Nostalgia Game Review: Punch-Out!!

Welcome to another edition of Nostalgia Game Review, where I showcase classic games that you should (or shouldn't) give a try. This edition will highlight an NES classic, Punch-Out!!

Originally released on September 18, 1987, Punch-Out!! actually had Mike Tyson as the final boss. Minoru Arakawa was so impressed by Tyson's fighting that he wanted to use his likeness in an upcoming port of a boxing game. Tyson was paid $50,000 for a three-year period for his likeness. Due to the contract with Nintendo expiring, Tyson was replaced by Mr. Dream.

You play as Little Mac, a boxer from the Bronx who's looking to become the World Video Boxing Association champion. You go through three circuits, fighting boxers from the likes of France, the U.S.S.R., Japan, and Germany. All Little Mac can do is punch, jab, and pull off a star punch, i.e. an uppercut. Little Mac also has a heart counter, which will prevent Little Mac from attacking once it hits zero. The game follows basic boxing rules: You get a knockout if your opponent doesn't get up before the count of ten and you win if your opponent is knocked down three times.

Punch-Out!! can be a difficult game to play. It was hard for me to pull off star punches, which is a requirement to beat Bald Bull in the second go-round of the World Circuit. It can also be frustrating taking down the likes of King Hippo, especially if you don't know the cue to strike. Granted, most Nintendo games were hard back in the day, so it should not be much of a surprise.

Still, the game can be fun and motivating for you to beat. The characters are fun and goofy. You even see Mario make an appearance as a referee in the game! How cool is that?

Punch-Out!! can be a tough game for a newbie to play. It may take a while to pick up on the opponent's cues and the later fights can be a challenge. If you're down for that challenge, give Punch-Out!! a shot.