Enter the ring with one of the best boxing games in history
+ Still one of the greatest boxing games of all time
+ King Hippo
MISS
- Could've been a little longer
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This is quite possibly a game that, even 20+ years old, will never die in the eyes of gamers around the world. In this game you will take on the role of Mac, an upstart boxer with something to prove. You will start out with the worst fighter in the entire league, with a record of 1 - 99... Glass Joe. Working your way up the ranks you will face other made-up boxers from around the world such as Piston Honda, King Hippo, Great Tiger, Bald Bull, Soda Popinski and Super Macho Man. In the end, you must prepare yourself for the ultimate showdown with MIKE TYSON! (No, he doesn't bite ears in this game) With a quick wink, Mikey can follow up and put you on the mat for the TKO almost instantly.
The gameplay is very simple here. Pressing UP on the direction pad will allow you to move in and block, while Down will allow you to duck and evade your attacker. Left and Right on the direction pad serve as your sidestepping movements. From here it's all really smooth. B and A will function as your left and right hands, respectively. QUICK NOTE: If you hold Select during the pep talk at the end of each round, Mac will gain a small amount of health back before the beginning of the next round.
The graphics are just what you would expect from a Nintendo game in 1987. If you're into vintage gaming, of course, there's nothing wrong with that. All of the boxers are modeled very well for a game over 20 years old.
Sound isn't exactly anything to brag about, but the main tune is rather catchy. Before each fight, your opponent will be introduced and a quick audio clip will be played that is usually something related to the character in some form or fashion. After the bell sounds, however, the fight music is the same.
Back when I started collecting vintage games again, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! was one of the first games in my radar. If I'm not mistaken, I picked it up on e-bay for less than $10. Certainly a steal! I usually try to pick it up and play at least once every month or two... just to get back into the feel of things. In all honesty, however... I have to admit that I've only kicked Tyson's ass once the whole time I've played. I find the final bout to be quite difficult, personally. Hopefully this review has given you a little insight on the game and possibly helping you to get into vintage gaming if you're not already.
So... how does it stack up?
SCORECARD: (via www.enterthezombiegod.com)
8 (Concept)
10 (Gameplay)
9 (Visuals)
7 (Sound)
9.5 (Value)
8.5 (Tilt)
FINAL SCORE 8.7