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112 of 115 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A welcome trip down memory lane!, May 20, 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Punch-Out!! (Video Game)
As a fan of the original Punch-Out!! titles on NES and SNES, I knew that this game was a must have for me. Having finally played the title yesterday, I am glad to report that it certainly does not disappoint! This is hardcore Punch-Out gameplay at it's best!
The thing that I love about Punch-Out!! is that, like the original games, it really isn't a brawler. You can't button-mash your way through the game. Rather, it really is more of a puzzler, in that each opponent has a "tell", and a specific fighting style. Once you have him figured out, it is just a matter of countering him. Don't be mistaken, however: this game's difficulty get's hardcore really quickly (much like the original games!). For instance, last night, I was able to breeze right through the Minor Circuit (using the motion controls), but in the second circuit (Major Circuit I believe), the fighter "Great Tiger" (a welcome import from the original NES game!) gave me a really hard time! I found myself REALLY challenged, much to my delight! Also, much like the original games, once you defeat several of the players in the game, you get to fight them again later in the game.... however, their fighting style (the puzzle element of the game) has completely changed, and the difficulty is ramped up drastically. I am confident that this game will provide hours and hours of gameplay. Anyway, here are some of my observations about the game:
LOVED-
*Art style - everything is hand drawn, colorful, and animated. This game looks great, and doesn't take itself too seriously. Also, several humerous head-nods to the original games were included (lik Doc urging you to join Club Nintendo ringside!). Also, some of the knockout animations (like the original games) are REALLY satisfying and funny. When I knocked out Disco Kid, he spun around like a top and hit all four corners of the ring while making pinball machine noises. Now THAT'S classic Punch-Out!! if I've ever seen it!
*Difficulty - one thing that games are missing these days is hardcore difficulty. The original Punch-Out!!, as well as titles like the Contra series or the Mega Man series tended to be so difficult at times that you were tempted to throw your controller at the wall! There is nothing worse to me than just breezing through a game. I was pleasantly surprised that, even though I knew how to beat most of the fighters that I have faced so far (since they were in the original games), they still were no push-overs this time around. The characters are FASTER than they were in the old games, and the motion controls ad a new dimension of difficulty.
*Achievements - this game has a simple achievement system where you are challenged, for instance, to beat a character in one round, or with only right jabs, etc. Achievements are something special for any Wii game, since so very select few developers are including them in Wii titles. This ads loads of replay value in my opinion (I am STILL trying to get all the trophies unlocked in Smash Bros Brawl! What can I say... I'm a perfectionist!)
*Multiplayer - the game includes a simple multiplayer mode where you play head to head with a friend as Little Mac. It is really simple, but it is fun. I only wish that you could have played as other boxers and that some kind of online play was included... but this was still a welcome feature!
*Controls - Wii Sports Boxing was fun, but really left me wanting a great boxing title where the motion controls really work well. Punch-Out!!, while not really a "Boxing" game (it's no Knockout Kings for sure!), has implemented some really smooth motion controls. Rather than relying solely on motion controls, you simply swing right and left. You hold a button while swinging to do an upwards swing, and press a button while swinging to do a star punch. The motion controls are simple, and they work. Later in the game, as the difficulty ramps up even higher, I have a feeling that I will switch to the classic NES controls rather than the motion controls (Wii remote on it's side), as this will allow for more speed and responsiveness (since a button press is always faster than a swing of the wiimote), so I'm glad this was included.
Disliked:
*Could have included a few more original/new boxers
*No online play
All in all, this game is really wonderful. Certainly a must-have for any hardcore gamer who owns (or is thinking about buying) a Wii.
Scores:
Presentation: A
Gameplay: A+
Replay Value: A
Multiplayer: B
Overall: A
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27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tons of fun, May 19, 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Punch-Out!! (Video Game)
I was skeptical at first that Nintendo would be able to recreate the fun of the original game without radically altering the basic elements of what made the game so great. The original Punch-Out!! had somewhat repetitive game play but there was a ton of enjoyment to be had in figuring out how to KO the fighters that the overall experience was very memorable. I was concerned that a direct translation of the original game play elements to the Wii with no modifications would result in a repetitive and shallow experience. I'm glad to see I was wrong. There is more depth and strategy to this remake than meets the eye, and the 2-player, exhibition matches and challenges add multiple levels of replay value. The basic high-level strategy remains the same as the original - you are Little Mac, a scrappy boxer fighting his way across the minor, major and world circuit. Eventually you can take the title and fight to defend it. As you beat various characters, you get to see the cut-scene for the next opponent. Cut-scenes and other unlockable content then become viewable in the gallery. The Wii expands on the original Punch-Out!! by including various "challenges" that you can undertake during the exhibition matches. Example challenges include K.O'ing an opponent with 6 punches in a single match, finding an opponents "weak-spot" and knocking him out with one hit, winning a match without dodging/ducking/blocking, etc. I won't spoil anything by saying what happens when you complete a challenge but these add plenty of replay value after you've jabbed and uppercutted your way through the world circuit. The exhibition matches are also great for practicing against an opponent without affecting your ranking, as career mode will track your win/loss record.
The characters from the original are more charming than you remember and the "celluloid" style (not sure if that's the exact term) of animation is interesting and takes advantage of the somewhat limited graphical capabilities of the Wii ("limited" when compared to the 360/PS3). You won't even notice that the Wii isn't rendering zillions of polygons and textures a minute because the cut scenes and character mannerisms are just fun to watch. Parents should note that even though this is a boxing game, the "violence" is quite comical and there is no blood or maliciousness. Overall, this is a must-have for fans of the original and Wii fans looking for a solid gaming experience.
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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best old school fun on the Wii, May 25, 2009
Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars
This review is from: Punch-Out!! (Video Game)
Games on the Wii have a hard time standing out. With so many systems out there, developers try and cater to as many tastes as there are gamers. With Punch Out, Nintendo had a difficult choice. Make a game for everyone or try and develope something for those hungry hardcore gamers. Who says you can't have it both ways?
Punch Out is a puzzle game that demands some memorization and quick reflexes. As you fight against the 13 regular fighters, they will telegraph their attacks and give little tell signs of how the will go about hitting you. Learn those attacks (easier than ever by going to the exhibition mode and practicing) and jab your way to the top for a title bout.
After the initial bout of fights, you become the champ and all former boxers return with new and improved techniques. This is when the game turns reaaally hard. But the good news is that nothing beats winning a close fight where you almost lost, having your buddies cheer you on and passing the controller around, of which there are various options. Old NES controls are great, even if I liked the motion controls better.
As someone who has been playing for over 22 years, I remember having a blast with the original Punch Out. The best part about this one is how it reminds me of all the fun I had with that game and at the same time feels like a whole new experience.
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