The Art of the Sweet Science: In A Realistic Boxing Videogame

 

Relying on a copy-and-paste approach for boxer behaviors and animations can lead to generic, repetitive, and unrealistic outcomes, especially in a game aiming for authenticity like Undisputed.

To achieve a more realistic and authentic experience, each boxer should have unique attributes, fighting styles, tendencies, and animations. Here are a few key points to consider for better realism:

1. Distinct Fighting Styles: Each boxer should have a style that reflects their real-life counterpart (e.g., brawler, counterpuncher, out-boxer). This means different movement patterns, defensive techniques, and combinations.

2. Adaptive AI: Instead of static behaviors, AI should adapt to the player’s strategy. For example, an aggressive fighter might become more cautious if consistently countered.

3. Dynamic Animations: Animations should vary not just based on the boxer but also on their current state (e.g., fatigue, injury). This avoids the robotic feel of repeated animations.

4. Individual Traits and Tendencies: Incorporating unique tendencies (like favoring a specific punch or tactic) makes each boxer feel distinct. These should change dynamically based on the fight's progression.

5. Personalized Attributes: Each boxer should have individualized stats that affect movement speed, punch power, stamina, and reaction time. This ensures that even if two fighters have similar styles, they still play differently.

Accepting a lack of authentic boxer styles and tendencies significantly reduces both realism and replayability. Fans expect iconic fighters to move, punch, and strategize as they would in real life. When games like Undisputed overlook these unique characteristics, it results in:

1. Loss of Identity: Iconic boxers end up feeling generic and interchangeable, making it hard for fans to connect with their favorites.

2. Reduced Strategic Depth: If all boxers behave similarly, players can adopt the same strategy regardless of their opponent, leading to monotonous gameplay.

3. Decreased Immersion: Realism comes from seeing fighters replicate their real-world counterparts. Without unique movements and strategies, immersion breaks.

4. Diminished Replay Value: Once players master one approach, they can often dominate with any fighter, reducing the desire to explore different matchups.

A good solution would be to develop a robust trait and tendency system that dynamically shapes a boxer's behavior based on their personality, strengths, and fighting history. This way, players would need to adapt their strategies based on who they’re up against.

The technology exist!