Undisputed Review

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Fast Facts

Boxing is a popular sport all over the world, and understand that when I say popular I am not talking about the number of people who practice it or even who like to see two boxers, displaying their techniques with their arms. I mean that there are many people who know the sport and can even sit down and watch an evening of important names in the ring.

In this scenario, an unexpected contender appears in the hands of Steel City Interactive in development and Deep Silver in publishing, which initially debuts under the name eBoxing and ends up being renamed Undisputed during its appearance on Steam, where it was in early access for a long time and from which it comes to Xbox to fight for the title of champion of the genre. Its most direct rival is the nostalgia with which we remember past sagas.

Boxing Is Back

After enjoying a first fight, it is impossible to deny that the game is developed by boxing fans who did their job well when paying attention to the details and transferring them to production; something that is excellent for those looking for exactly this. However, this will distance the most casual player who just wants to play a game as if it were a Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter match.

Unlike other fighting games, boxing titles must reflect the effect of the blows, in other words, the player must feel the impact of their combinations and those of their rival to live a pseudo-simulation experience, one that shines in Undisputed at all times. The counterattacks feel solid and evoke a second in which you will more than once exclaim an involuntary “uhhhh!” almost echoing the reaction of that virtual audience present at the meeting.

A Very Remarkable Technical Section

The details are appreciated with great care in the Steel City Interactive production with graphics that look correct although perhaps not outstanding. Let it not be misunderstood, the visual section is very good, but perhaps it errs on the side of abusing the blurring of the contours in an attempt to show speed in an exaggerated way.

Some animations, mainly the movement of the ring ropes, also require revision, as there are some glitches here and there, but nothing of relevance that makes the experience less interesting at any time.

The other side of the coin in the graphic section is in the design of the boxers, which is truly impressive, even in the very particular movements of some boxers such as Ali or Canelo Álvarez, who are represented in absolute detail.

Another great point, always speaking of the graphic section, lies in the effect of the damage to the boxers’ faces, with swellings and cuts on the sides that get worse and better throughout the fight.

The Career Mode We All Missed

Undisputed also adds, in fair measure, some manager elements within the career mode. In this way, a cutman will have to be hired to treat injuries, a promoter to get better fights and a trainer. The fighter adds fame and experience as he advances in his career, in addition to money. All of this serves to promote himself, hire better personnel, and advance in the world outside of the ring that boxing has.

Another interesting aspect is that the training strategy will have to be designed for the scheduled fights. This includes rest, injuries that may be contracted and even taking care of the weight to not exceed the category.

I was left wanting the breaks between rounds to be more interactive, perhaps being able to select an option to treat a cut or do something more than just read the coach’s advice that often borders on the generic.

Undisputed is a game that invites us to sit down for a long time to learn all the technicalities it offers us and improve along with our fighter. The road to the top is long and winding, but very entertaining and promises a long flow of hours. That’s not counting the time that we can play online at any time.

Final Thoughts

Finally, someone wants to take the crown of modern boxing games. Little was enough to achieve it given the absence of rivals, but Undisputed could fight Fight Night at its peak of glory hand to hand and, perhaps, win, although not by knockout, but by points.

Undisputed is a must-have in the library of all boxing lovers and those looking for an experience closer to realism in the ring. Get into this ring with all confidence, it is the most beautiful and complete fight you will have had in a long time.

You can buy Undisputed in the Microsoft Store