Punch-Out!! (Wii) > Reviews (3)

Super Punch-Out was one of my favourite games on the old SNES system. I think it was the simplicity of the game play coupled with the colourful characters you fought against, that kept me coming back for more. I was so chuffed when I heard it was coming out on the Wii!

Little Mac returns to our screens looking pretty much identical to how he did on the SNES. There is a good mix of new opponents and old classics (like Gabby Jay and Bald Bull) for you to demolish along the way to world glory.

The game is best played using the Wii Nunchuck attachment. In this mode you hold the Wii remote in your left hand and the Nunchuck in your right (or vice-versa) and throw punches by, well, throwing punches. You manouver Little Mac left and right by using the joystick on the Nunchuck. Superpunches are thrown by tapping the A button before throwing the punch. It is worth noting that if you have a Balance Board you can use this to duck and dodge. I don’t have one so haven’t been able to use this function; needless to say this hasn’t hampered my enjoyment.

It really is a very simple game but that’s what makes it great in my eyes. It is probably a bit too cartooney for boxing purists but I have to say, I absolutely love it!

In career mode you can progress through the minor, major and world circuits, fighting 4 or 5 opponents in each class (as with the original). The difficulty increases gradually and runs the gambit from very easy to fiendishly difficult. If you lose against an opponent, your coach will set up sparring sessions for you in the gym, where you can practice against the opponent without tarnishing your record.

As well as career mode you can also do time trials – basically where you set speed records for defeating each opponent. In this mode there are also awards for things such as finding your opponents weak spot and one punch knock-downs. This adds to the games longevity and has kept me entertained for the last month or so since I purchased it.

It is a very energetic game and after an hour or so of play your biceps and triceps will be starting to burn like mad. I am not sure about the stats for calorie burning but it certainly feels like you have had a good workout after a session of Punch-Out.

I would definitely recommend this game as fun for all the family. If you are looking for an accurate boxing simulation, in terms of technique, this is probably not for you. For anyone else though, it gets a well earned 4 out of 5 from me!

*** This review also on Dooyoo***