- Release Date: January 31, 2023 (Early Access)
- Platforms:
- PC (Steam)
- Upcoming: PlayStation 5
- Upcoming: Xbox Series X/S
- Publisher: Steel City Interactive
Let’s face it: good boxing games have been as rare as a unicorn these days. After a decade-long drought following Fight Night Champion, Undisputed has entered the ring, fists raised, claiming to be the most authentic boxing simulation ever. With Steel City Interactive’s promise to bring real-world boxing action into our living rooms, does it really deliver? Or are we looking at another glass-jawed contender? Let’s go a few rounds with Undisputed and find out!
Gameplay: Does It Pack a Punch?
Smooth Moves or Flailing Around?
From the first bell, you’ll notice Undisputed doesn’t pull its punches when it comes to control. The gameplay is smooth, responsive, and buttery in a way that makes you feel like you’ve got real control over your fighter. You’re not just button-mashing and hoping for the best—this game makes you think on your feet (literally). Whether you’re throwing jabs, uppercuts, or hooks, everything flows together seamlessly, giving you that satisfying “I’m a boxing genius” moment.
However, if you’re like me and sometimes forget which hand is your left, you might throw a few accidental haymakers and then wonder why your boxer is gassed out after 30 seconds. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? It’s not Undisputed’s fault if you can’t tell your hooks from your jabs.
Footwork: Float Like a Butterfly, Stumble Like a Newbie
If you’ve ever heard of Muhammad Ali, you know that footwork is a big deal in boxing. In Undisputed, it’s not just a nice-to-have skill—it’s the skill. You can’t just stand there and trade punches like a
rock ’em sock ’em robot (well, you can, but your virtual boxer might not appreciate it for long). The game encourages smart movement, circling your opponent, dodging incoming hits, and setting up your own counterattacks.
Finally getting the footwork down? Yeah, that’ll be a while. Initially, it is quite the difficulty and might lead to stumbling (not literally of course). On the other hand, once you get the hang of it, sidestepping the scary right hand punching of an opponent is the best feeling there is. It’s like the complete opposite of dancing since dancing, with the exception of fighting, normally involves trying not to, as it were, shove and hit each other.
Graphics: Beauty in the Beatings?
Realistic or Too Real?
Well, while the gameplay is good, how good is the graphics? It’s 2024 for heaven’s sake. People must have already established certain parameters and kept them consistent. All in all, it is safe to say that the visuals in Undisputed are great. Attention to small details in the game’s design is what makes it exceptional. It is just short of hilarious how you can see the relief of sweat off the boxer’s face upon landing a killer punch. The graphics models in the game are surprisingly real, even too much sometimes – I fully expect the fighters to request time-out for water in between the rounds.
But be warned: getting hit in Undisputed looks painful. The facial expressions, the impact of the punches, the slow-mo replays—it’s all there to remind you that boxing isn’t just a game of finesse; it’s a game of pain. Honestly, you might cringe the first time your boxer takes a brutal uppercut to the chin.
The Arenas: From Dusty Gyms to Championship Glory
The boxing environments are another highlight. Undisputed offers a range of arenas, from your dingy underground gyms to sold-out championship stadiums. Each arena has its own vibe, making it feel like you’re progressing as your fighter rises through the ranks. Want to feel like you’re starting out as an underdog? There’s a gym that feels straight out of a Rocky montage. Ready to bask in the spotlight? The championship venues will have you feeling like a superstar.
Fighter Roster: Who’s Ready to Rumble?
Legends and Newcomers
One of the most exciting aspects of Undisputed is its ever-expanding roster of fighters. The game includes a mix of legends like Muhammad Ali and current stars like Tyson Fury. So whether you’re an old-school boxing fan or more into the current scene, there’s a fighter here for you. And yes, before you ask, you can totally pit a prime Ali against Fury to see who’s the greatest of all time.
Of course, this also leads to some hilarious matchups. Want to watch a featherweight try and take down a heavyweight? Go for it! The game doesn’t stop you from living out your most ridiculous boxing fantasies. Just don’t be surprised when your 120-pound fighter gets absolutely flattened by a 6’9” giant.
Create Your Own Fighter
If none of the real-life fighters catch your eye, you can always create your own. Undisputed’s character creation system is pretty robust, allowing you to tweak everything from your fighter’s appearance to their fighting style. Want to make the next Mike Tyson or a brawler straight out of a comic book? Go wild! Just be prepared to invest some time in training and progression if you want to take your created fighter to the top.
The Knockout Physics: Floaty or Fierce?
Physics in a boxing game can make or break the immersion, and Undisputed doesn’t disappoint. The knockouts are especially satisfying (and occasionally hilarious). If you land that perfect punch, your opponent might crumple to the canvas in a way that makes you want to jump up and down in your living room. And the best part? No two knockouts feel exactly the same. Depending on where and how hard you hit, your opponent might drop like a sack of potatoes, or stumble around for a bit before face-planting in slow motion.
The Stamina System: Pace Yourself!
But don’t get too excited—there’s a stamina system that’s always lurking in the background, ready to remind you that boxing is as much about endurance as it is about power. Throw too many wild punches, and your fighter will be sucking wind faster than a couch potato running a marathon. So while those big haymakers are fun to throw, you’ll need to manage your stamina carefully if you want to avoid becoming an easy target later in the fight.
Online Play: Friendly Sparring or Troll Central?
Testing Your Skills Online
Of course, the true test of any sports game is how it holds up online. Playing against the AI is one thing, but taking on real players? That’s where champions are made… or humiliated. The online mode in Undisputed offers a variety of matchmaking options, whether you want to challenge random players or go head-to-head with friends. Just be ready for some serious competition—there are already some skilled players out there who will absolutely school you if you’re not prepared.
Lag-Free or Throwing in the Towel?
For the most part, online matches are smooth, with little to no lag. But like with any multiplayer game, your experience may vary depending on your connection. If your Wi-Fi decides to drop out in the middle of a match, don’t be surprised if your boxer starts moving like they’re fighting underwater.
Final Verdict: Heavyweight Champ or Flash in the Pan?
At the end of the day, ones encounter with the Undisputed is not merely a battle with arms, but a boxing. It allows one to feel the sports excitement of sportingly going into the ring, the sportsmanship of trying to outdo an opponent as well as the happiness of the best punch in the game. The depth of the game, the 3D form of most of it and as well as the available roster of fighters make it a game that dies not only enjoys sports games as a genre, but effectively every boxing fan.
It is with no doubt that this video game has its own negative aspects. First and foremost, the game is a bit challenging in terms of control settings; some players may find mana application quite consierable. However, if the player is ready to spend time to get rid of all the impediments, it feels that there is no greater boxing than the one in Undisputed. Can it therefore be said that Undisputed will change the male muscle driven games? It is pushing for it at the moment and as such, I am willing to say… that yes, it does deserve such standing at this time.
