Eisspeedway

Undisputed (video game)

Undisputed
Standard edition cover art featuring Canelo Álvarez
Developer(s)Steel City Interactive
Publisher(s)Deep Silver
EngineUnity[1]
Platform(s)
Release
  • WW: October 11, 2024
Genre(s)Sports
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Undisputed is a boxing video game developed by Steel City Interactive and published by Deep Silver. It was officially released on October 11, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Windows (PC). The game is the first licensed boxing title to be released since 2011's Fight Night Champion. Undisputed garnered significant attention upon its announcement and has become a notable release in the sports video game genre.

History and Development

Originally announced as eSports Boxing Club in April 2020, the game went through a rebranding process and was renamed Undisputed in September 2022. The decision to change the name was part of the developers' push to create a more universal and recognizable identity for the title. Before the official release, Undisputed was available on Steam in early access starting January 31, 2023. The early access phase allowed players to experience an evolving version of the game, providing valuable feedback to the developers at Steel City Interactive, a game development studio based in Sheffield, England.

Undisputed became the first new boxing game in over a decade, filling the void left by Fight Night Champion. As part of its development process, the game focused on delivering a high level of authenticity, accuracy, and depth in the world of professional boxing. A trailer showcasing the game's movement mechanics was released in November 2020, followed by a character creation preview in January 2021. A more extensive gameplay showcase was unveiled in March 2021, and the game officially revealed its cover athlete, Mexican boxer Canelo Álvarez, in May 2021.

Gameplay Features

Undisputed offers a detailed and realistic boxing experience, featuring over 70 licensed fighters from various weight classes, including both male and female athletes. It boasts an expansive roster that includes some of the most iconic names in boxing, such as Canelo Álvarez, Tyson Fury, and Muhammad Ali. Players can also compete in various fight types and modes, including single fights, multiplayer matches, and career modes.

The gameplay mechanics of Undisputed focus on replicating the true essence of boxing. The game includes over 60 distinct punch types, along with 50 unique attributes and traits for each fighter, which can affect gameplay strategies. Fighters have customizable styles, such as "loose" and "flat-footed" movement, which significantly impact their speed and agility in the ring.

The game features three major real-life boxing organizations—the World Boxing Council (WBC), the World Boxing Organization (WBO), and the International Boxing Federation (IBF)—as well as the fictional SCI Championship. These organizations offer championship belts, which players can aim to win through the game's career mode. This mode allows players to guide their custom boxer to the pinnacle of the sport, ultimately achieving the status of undisputed world champion.

In addition to the fighters themselves, Undisputed includes licensed trainers, cutmen, and managers who add another layer of realism to the experience. The game's career mode and online multiplayer modes allow for a diverse set of challenges and playstyles.

Release and Editions

Undisputed was officially released on October 11, 2024, on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game was made available in multiple editions, including a standard edition and a deluxe edition. The deluxe edition, themed around the World Boxing Council (WBC), featured former WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on the cover. It also included a special fighter pack with popular boxers like Jaime Munguia, Regis Prograis, Jesse Rodriguez, Dmitry Bivol, Caleb Plant, and the legendary Julio César Chávez. Additionally, players who purchased the deluxe edition received an "Era" pack, which provided alternate versions of fighters from different eras, including a young Fury from 2009, Canelo Álvarez from 2011, and Muhammad Ali from 1964. This edition also gave players three days of early access.

The game's first downloadable content (DLC), titled “The Problem Child” pack, was released on December 12, 2024. This pack introduced several new fighters, including social media personality Jake Paul, Zhilei Zhang, Juan Manuel Márquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Buster Douglas, Otto Wallin, and Erik Morales. In addition to these new characters, the DLC featured a variety of cosmetic updates for fighters already in the game.

Reception

Undisputed received "mixed or average" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic. The game scored a 72/100 for its PlayStation 5 version, while OpenCritic gave it a more modest score of 39%. Several prominent publications, including IGN and Shacknews, provided reviews with scores of 6/10 and 7/10, respectively.

The authenticity of the game's roster and its attention to detail in terms of boxing mechanics were highly praised. However, some critics noted that the game faced challenges in terms of balancing and polish. Despite these mixed reviews, the game was widely celebrated for successfully reviving the boxing game genre and bringing it into the modern gaming landscape.

At the time of its release, Undisputed quickly surpassed one million copies sold, exceeding the expectations of Steel City Interactive and Deep Silver. The game's success was largely attributed to its strong community following, extensive roster of licensed boxers, and the desire for a high-quality boxing simulation after the long absence of major titles in the genre.

Legacy and Future Updates

The success of Undisputed has positioned it as a frontrunner for the revival of boxing video games, with many hoping that it will lay the foundation for future installments. Steel City Interactive has expressed a commitment to ongoing updates, including additional fighter packs, gameplay improvements, and quality-of-life changes based on player feedback. The game's growing popularity in both casual and competitive circles has made it a staple in the world of eSports, with tournaments and online leagues becoming an important part of the Undisputed ecosystem.

As Undisputed continues to evolve, its community remains an integral part of its success, with the developers maintaining a close relationship with players to ensure the game's continued growth and development.

References

  1. ^ Montani, Steven (25 January 2023). "Inside Undisputed". SportsGamersOnline. Retrieved 11 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Undisputed (PlayStation 5 Critic Reviews)". Metacritic. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  3. ^ "Undisputed Reviews". OpenCritic. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  4. ^ McMahon, Andrew (October 7, 2024). "Undisputed Review". IGN. Retrieved October 7, 2024.
  5. ^ Tan, Nick (October 7, 2024). "Undisputed review: A fringe contender". Shacknews. Retrieved October 7, 2024.