When Undisputed (formerly eSports Boxing Club or ESBC) was first showcased in its Alpha stage, featuring David Adeleye and Eddie Hall, the game had a much more grounded and visually appealing style that resonated with boxing purists. However, over time, the graphical fidelity and overall aesthetic of the game appear to have shifted significantly. Many fans of the original footage have expressed disappointment, arguing that the game has taken on a more arcadey look and feel. So, what exactly changed?
1. Visual Fidelity and Character Models
In the earlier Alpha footage, character models looked more detailed, with realistic skin textures, lighting effects, and sweat physics. Adeleye and Hall appeared weighty, with subtle animations that made them feel grounded in the ring. As development progressed, however, the character models became less detailed, with smoother textures that lack the same level of realism. Some boxers now have a more plasticky look, and the sense of individual boxer uniqueness has diminished.
2. Lighting and Shadows
Lighting played a crucial role in the early Alpha versions, creating an authentic atmosphere with dramatic shadows and realistic reflections. The ring looked vibrant yet natural, and the lighting effectively enhanced the depth of each fighter’s physique. In the later builds, the lighting appears flatter, with more even brightness that washes out some of the finer details. Shadows are less pronounced, making the game look less cinematic and more generic.
3. Punch Reactions and Impact Animations
One of the biggest concerns among fans is how punch reactions have evolved. Initially, knockdowns and impact animations were more fluid and responsive to the point of impact, showcasing realistic weight shifts, balance losses, and staggered movements. In later versions, knockdown physics appear more canned, with animations that sometimes seem pre-determined rather than dynamically responding to the punch. The sense of unpredictability in how a fighter reacts to getting hit has lessened.
4. Footwork and Movement
In the early Alpha, boxers moved with a sense of natural momentum, with more distinct differences in footwork between fighters. The weight shifts, pivots, and directional movements contributed to a realistic feel. Now, movement appears more uniform across boxers, with many fighters gliding rather than stepping with realistic foot pressure. This has contributed to a floaty, almost arcade-like experience, removing the grounded realism that boxing fans initially praised.
5. The Hit Detection and Strike Feedback
Early footage suggested a strong physics-based approach to punch impact, with visible deformation of skin and muscle upon contact. Later builds seem to have reduced this effect, leading to a less satisfying visual response when punches land. Some players have noted that punches appear to phase through opponents slightly, making the overall experience feel less immersive.
6. The Downgrade in Presentation and Atmosphere
Beyond the fighters themselves, the ring and crowd environments have seen changes. The early Alpha versions showcased a more dynamic crowd with realistic movement and lighting interactions. Now, crowds appear stiffer and less responsive, while the overall atmosphere feels less immersive. The ring itself, once filled with lifelike reflections and texture detail, has lost some of its sharpness, making it feel more like a generic arena.
7. Why Did These Changes Happen?
The visual and graphical downgrades may be the result of several factors:
Optimization for performance: The game may have been adjusted to ensure stable frame rates across multiple platforms, leading to reductions in graphical detail.
Changes in development staff: Some fans speculate that key developers or artists who worked on the earlier builds may have left, resulting in a shift in artistic direction.
Shift in priorities: Undisputed may have moved toward a more casual-friendly, accessible experience, which sometimes results in visual and gameplay simplifications.
Conclusion: A Shift Away from the Alpha Vision?
While Undisputed still has potential as a boxing simulation, many fans feel that its visual and gameplay identity has drifted from the promising Alpha footage featuring Adeleye and Hall. The original version had a raw, authentic feel that made it stand out, while the current iteration seems to have sacrificed realism in favor of a smoother but less impactful experience.
Whether these changes are permanent or will be addressed in future updates remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the community values realism, and if Undisputed wants to truly capture the spirit of boxing, it may need to reconsider its graphical and gameplay direction.
