Is it bad that this game still looks and plays like the NES version? I guess two player makes it worthwhile.

User Rating: 6 | Punch-Out!! WII
By givememytriforc | Review Date:
Having been a huge fan of the NES version of punch out I was quite excited to hear the new release of punch out on the wii. Unfortunately the game does not live up to the hype like many games on the Wii. I expected the game to be over the top as in all the punch out games but Nintendo took the over the top characters and made them really annoying. The NES version had charm and the characters made you laugh as they played on the stereotypes. The Wii version has the characters say ridiculous lines and even more rediculous cut scenes before the fight. It would seem that they were trying to make the game appeal even more to kids that it already did. Even Doc's lines sound stupid and really take away from the experience where Doc could have been a little more intense since Mac is a boxer after all. IMO the game was better when they couldn't speak. This is by far my biggest complaint about the game. Nintendo really doesn't know how to appeal to the gamer that doesn't really appreciate the childish characters.

The other complaint for the game is the audio and video components of the game. The sound isn't that great and again I actually prefer the NES versions of the music. The theme is okay but I really enjoyed the music before the different fighters in the NES version and Nintendo has again ruined that for me. The video side of the game is laughable. It really only looks a tad better than the NES version. They added some new cut scenes that update the game but the fighting itself looks about the same. The did update the game visually but only to a PS1 or early PS2 level.

Some of the good things about the game are really good. The game is still easy to play and the buttons are just like the NES version for the career mode if you play using the wiimote only. Then the game is like Wii Sports boxing if you play using the wiimote and the attachment. Its really easy to control. The fighting is fun and all about timing like the NES version. This is a good thing. The ghost fighting adds a new element which is really nice for the harder characters so you don't ruin your record and can practice the right timing. Once you have beaten a character you can fight them at anytime in the exhibition mode. This again is a nice addition and lets you fight your favorites with your friends at any time. Finally the best new feature is the 2 player mode. While it is a little different it definitely worth a try. Imagine Wii Sports Boxing with Little Mac as the characters. 2 player has some cool features that turn you into a larger character with its own special moves after you have turned your character blue by hitting them a certain amount of times. 2 player would have been nice on the NES as my brother and I wouldn't have to take turns boxing characters. He always got me early losses that kept me from getting to Mike Tyson. My only complaint is a lack of online play and more characters. Imagine being able to control the characters from the story. That would be very nice.

Anyways, the game play itself is still good if you think of it as an add on for the NES version. The 2 player is good, the different modes are nice, and all the good characters are in this game. The sound, visuals, and new animations are bad and really appeal to kids. Fortunately you can skip over most of it. There is also no online fighting and you can only fight with little mac in the 2 player mode. If you are expecting a huge step forward with the franchise then skip this. If you are wanting to get another shot at an old NES classic then this game is for you.

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