The Misplaced Priorities of Undisputed Fans: Boxers Over Gameplay Fixes and Tendencies
The Undisputed boxing game had potential. It was once known as ESBC, and many players preferred that version because it felt more like a true simulation of the sport. However, as time passed, the developers at Steel City Interactive (SCI) began shifting their focus, and unfortunately, so did the fanbase. Instead of demanding critical gameplay fixes, improvements to AI behavior, and the addition of tendencies or sliders, many Undisputed fans are more concerned with getting more real-life boxers into the game.
This is a fundamental issue. A game can have a roster filled with legends, but if the gameplay lacks depth, realism, and proper mechanics, those boxers will feel hollow—mere skins over a flawed system. It’s frustrating to see the community prioritize roster expansions over core gameplay elements that would make Undisputed a true boxing simulation.
Why Gameplay Fixes Should Come First
Boxing video games should be about how the boxers fight, not just who is available to play. Right now, Undisputed suffers from issues that take away from the realism that fans have been hoping for since the project was first revealed.
Lack of Authentic Boxer Tendencies
- Undisputed currently does not represent real-life boxer styles accurately. A fighter like Muhammad Ali should float around the ring, using speed and reflexes, while someone like Joe Frazier should pressure opponents with relentless aggression. Instead, most boxers in the game feel the same, with minor stat differences.
- Without tendencies or sliders that dictate AI behavior, even well-known fighters don’t truly stand out.
Sliders Would Give Players Control
- Sliders are essential in any sports simulation. They allow players to tweak AI behavior, adjust difficulty beyond generic settings, and customize the game to their preferred level of realism.
- If Undisputed had sliders for aggression, punch accuracy, defensive reactions, stamina management, and other boxing-specific attributes, it could provide a tailored experience for both casual and hardcore fans.
CPU Boxers Need Realistic AI
- A major problem with Undisputed is that the AI doesn’t fight like real boxers. Fighters should approach each match differently based on their real-life tendencies. Some should be counter-punchers, some should be volume punchers, and others should be defensive specialists.
- This is something that tendencies/sliders could fix, but SCI has not prioritized it—and neither has a large portion of the fanbase.
The Obsession with More Boxers Is a Distraction
A large number of Undisputed fans are constantly asking for more licensed fighters instead of pushing SCI to fix core gameplay mechanics. The problem with this is simple: more boxers won’t make the game better if they don’t fight like themselves.
- If the AI doesn’t replicate a fighter’s real-life style, adding more boxers just means more characters who don’t behave like they should.
- This obsession with names on the roster instead of how they fight is one reason why boxing games have struggled in the past.
- SCI could add every legendary boxer in history, but if the mechanics remain flawed, it won’t matter.
SCI’s Responsibility and the Community’s Role
SCI should be listening to its community, but it seems that much of the fanbase isn’t demanding what actually matters.
- Instead of pushing for gameplay depth, sliders, and AI improvements, fans are allowing SCI to focus on marketing new fighter reveals.
- If the community doesn’t shift its priorities, Undisputed will likely remain a shallow experience with a roster of names that don't feel unique in the ring.
- The best boxing games weren’t great because of a huge roster; they were great because of how they played.
The community needs to hold SCI accountable and demand tendencies, sliders, and proper AI behavior before worrying about more fighters being added.
Conclusion: Fix the Game First, Add Boxers Later
Boxing video games should live and die by their mechanics, not their rosters. Right now, Undisputed fans need to push for the gameplay to be fixed before celebrating new fighter additions. Sliders and tendencies should be at the top of the wishlist—not just more boxers who end up feeling the same.
SCI has the potential to turn Undisputed into a true simulation of the sweet science, but only if the fanbase demands it. If people continue prioritizing boxers over gameplay, we’ll just end up with another shallow boxing game that fails to capture the sport’s depth.
It’s time to demand more than just names. It’s time to demand real boxing mechanics.
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