Wii Punch-Out!! A Nintendo Video Game Classic
Virtual Boxing, Fun, and Exercise for Novice through Expert
May 21, 2009
Nintendo Wii finally has introduced the long-awaited Punch-Out!! With the bar set high, Nintendo presents the public with a meticulously crafted product. Enhanced graphics, detailed sounds, fluid controls, and new modes all add up to create one of 2009's best sports/boxing video games.
Fun Graphics
Immediately, viewing and listening to the game, players realize an impressive leap in graphics. While retaining the classic cartoon style, the game’s 3D graphics display some of the most vibrant, chiseled images found throughout the Wii gaming arsenal. Flashing light bulbs, boisterous virtual audiences, and jiggling pectorals provide for a dazzling visual experience.
Sounds of the Sport
The sensory satisfaction mounts with the game’s impeccable sound features. Reminiscent of the intricate, 1990s 8-bit tracks, the new background music takes old Punch-Out!! melodies and infuses them with even faster tempos and explosive sounds. Listeners get to hear crushing punches, pained moans, and Doc's sometimes helpful, sometimes random, ring-corner advice.
Another welcomed sound advancement comes with the addition of voices for the boxers. Each boxer speaks in his own language with a distinct national accent. Now gamers can hear what their favorite character actually sounds like, but they will not understand Don Flamenco’s taunts, for example, unless they speak Spanish. Nonetheless, the language feature creates an authentic, international feel.
Active Wii Controls
Like the graphics and sound, the control features are extraordinary. Wii fans expect superior, active handling, and Punch-Out!! meets the expectation. Users quickly familiarize themselves with the simple and logical controls. Holding the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, individuals swiftly maneuver between right and left-handed head and body shots, ducks, and dodges.
For the full body work-out, users can play with the Wii Fit Balance Board by applying pressure with their feet to control Little Mac’s lower body. If all the movement seems overwhelming, however, and an individual would rather play the way he or she remembers, then simply detach the Nunchuk, turn the Wii Remote sideways, and play with traditional controls.
Nintendo's Classic Characters with New Modes
Returning fans will be pleased to re-encounter some of their favorite foes. Punch-Out!! brings back almost all of the trademark characters. Boxers such as Glass Joe, Bear Hugger, King Hippo, Bald Bull, and Super Macho Man all return for another round. Their tactics and strategies, though, remain very similar. Gamers remembering the old routines may find it slightly easier to rise through the ranks and circuits. Still, after winning the belt, gamers must retain it and re-face challengers at higher difficulties.
Perhaps the most welcomed new feature of the game is the head-to-head mode. Finally, players get the chance to dual it out and establish virtual prowess along with boxing bragging rights. On a vertically split screen, with fast and unpredictable action, the two-player mode provides for a completely new and very entertaining Punch-Out!! experience.
Punch-Out!! Overall
Once the dust settles, this newest Punch-Out!! lives up to its pedigree reputation. Through the frustration of defeat, the accomplishment of winning, and the enjoyment of friendly competition, Punch-Out!! offers hours worth of exhilaration.
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