It’s been a while since we’ve had a boxing game, but now Undisputed steps into the ring, aiming to fill the void for sports fans. Available on PS5 and other platforms, this title offers a mix of strengths and areas needing improvement, delivering a solid yet imperfect boxing experience.
Realistic approach
Undisputed focuses on realism, offering a strategic close to life approach to boxing. Players can choose from various fighting styles, such as the aggressive Swarmer or the defensive Wall, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs. This depth allows for personalized strategies, rewarding patience and tactical thinking over button-mashing. This isn’t one of those arcade boxing games, this one needs skills and patience to become really good at it.
However, the game’s pacing can feel sluggish, especially in the early stages of Career Mode when fighter stats are low. Stamina management is crucial; throwing a flurry of punches can quickly deplete energy, leading to drawn-out matches that often end in decisions rather than knockouts. This focus on endurance and precision mirrors real-life boxing but may test players’ patience in seeking more immediate action. Even though it’s probably the most realistic way of doing it, it doesn’t translate that well to the virtual ring. If you buy a boxing game, you’ll want to start boxing as soon as possible, which isn’t the case here.
The Career Mode in Undisputed offers a comprehensive journey from amateur to champion. Players can create a custom boxer with a wide array of hairstyles, tattoos, and wardrobe options, allowing for a unique in-ring persona. Managing aspects like training, rest, and promotion adds layers of strategy. Besides that, you can also hire coaches and staff to handle your life as a professional boxer better. It’s all there, it’s all pretty deep but it isn’t always as fun as it should be.
Despite these features, the mode lacks dynamic storytelling and immersive elements. The presentation is text-heavy, with minimal visual flair or narrative progression. Opportunities for deeper engagement, such as training mini-games or cutscenes aren’t there at all, making the climb to the top feel somewhat sterile and rather boring to be honest.
Not perfect but certainly not bad
Visually, Undisputed showcases detailed character models and a variety of venues, from small gyms to grand arenas. The inclusion of over 70 real-life boxers, each with unique fighting styles, adds authenticity. However, on the PS5, the game suffers from frame rate drops, particularly in more elaborate venues, and occasional animation glitches, such as awkward limb movements during close-quarters combat. The audio experience is also inconsistent. While the sounds of punches and crowd reactions aim to enhance realism, they sometimes come across as exaggerated or misaligned with the on-screen action. Commentary can be repetitive and occasionally inaccurate, detracting from the immersion.
Undisputed shines in its multiplayer offerings. Online matches against human opponents provide a more dynamic and unpredictable experience compared to AI bots. Players must adapt strategies in real time, leading to intense and engaging encounters. However, the online mode isn’t without issues; there’s a lot of lag and connectivity issues and it isn’t always that easy to find a match. The game itself is pretty niche so if you want to fight other players, you’ll need to count on some patience before you find the right match.
Conclusion:
Undisputed delivers a close-to-life and thrilling boxing simulation that’s created for fans who want authenticity. Its strategic gameplay, extensive roster, and attention offer a sturdy foundation. Yet, technical hiccups, a lackluster career mode, and presentation flaws prevent it from achieving greatness. With ongoing support and updates, Undisputed has the potential to evolve into a standout title in the genre. For now, it stands as a respectable entry that won’t knock you out of your shoes.
