Video Game Classics: Punch Out!!
advertisement
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
This boxing game was an arcade hit in 1983, and was re-released with significant changes for Nintendo's home console in 1987 as “Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!” In the game, the tiny fighter Little Mac faced off against a series of fictional boxers using basic moves like left and right jabs, body blows and a powerful uppercut. While it was most fondly associated with Tyson, he was cut when Nintendo's license to use his likeness and name expired in 1990. As a result, the game was re-released with a fictitious fighter in his place called Mr. Dream, and the real-world champion never returned for any other entry in the series. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we take a look back at the wacky and beloved sports game “Punch Out!!”
Video Game Classics: Punch Out!!
Some games will live forever as Classics. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be taking a look at the wacky and beloved sports game “Punch Out!!!” for the NES.
This boxing game was originally an arcade hit in 1983, and was re-released with significant changes four years after its arrival. As a result, it landed on Nintendo’s home console in 1987 as “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!”
The game was renamed to capitalize on Tyson’s World Heavyweight Championship title, and it also made the athlete the final boss in the game. Several major elements of the arcade original were changed in the transition to the home console, as well.
These included new names for several of the game’s opponents, as well as new gameplay mechanics. The graphics were also downgraded and stylized to suit the hardware limitations of the NES.
Since it was impossible to create a direct port at the time, the developers decided to ditch the use of wire framing and transparencies that allowed gamers to see their opponents. Instead, they shrunk the player to allow for an unobstructed view.
The main protagonist was given the identity of “Little Mac.” The name symbolized his stature, and paid tribute to McDonald’s classic hamburger.
Aside from these major changes, the game also added a basic plot, a riveting background music track, animated cut scenes, a training coach, a cameo by Mario dressed as a referee, and a password save system.
While he worked his way up the professional circuit, Little Mac faced off against a series of fictional boxers, including King Hippo. Along the way, he made use of basic moves like left and right jabs, body blows and a powerful uppercut. This could only be used after earning a star through counter-punching opponents.
Health-wise, Little Mac’s physical state was presented through a heart meter that turned pink when he became exhausted and was unable to attack.
Within the game, players won fights by knockout, technical knockout – which required players to drop their opponent three times in one round – or by decision.
Losing a fight prompted a rematch called a title bout. After losing this, players would fall in the rankings. Even worse, a loss to Mike Tyson resulted in a game over.
While it was most fondly associated with Tyson, he was cut when Nintendo’s license to use his likeness and name expired in 1990. As a result, it was re-released with a fictitious fighter in his place called Mr. Dream, and the real-world champion never returned for any other entry in the series.
A true video game classic that brought us into the ring, minus the pain, “Punch Out!!!” continues to be a beloved boxing sim. The game was so popular, it received a sequel in 1998 for Super Nintendo, and again in 2009 when it incorporated motion controls for its entry on the Wii.
Some games will live forever as Classics. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’ll be taking a look at the wacky and beloved sports game “Punch Out!!!” for the NES.
This boxing game was originally an arcade hit in 1983, and was re-released with significant changes four years after its arrival. As a result, it landed on Nintendo’s home console in 1987 as “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!”
The game was renamed to capitalize on Tyson’s World Heavyweight Championship title, and it also made the athlete the final boss in the game. Several major elements of the arcade original were changed in the transition to the home console, as well.
These included new names for several of the game’s opponents, as well as new gameplay mechanics. The graphics were also downgraded and stylized to suit the hardware limitations of the NES.
Since it was impossible to create a direct port at the time, the developers decided to ditch the use of wire framing and transparencies that allowed gamers to see their opponents. Instead, they shrunk the player to allow for an unobstructed view.
The main protagonist was given the identity of “Little Mac.” The name symbolized his stature, and paid tribute to McDonald’s classic hamburger.
Aside from these major changes, the game also added a basic plot, a riveting background music track, animated cut scenes, a training coach, a cameo by Mario dressed as a referee, and a password save system.
While he worked his way up the professional circuit, Little Mac faced off against a series of fictional boxers, including King Hippo. Along the way, he made use of basic moves like left and right jabs, body blows and a powerful uppercut. This could only be used after earning a star through counter-punching opponents.
Health-wise, Little Mac’s physical state was presented through a heart meter that turned pink when he became exhausted and was unable to attack.
Within the game, players won fights by knockout, technical knockout – which required players to drop their opponent three times in one round – or by decision.
Losing a fight prompted a rematch called a title bout. After losing this, players would fall in the rankings. Even worse, a loss to Mike Tyson resulted in a game over.
While it was most fondly associated with Tyson, he was cut when Nintendo’s license to use his likeness and name expired in 1990. As a result, it was re-released with a fictitious fighter in his place called Mr. Dream, and the real-world champion never returned for any other entry in the series.
A true video game classic that brought us into the ring, minus the pain, “Punch Out!!!” continues to be a beloved boxing sim. The game was so popular, it received a sequel in 1998 for Super Nintendo, and again in 2009 when it incorporated motion controls for its entry on the Wii.
