N-Philes

Classic Plastic #05 - Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!

Posted March 9th 2005 by John Ondrey.

"This is a story of true victory. But the road is long..."

Ever seen the sports movie Hoosiers? Better yet, Rocky? Both films inspired viewers, giving everyone hope that no matter how small or nameless you are, it's still possible to be a champion. In terms of achieving the impossible for videogames, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! and Little Mac score a technical knockout.

Little Mac, a 17-year-old kid from the Bronx in New York weighing a brittle 107 pounds loves "nothing more than a tough challenge." His only dream is to be champion of the World Video Boxing Association. Doc Louis, "an ex-heavyweight who was a famous hard hitter around 1954," is Mac's trainer.

Sure, the story is farfetched and a little cheesy, but the game more than makes up for it with zany characters, engrossing challenge, and excellent, uncomplicated gameplay mechanics. You punch, you dodge, and you block. Only Nintendo can make a game that seems ridiculously mundane from the outside, into a full-fledged, addicting classic.

What makes MTPO!! stand out from other boxing games (let alone all sports games) is the strategy gamers must learn and master in order to defeat opponents. Every match is different and opponents must be studied to exploit weaknesses. For example, when facing Great Tiger, it can be difficult to dodge his quick jab. But, if you examine his movements, the swift combatant gives away when he'll use his nippy punch once the jewel on his headpiece sparkles. Many opponents have special abilities or punches that must be countered to win matches. When facing Bald Bull and his menacing Bull Charge (where he literally charges full steam at you from the back of the ring), Mac must throw a very timely body blow to knock the wind out of him. King Hippo can't be defeated unless you first put a fist in his huge mouth, which reveals his weakness – an injured stomach. At which point you must go berserk on his fat gut until he pulls his shorts up again. Crazy? Yes. Fun? No doubt.

Every character in Punch-Out!! was memorable for their wacky names and silly, sometimes bizarre one-liners. Glass Joe was a frail, old timer – a perfect first opponent with fossil-like reflexes. The French native shouts, "Make it quick...I want to retire!!" in between rounds. "I can't drive, so I'm gonna walk all over you!" was the Russian Soda Popinski's best attempt at talking smack in between rounds and getting "drunk" off punch. Hollywood native Super Macho Man, famous for his Super Spin Punch, was all about his looks. "My body is just so totally cool!" Ummm...OK...

Many consider Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! to be the very best boxing game ever created. It's tough to argue against this claim considering the depth, challenge, and attitude this timeless sports title carries. If you've never played Punch-Out!! and your starving for a fast fingered fix, don't hesitate to pick it up.

Are you up for the challenge? Can you take a no-name, scrawny kid to true victory? The road is long...

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This game is recommended for: Those who enjoy action and sports games requiring quick reflexes, but more importantly, learned strategy. It's also recommended for those who've ever dreamed of making the impossible dream possible.

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Love Punch-Out!!? Hate it? Head to our forums and let's hear your thoughts.

Additional links and sources:

Lunch Box Pad

RedTom's Punch-Out!! Page

Posted in: Features

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