Recent reviews by Halveridian

This game started with some quirky issues here and there, but then they released an update that changed the direction and flow. There was a natural progression after that update last year. with safe zones scattered throughout the map to retreat to if necessary and unlocking available missions as you get closer to their target areas.

Fast forward to .4 update. now you have a set of missions to start with and some replay value. It used to be once you completed missions they were done, now they cycle outside of the starting area. Contrary to what you might believe the game rewards exploration but it isn't instantaneous, patience and calculating approach are required.

Bringing the best gear you have has it's risks. You want to play with the new toys you've obtained but get reckless or overly curious without ensuring an area is secured will get you killed. If you see an area that looks like it could be inhabited it probably is. PVE version is significant enough of a challenge, if you want to add PVP on to it then feel free. Going slow is always a virtue but too slow can lead to exposure due to newly added roaming patrols, that are few and far between but they exist.

Mission areas may unlock progressively but nothing is stopping you from exploring beyond the natural progression of gear acquisitions. You really do get better at the game the more you play. As you play you will be comfortable taking on the more challenging areas of the map. The player base is generally helpful in as many ways as you can imagine unless they are part of another faction. coordinate with your friends what faction you will join so you can all play together. Joining a team of 2 to 3 players, coordinating available missions that you share and completing each other's missions on the way to a shared one makes it a great social game.

Playing tactical barbie is rewarding. I've played other games that have really good weapon customization but some just allow full customization out of the gate... no sense of accomplishment just create freely. This game doesn't allow for endless customization from the start because you have to unlock/find and even earn the ammunition, parts, and attachments that are available. Chances are as you perform tasks and level up the vendor's stock, each new tier you get access to will come with a new exploration of equipment. don't undervalue picking up generic weapons you won't use cause you can sell them.

Issues I've seen will likely get fixed. Spotting for teammates' shots seems limited as I can't detect much of an impact beyond 150 to 200m unless it hit the enemy. Allowing some mix between the progressive explorative main missions beginning and extending outside of the starting zone would be nice. The randomization of recurring missions is cool but allowing mission sharing within squads would be nice, as well as filtering parameters such as missions that you haven't finished versus repopulated completed missions. I suggest continuing the scripted mission progressions slightly beyond the starting areas. The AI never seem to use grenades so that could be nice (well it would suck but be immersive).

either way get this game. it scratches an itch.

This game is fantastic. to do a quick comparison of the last legit boxing game that came out.
move features:
that FNC had and does undisputed have them
-jab, straight, hook, uppercut, overhand hooks, or sweeping uppercuts. = yes all except i haven't seen sweeping uppercut. but overhand hook is featured once using the power modifier, and i'm sure based on fight style too.
-power modifier= yes
-weave modifier= yes
-block modifier = yes
-body shot modifier/ lower block modifier when combined with block.= yes
-switch stance=yes
-side step/dodge(via quick flick of left stick) = yes
- clinch = yes but not consistent
- push = yes
- taunt = yes
- low blow or headbut with modifier = yes
- combinations = yes
Ok so these are all the base features of fight night champion and they added all of them except for one two punch types although I believe they are still featured just differently.
you still have right stick punching or button.

Some improvements made in my eyes
- the slip system seems so much better in conjunction with dodge weave and block. Also allows for better counters.
- the weave blocking system also seems more like you have control similar to the older fight nights with directional blocking, great addition.
- the loose stance toggle really is a nice touch when using champs like Ali or Roy Jones who were notorious for being loose in the ring. the risk reward is real with that.

Changes I think still need to be made with game play.
- Moving and punching should be added. Ali was known for tossing jabs while moving so you shouldn't be stopped from doing it. there should be a caveat though, if you move and punch the power should be significantly reduced and should primarily be used to interrupt combinations or slow down a stalking opponent.
- also it seems like punches get through blocks on the body even though it looks like its hitting the arms simply because the body modifier wasn't selected. especially talking Philly Shell defense where a little of everything is covered. Now I need to fight more matches to test but it seems to be fairly off a bit. guy hit my elbow and hand while i held a block and reengaged and it was obvious, but i still got put down with a body shot... thing is my block endurance didn't go down enough to warrant it so my only thought is it's not fully physics based or programmed optimally. Early Access so meh it will be fine tuned i'm sure.
- AI just goes for the body all day on the hardest mode, regardless of their real world boxing style and tendencies.... I imagine this will likely be fixed as well. there is a chance they are responding to how much weaving and slipping you do. which in that case great but I doubt it.
-more fighters would be nice, Big one for me is Sugar Ray Robinson tends to go down in history as the greatest fighter of all time pound for pound. Some attention should be payed to his stats and adjusted accordingly as he seems underwhelming. I've fought with and against him with AI matches and something is off. There is a tendency to favor modern day over classic fighters and that could be the case with this.


All in all this game is super fun and there are ways around the moving while punching limitations because movement can be combined with a punch you just have to get creative. That is really my only complaint.

practice sword fighting and reacting. this is not a hack and slash button masher. It is however the most complete Pirate management game out there in terms of crew management, officer selection, and vastness. you will be in for a long game. also there may always be a moment that you can't get past so save often