Undisputed May Have Opened Floodgates For EA’s Fighting Game Revival

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Undisputed May Have Opened Floodgates For EA's Fighting Game Revival

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the ebb and flow of gaming trends over the years, I can’t help but feel a flicker of hope ignite within me with the arrival of Undisputed. The boxing genre, once a staple in our gaming world, has been relegated to the shadows, overshadowed by the likes of UFC and WWE simulators. But there’s something about boxing games that these other genres just can’t seem to capture – the raw elegance, the restrained brutality, the chess match-like strategy that makes boxing a unique experience.

After much anticipation, the highly-acclaimed boxing game, Undisputed, has finally made its appearance, indicating a possible resurgence of the AAA boxing genre. Previously, boxing games held a significant position in the gaming world, with giants like EA focusing on them. However, over time, their attention has shifted towards other franchises such as UFC, which cater to the realistic fighting game needs and satisfy the cravings of numerous sports game enthusiasts.

But still, there’s something about proper, dedicated boxing games that MMA and WWE simulators don’t quite capture. The so-called “sweet science” of the sport, its elegance coupled with raw aggression and restrained brutality, lends itself to the gaming medium rather well, especially when developers have a firm grasp on what makes it mechanically interesting. This is precisely what EA’s now-dormant Fight Night franchise brought to the table back in its heyday, giving players the tools to engage in virtual boxing levels on a deep level and, in the case of Fight Night Champion, presenting a surprisingly mature, M-rated single-player story, the likes of which are virtually never seen in sports games. With Undisputed stirring up the stagnant waters of the boxing game scene, maybe Fight Night could see a reprisal in the coming years.

Undisputed Could Pave the Way for a Fight Night Return

Why Fight Night Was So Special

Even after two console generations, Fight Night remains the gold standard in boxing games, thanks to its enduring appeal. The series excels in numerous aspects, with impressive visuals for its time being just one of them, but it truly stands out due to its lifelike realism. Each punch delivers a realistic impact, considering factors like character exhaustion, angle, and the timing of blocks, reflecting boxing as a strategic chess match. Players must think strategically and methodically in every encounter, as button-mashing usually doesn’t work effectively.

The stunning visuals of “Fight Night” convincingly reinforce the realistic feel of the game, with characters appearing to perspire and their bodies convincing demonstrating movement such as compression, stretching, and swelling.

Discussing the enduring impact of Fight Night without mentioning Champion’s story mode feels incomplete. The single-player campaign, although not as grand as something like Red Dead Redemption 2, still held its ground and offered a unique, appealing experience even back then. In today’s sports game landscape, where narratives in games like the NBA 2K series often lack depth, creativity, and emotional resonance, Champion’s mature themes and ambitious storytelling feel almost surprising. This is an aspect that any potential Fight Night revival should strive to preserve.

A New Fight Night Game Could Be In the Works

As a passionate fan, I can’t help but get excited about the buzz that EA might be reviving the iconic Fight Night franchise! Though there have been whispers of a new game in the past, this time feels different given the momentum of UNDISPUTED entering the boxing scene and evidently drawing inspiration from Fight Night. This could potentially motivate EA to reinvest in its once-dominant boxing franchise, aiming to regain the spotlight and lead the market once more.

This potential “Fight Night” might surpass expectations, given it now faces genuine competition from “Undisputed.” Despite technical difficulties and balancing issues, it’s clear that “Undisputed” has made an impact in the fighting game market. EA should counter with a powerful punch of their own to match this challenge.

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2024-10-21 16:04