Written by: William G Chandler Jr.
March 10, 2016, at 7:00 p.m.
Nintendo has a number of platform games. Sometimes, you need a change. This is what they offer with
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream. The game for the Nintendo Wii U Virtual Console represents diversity in game play. It is the Nintendo Entertainment System’s finest from 1987. As Ron DelVillano comments, of Nintendo Life, it is about “learning your opponent and using his weaknesses to your advantage.” In his review of the game, it highlights its connection to boxing, its puzzle aspects, and the inclusion of Mister Dream, as Nintendo lost the license to use Mike Tyson in the game.
Glass Joe is your first opponent. His simple, hesitant, style begs you for an encounter. Little Mac has jabs, hooks, and a sweet, massive uppercut. You can also evade and duck opponents’ attacks. Glass Joe is easy, but as you elevate through the ranks, the opponents get more complex. I personally have had my issues with Soda Popinski. It is not that the character is not beatable. His style requires a precise tactic, every time. If you do not feel like fighting him, this character can play with you for hours.
Mike Tyson and Mister Dream are the same character with different intentions. You can regard Mike Tyson, at the time as the best fighter in the world, as a terror. Mister Dream earns your respect. The beat down remains the same, as quick jabs and cold uppercuts lay you out.
This game, in my opinion, allowed me to explore video game sports fighting. Punch-Out!! is a very niche boxing title. It made me want to explore other games in order to get a similar winning feel. Punch-Out!! made me search for Best of the Best: Championship Karate for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Gamefaqs classifies the title, by Loriciels and Electrobrain, as a boxing, and martial arts, title, simply. In 1992, the game required you to build a fighter and train them to become a true champion. You customize the character and their move sets.
When you win, it is accomplishment and a worthwhile feat. Punch-Out!! would direct me to its predecessor for the Nintendo Wii. In 1992, this title, by Next Level Games and Nintendo, provides a strong look and feel that calls back to the classic. The twist is the title defense as champion. This next step in the game’s evolution beats you. Glass Joe after he loses, initially, carries headgear, and a slight change in his in ring tactics. The game also can require you to use the Wii’s motion controls to play. It is natural change and development.
This all starts with Punch-Out!! on the Nintendo Entertainment System. The cartoon-style, great sounds, and vicious, but fun opponents immerse you in the game. Everyone remembers when The Great Tiger turned the game around on him or her. Piston Honda always improves, but relies on speed. The Bald Bull and Mister Sandman remain nasty. Nintendo knows how to create experiences.
Get it on the Nintendo Wii U, Virtual Console.
Links
Punch-Out
Punchout Image by Charles Williams
https://www.flickr.com/photos/charlesonflickr/368744053
Nintendo Life Punchout featuring Mister Dream Review by Don DelVillano
http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu-eshop/punch_out_featuring_mr_dream_nes
Attract Mode: Punch-Out!! Wii U Virtual Console by Sackula
Looking back, Punch Out was more of a puzzle game than a fighting game. Regardless, a thrilling challenge that I couldn’t complete. It wasn’t until 20 or so years later that I beat it using a NES Rom where I could save between fights.
I could get all the way to Iron Mike, but never beat him. I think the furthest I got was round 2 then he KTFO’d me. A classic game, with a level of replay value that is unheard of in modern gaming.
It is classic. I will say the game on the virtual console is the same, but the buttons on the controller get you to get your punches out faster.Fight. Mr Dream. It will,give you the satisfaction.
You should,play it on Wii. It feels the same, but when,it switches to the title defense mode, it’s basically like a sequel.
Yeah, I believe they later released the game without Mike Tyson as the end boss due to his rape allegations. Then Super-Punchout for SNES was the same great type of puzzle-fighter; but included no real-life boxers. The fighters were so bizarre I recall one of them was a Karate master who would throw kicks. The final boss of the SNES version was “Nick Bruiser”…. not sure who that was supposed to represent. Knockout Kings 2001 was my next favorite boxing game.
Knockout Kings was nice. I,just wish knockout kings was honed more.You see UFC now and only wish a similar boxing title gets that treatment now.
http://www.slickstermagazine.com/punch-out-lets-play/
A long time, when we were first starting we published this boxing game article.