and weaving. The ability to adjust your fighting style on the fly, switching between Loose Movement for agility and Flat-Footed Movement as your stamina drops, provides a dynamic experience. This feature is particularly useful in longer bouts where stamina management becomes crucial, and your decisions can make or break the fight for you. This system makes each fight feel different, requiring players to carefully assess their opponent’s style and adapt, much like in a real boxing match.

Visually, Undisputed impresses with its highly detailed boxer models, created using advanced scanning technology. The game’s fighters, from legends like Muhammad Ali to modern champions like Canelo Álvarez and Oleksandr Usyk, are brought to life with remarkable authenticity. The progressive sweat and facial deformation add to the immersive experience, particularly during grueling matches. The broadcast-style presentation, complete with commentary from Todd Grisham and Johnny Nelson and ring introductions by Jimmy Lennon Jr., further enhances the atmosphere.

One of the standout features of Undisputed is its career mode, which allows players to experience their rise from amateur boxing to becoming the undisputed champion. This mode includes plenty of customization options, from creating your own fighter to choosing gloves and tattoos, giving players a personalized touch to their journey. However, while the career mode is comprehensive and engaging, it doesn’t innovate much beyond what has been seen in previous boxing games, leading to a sense of familiarity.

The inclusion of more than 70 licensed fighters, including a women’s division, adds substantial depth to the game’s roster. Real-life boxing organizations like the WBC and the British Boxing Board of Control lend even more authenticity to the experience. The game also incorporates physics-driven interactions, which means punches land realistically, sometimes even slipping through an opponent’s guard in unpredictable ways. This unpredictability can lead to thrilling moments, though we also ran into two or three awkward animations because of this.

While the game shines in its representation of boxing fundamentals, it isn’t without its flaws. The fight locations feel somewhat limited in number, with only six venues to choose from, which can make the game feel repetitive after a while. Additionally, while the AI offers varied fighting styles, it can be inconsistent in its difficulty, with some matches feeling unevenly balanced.

In terms of audio, Undisputed features a stellar soundtrack and sound design. Punches land with satisfying thuds, and the crowd’s reactions build the tension in every fight. The commentary adds to the immersion, but as with many sports games, it can get repetitive over time, especially after extended play sessions with multiple long fights.

Overall, Undisputed is a solid entry in the boxing genre, offering an impressive blend of realism and fun. While it may not revolutionize career modes or venue variety, its focus on tactical, physics-driven combat and attention to detail in fighter representation make it a must-play for fans of the sport. With some additional polish and future updates, it could easily become the go-to boxing game for years to come.

Score: 7.8/10