Hype Muffin
It's An Andyroo Game Review
Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! (Nintendo Entertainment System)
Punch-Out!! seems to be regarded as a truly excellent game and in many cases is looked at as one of the finest games on the NES. Is this the case? If so, then why? Let's take a closer look.
In Punch-Out, the player takes control of Little Mac, a small young man with the dream of becoming a world champion boxer. Little Mac goes head to head with a variety of other boxers as he tries to make his way to the very top of the boxing world, where he will face off against the hard punchin', ear munchin', rapist son of a bitch known as Mike Tyson.
Punch-Out uses what is best described as a first person view. Mac faces whatever boxer he is pinned against, as the camera faces the opponent with Mac's upper back showing. The “B” and “A” buttons control Mac's left and right fists respectively. Pressing either the “A” or “B” button causes a jab with either fist. Holding up on the d-pad while pressing the fist buttons will give your opponent a nasty uppercut in the jaw. Left and right on the d-pad are used for dodging when it is clear that the opposing boxer is about to deliver a blow, and down on the d-pad is for blocking.
The seemingly simple controls listed above are surprisingly immersive, and coupled with the first person view, they make for a rewarding gameplay experience. Knocking down an opponent brings a feeling of glee, and I occasionally find myself punching in the air as I observe Little Mac following my commands.
Little Mac is given three rounds to knock out each opponent. Much like actual boxing, the idea is to deal damage to your opponent without getting hurt yourself. This can be done by hitting the other boxer when he is most vulnerable. To do this, the player must keep a careful eye to see when the enemy is about to strike. At this point a quick dodge must be initiated, followed by quick punches to the jaw or gut. Each boxer has certain quirks about them, which need to be identified in order for the player to dodge properly. These have a wide range of noticeability. An opponent crouched down with his fist at his side is a clear sign that an uppercut in your direction is in the future, while a small rapid flickering of the eyebrows might make that jab harder to anticipate. As the player progresses, and Little Mac moves up to higher boxing leagues, the opponents move faster, punch more forcefully, and can prove much more difficult to dodge. At this point opposing boxers may also use special moves, which range from a lightning quick series of jabs, to the use of Indian magic to clobber you in the face. It is key to determine the right action to counter some of these techniques and emerge the victor.
The difficulty of the game reaches it's peak at the final duel against Mike Tyson. My hat goes off to the person who can beat that fucker, as I think it might just be impossible. One punch and I'm knocked out? One damn punch?!
Though I am no technical expert, it is clear to me that Punch-Out!! has great 8-bit graphics. Everything is clear and colorful and that provides the game with an atmosphere that compliments its superb gameplay nicely. The cutscenes shown once Mac moves on after becoming champion of a boxing league, display these graphics the best.
The music of the game is exquisite, especially the theme played while in a match. It does exactly what it is supposed to do: it brings you in and energizes you. It tells you that you've gotta beat the shit out of the other guy.
I feel like I am Rocky when I play this game, and in a way you are. As Little Mac you are the ultimate underdog, a small 17 year old kid facing super ripped guys with giant muscles. You try your hardest and never give up, even though your opponent can knock you out in one or two punches. That's what the game captures: the spirit of the underdog.
When it comes right down to it, Mike Tyson's Punch Out!! is indeed an excellent game. If you claim you love video games, this one is not to be missed. The gameplay is nearly flawless and very rewarding. The variety of enemies and strategies needed will keep you interested. I'd also certainly say that this is worth a replay every once in a while.
If an NES is not at your disposal, the game is available on the Wii's Virtual Console service as “Punch-Out!! featuring Mr. Dream” or perhaps just “Punch-Out!!” . Tyson's name could no longer be used due to licensing issues, so I believe those versions are exactly the same as what is reviewed here, save for an alternate final boss.
Recently revealed news shows that a new Punch-Out!! game is in the works for the Wii, which excited fans of the original such as myself. It is lovely to see that a franchise with such potential is being revived.
Play this game.
That is all Andyroo has to say today, friends. He hopes you will leave comments. Until next time, Andyroo will be waiting.
