A triumphant return of Mike Tyson's game legacy.
Super Punch Out is no ordinary boxing game. You play as an unknown boxer, wanting to raise through the ranks, and eventually become the world champ. And, you will, as you fight your way through all four tournaments, defeating all sixteen boxers. However, your point of view in Super Punch Out differes from that of most boxing games. You get an over the shoulder view when fighting oppoenent; it's innovative, to say the least. And it only makes the game even better.
However, the combination of the over the shoulder view and the combat system is what makes Super Punch Out all the better. It's a very simplistic system of few punches and blocks, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. There are two different types of punches: lower punch and upper punch. That's it. But, as you cause damage to your opponent, and avoid taking damage yourself, you cause a meter to fill up. When it is fully filled, you can release a powerful punch to the stomach, or a quick uppercut to the face. It's quite entertaining. You can also block, but in only two ways: lower block and upper block. With these moves, you challenge an onslaught of opposing boxers, all wanting the title of World Champ. Are you up to the challenge?
You will be challenging a large variety of foes. Whether it be the weak elderly Gabby Jay, or the strong, buff Super Machoman. Unfortunately, a lot of the characters from the cast of boxers are complete, utter stereotypes. Whether it be the stereotypical jamaican Bob Charlie, or the large, canadian Bear Hugger; seriously, almost a majority of the fighters are stereotypical in one way or another. Not that it really makes a difference, you will still have fun beating the crap out of them either way.
So, the combat plays pretty well. How about the graphics? Well, they are top-notch, to say the least. All the boxer have clean animations, as they punch, kick, and occasionally start the huge combo of quick hits to the face. Ouch. And the audience looks pretty good, too. The fans rave, cheering for there favorite boxer, as the two fighters have at it. Super Punch Out sports a somewhat cartoony style of visuals, despite the fact that the game itself can get pretty intense.
Unfortunately, the sound isn't as great as everything else in the game. The music can be a little catchy at times, but not always. Animations are what you would expect, and no less: punching sounds realistic, blocking sound realistic. But, the cries of some of your foes as they collapse can be pretty annoying. The sound is pretty much a hit or miss, if you want to put it that way.
Well, that pretty much sums it up. Super Punch Out sports a unique style of gameplay, along with a clean, cartoony style of graphics. It's an instant classic, a triumphant return of Mike Tyson's game legacy. I will remember this game, as one of the best of it's kind. Sure, it may not be the best boxing game ever, but it sure is one of the best.