When it comes to sports games, there are very few options. In the last forty years, a variety of sports franchises have been released but only a few have been successful. In fact, if it was not published by THQ/2K, Nintendo, or Electronic Arts, you have probably not heard of it. Sadly, the most successful sports games rely on the utilization of microtransactions and loot boxes. Over the last decade, the world has been without any major boxing titles. Yes, there has been boxing in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, but no stand-alone title. The last boxing game to be a stand-alone title was EA’s Fight Night Champion. Now a new boxing game called Undisputed by an indie game studio looks to fill the void.
At PAX East 2023, we met with Steel City Interactive to preview their game Undisputed. Undisputed is a modern-day boxing game that is in early access featuring a variety of professional boxers. For our hands-on preview, we got to play as Tyson Fury against Deontay Wilder. Rather than fighting against the computer, we took on one of the developers and we could tell that they took it easy on us. If they went all out on us, we would be knocked out in the second round, but thankfully they didn’t. This allowed us to get a better look at the game, see how hits interacted with each character, and how the stamina system affected the game.
Demo Impressions
For the demo, we played nine rounds and went to the judges’ decision. Despite doing more damage to Wilder, the Judges gave the fight to Wilder. The judges’ decision was based on the number of punches thrown and the amount that connected. For fans of the Fight Night franchise, this game is right up your alley. With over 50 fighters, the game tracks the player’s hits thrown, hits on target, hits in a certain area, and swelling. Undisputed uses data from the different boxers’ fights to determine their likelihood to swell and even bleed. Despite throwing a ton of bunches and connecting on the left side, we were not able to get Wilder to bleed.
As we threw punches, the game tracked each fighter’s heart rates and showed their perspiration, muscle swelling, and even redness. As the fight went on, you could see the fatigue on each fighter’s body. Punches each fighter threw became slower when their stamina bar was lower. As someone whose not majorly into boxing, it was impressive seeing how much time and effort the team put into the game. The lighting highlights each fighter’s body and allows the player to see the damage that has been done; this allows players to pick which part of the body to focus on.
For a fighting game, Undisputed gives players the most realistic modern experience that they can get without getting in the ring. That is why we nominated Undisputed for Best Indie Game. If you are a fan of boxing, then you will love this game.
Undisputed is a new modern-day boxing game created by an indie game studio called Steel City Interactive. With over 50 fighters, the game tracks the player’s hits thrown, hits on target, hits in a certain area, and swelling. With Undisputed’s realistic approach to the sport provides a modern experience that fans of boxing will appreciate. However, the game is only available on Steam for $29.99.
What the Game Offers
Below are details about Undisputed from Steel City Interactive Stream page.
Innovative & Authentic Boxing Gameplay
Boxing isn’t just about throwing punches. The ring is a strategic battlefield where fighters can choose an angle of attack, set up traps, and outsmart opponents through clever tactics. That’s why we’ve added several layers of fight mechanics to Undisputed, giving more control than ever to master the Sweet Science.
– Revolutionary footwork mechanics, including a Loose Movement modifier to help you get around the ring with ease.
– More than 60 individual punches. Punch from multiple angles and directions. Feint to set up a trap and counter.
– All the tools needed to be a defensive wizard. Slip punches, weave, dodge, and block.
– Physics-driven interactions, so punches can sometimes go around or even through the guard.
– Up close and personal inside fighting like never before.
– Manage stamina over the course of a fight with the Adrenaline system.
– The little details that matter. Taking a knee, intentional fouls, clinching, and referee interactions.
– 50 Attributes & Traits to differentiate styles and capabilities of fighters.
– Multiple AI styles and difficulty settings for everyone from amateurs to pound-for-pound masters.
The World of Boxing
We’ve licensed and collaborated with real-life boxers, governing bodies, and brands to bring unprecedented authenticity to Undisputed.
– 50+ licensed fighters at the start of Early Access, with more to come. From legendary names like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson to boxing’s modern champions, including Canelo Alvarez, Terence Crawford, and Tyson Fury.
– An exciting Women’s Division with stars like Katie Taylor, Jessica McCaskill, Natasha Jonas, and Ebanie Bridges.
– The WBC, British Boxing Board of Control, and other real-life boxing organizations.
– Boxing equipment and apparel brands steam such as Empire Pro Tape, & Adams.
– Punch stats and presentation featuring CompuBox.
– Fighter introductions by the legendary Jimmy Lennon Jr.
– Distinguished referee Kenny Bayless.
Immersive Sights & Sounds
We’ve taken great care to make sure Undisputed looks and feels like boxing should.
– Incredibly detailed boxer models, utilizing the latest scanning technology.
– 6 unique fight locations, including a large arena, Coldwell’s Gym, & an outdoor venue.
– Realistic damage, progressive sweat, and facial deformation.
– Broadcast presentation with expert commentary by Todd Grisham and Johnny Nelson, as well as ring walks, and referee instructions.
Steel City Interactive can be found on several social media platforms. Here are some links to their accounts:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteelCityInt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SteelCityInteractive/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/steel-city-interactive-ltd/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steelcityinteractive/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SteelCityInteractive
These accounts are a great way to stay up-to-date with their latest news and developments of Undisputed.
