While standing in line for Star Trek last week, I took the time to look at at the movie posters for upcoming movies. Terminator: Salvation, Transformers 2, GI Joe… it looks like the 80s are back! This week’s Release is also a throwback to the 80s. The original Punch-out was called “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” and was later re-released as “Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream.” The silly but addictive boxing game was big both in the Arcade and on the NES.
For a bit of nostalgia, Nintendo has brought the series back from the grave and onto the Wii. Now you get to punch the crap out of those silly cartoon faces using motion controls instead of button mashing. Those old cartoony characters are now cartoony characters with smooth cell-shaded graphics and animations. Okay, so Punch-Out isn’t the graphical marvel it might once have been, but that isn’t the point. This silly and simple game has the potential to be one of the best Wii games out there. Simple enough to catch on with the casual audience that the Wii appeals to and yet a shout out to the hardcore Nintendo fans of old.
It is a good time to have grown up in the 80s. I hope both old fans and new take a look at Punch-Out, which was released today. At the very least, rent the game and enjoy a little over the top boxing that isn’t as frustrating as Wii Sports. Of course, my little sister will still probably knock me out in 30 seconds…
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