TheChez.net

by Hydro033

Here we go, it has been happening to movies for years now and it is just starting to hit the video game world. Remakes. Yes, even though “video game” has been a household term for about only 20 years, remakes are popping up all over the place. Some better than others, some claiming to be sequels, other prequels, mostly all crap. So, I was skeptical when Punch-Out!! Wii was announced. I absolutely loved Super Punch-Out!! for Super Nintendo Entertainment System. I never got into Punch-Out!! (with or without Mike Tyson) for NES, but it is a classic that I have been meaning to play. Well, I am happy to say that Punch-Out!! Wii, although a few disappointments, delivers.

Now, everyone who played Punch-Out!! titles should know how it works, but here is a recap just to refresh. You play as 17-year-old, 4 ft 8 in, 107 lb Little Mac. He hails from the Bronx, New York. You and your trainer, Doc Louis, set out to conquer the boxing world in a pattern recognition style boxing game that is much different than a sports title. Doc Louis was absent from Super Punch-Out!!, but he made his return for the Nintendo Wii and was funnier than ever. I could not get enough of those chocolate bars! The developers over at Next Level Games really had fun with this one and it shows. Everything from Doc Louis’ comments to the inclusion of Donkey Kong (who kicked my ass by the way) showed a fine touch of humor in this enjoyable game.

The theme song is great and it has been stuck in my head for weeks. The music keeps an edgy rock tone like something you might find in a gym. I think the tunes fit the game nicely along with the various themed meoldies that play with the many themed characters. That is the best part of Punch-Out!!, the characters. Each one is a stereotype of some nationality or ethnicity, while cruel, it (in a South Park-esque way) manages to hit on a vast diversity that does not single anyone out. The characters are hilarious and the brief, still cartoons that introduce each character fleshed them out and added some much-needed personality.

Punch-Out!! has always been more of a puzzle game rather than a boxing game, and Punch-Out!! Wii stays true to that. You must learn the opponent’s patterns and attack accordingly. It can get extremely frustrating sometimes because you often still get nailed even though you “saw it coming.” Some fighters are harder to learn than others (I am looking at you Contender Bald Bull!), but with patience, any fight will be a victory.The game had more of a focus on countering than the previous title and I did dislike that. I am more of a dodge kind of guy, what can I say?

In career mode, after winning all three belts, you unlock Title Defense Mode, which is essentially replaying the game. The difference is that the opponents feature all new punches, styles, and even get-ups. Some bouts have very interesting elements to them like King Hippo’s manhole cover or Glass Joe’s helmet. I honestly lost to Glass Joe around ten times because I did not understand how to counter him, yes, laugh. After Title Defense Mode, you unlock Mac’s Last Stand, which allows Little Mac to fight against a random assortment of opponents until he loses three times. I only beat one guy (Von Kaiser) before Don Flamenco, King Hippo, and Donkey Kong kicked my ass. An embarrassing way to retire, but whatever. The Exhibition mode is there for practice as well as a simple, but fun head-to-head multiplayer mode.

My Cheers: The game stuck true to its roots and delivered a fine, nostalgic, classic experience. The fighters received some much-needed personality with the short introductions. Even Little Mac and Doc Louis had more life this time around.  The music was great and the actually gameplay was extremely crisp and precise.

My Jeers: Do not try playing this with the balance board, stick to the sideways Wiimote. Did I mention almost all the fighters were in previous titles? Why? The cap of twelve fighters was a disappointment. The game could have used some online head-to-head play, because the offline option was mediocre. The training montages were cool, but too short. The training can be a good opportunity to vary the gameplay up too. Even with the boxers’ different fighting styles in Title Defense Mode, I was still a little disappointed at the lack of a fourth circuit. Finally, I wish I could have the option to either dodge or counter any punch. The game clearly favored one reaction over the other when pertaining to certain punches.

Overall: I really recommend this title as I fear it might fall into obscurity. The game delivers exactly what every Punch-Out!! fan wants: a crisp, clean experience that is more puzzle than sport. It was a valiant effort by Next Level Games, but it just needs a tad bit more non-repetitive content. I ended with a deplorable 27-52 (26 KO) record, but it was well worth it. Now, I am going to get me a chocolate bar.

One Chez! (click here to see how the rating system works!)