Welcome to For What it's Worth, where bargain titles are examined to see if they really are worth your bottom dollar. Sadly, I couldn't write this in time for Mike Tyson Day, which was last week, but that doesn't mean I can't celebrate the occassion, with a review of Punch-Out!! for the Nintendo Entertainment System(which can now be found on the Wii Virtual Console). I have found memories of trying to knock out Mike Tyson in this game and failing and failing and failing and now I get to revisit those memories with review of Mike Tyson's.... wait a minute. Why is Mike Tyson's name not in the title of the review?
Well as it turns out, Nintendo's right to use Mike Tyson's image expired in 1990 and with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! being such a popular title, they needed a way to distribute more copies of the game without being sued by Tyson so they decided to make a slight change to the game for the re-release. Mike Tyson was no longer the final boss. In his place was "The Legendary" Mr. Dream, a bland 50's era looking boxer who was created using Tyson's template and move set. So Tyson's name and image were removed from the game but did that mean that regular Punch-Out!! was not a great game?
Well since I like to be differnet, I would like to celebrate Mike Tyson Day by highlighting his Bizzarro World, white guy equivilant in (just) Punch-Out!! for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Wii Virtual Console.
Story: You take on the role of boxer Little Mac as he works his way through the minor leagues and lower cards to eventually take on the Heavyweight Champion of the World… Mr. Dream (He’s no Tyson). Mac may be small but he has a lot of heart and with his manager Doc Lewis by his side, he’s going straight for the gold, one knockout at a time. It's not much but in a game like this, it is all about the gameplay but we good get some great bits of dialouge like: "Please knock me out so I can retire" and "Join the Nintendo Fun Club today."
Graphics & Design: Sure it’s in 8-bit but considering the time it was originally released, Punch-Out!! probably had the best and most realistic looking character models around, even if they were all cartoonish and based on national and racial stereotypes. As stereotypical as the opponents may be, they are so unique and so over the top that they are actually charming. I also like how huge each opponent is compared to Little Mac’s tiny stature. It really helps set the underdog tone of the story.
Sound: You don’t get a lot of variety in terms of music but what you do get is 8-bit greatness. Tracks like the classic fight theme and the triumphant training theme have made this limited soundtrack iconic in the realm of video game music.
Gameplay: The game mechanics for Punch-Out are incredibly easy to learn but actually pretty challenging to master. Your opponent is on the top end of the screen and your boxer (Little Mac) is on the bottom. Your opponent is going to be throwing punches and you will have to dodge, block and counter with some punches of your own at the appropriate times. Getting to know the rhythm of each fight is going to be very important in this game. Each opponent has their own attack patterns and special moves, so you are going to have to take your time during your first few tries to learn when to dodge and land your counter blows. But remember, the challengers are going to get faster, stronger and more aggressive as the game goes on, so you are really going to need to keep your eye on the ball and really watch out for any opening for a counter attack that you can get. By the way, when you land counter blows, you will get a star, which will allow you to perform Little Mac’s patented uppercut. The uppercut will deal out a far bit of damage, so be sure to save these for stars for the right time because you are really going to need them later on down the line.
Extra Features: The game gives you the ability to continue where you left off, through a password system. Back when this game was originally released passwords were considered an extra feature.
Replay Value: Is it the longest game? Not by any stretch of the imagination. But it is hard and I mean that unforgiving old school kind of hard. Any one of the bosses beyond the Minor Circuit (except Don Flamingo) will effortlessly beat your ass if you don’t know what to do (especially Mr. Dream). It is going to take some time to learn how to defeat each of your opponents (of course your bound to have fun doing so) and the game’s charm will likely draw you in for a few more rounds after the final bell.
Overall Value: Download Price- 500 Wii Points/ $5
What it’s Worth- $15
Even without Iron Mike, Punch-Out!! is still a legendary contender and is well worth the money, so I'd highly reccomend downloading it now if you haven't done so already.
Until next time: Happy Hunting!
Next on the docket: BioShock
