Few games out there have the ability to send up the nostalgia flag like those found on the original NES. For most this was the first real video game console they had, and the games from that era are held near and dear to their hearts. So when I heard they were making another Punch Out, I was a little less than excited, considering how some “re-makes” turn out. However, the first time I heard that tell tale trumpet fanfare dubbed over a fight between iconic characters like “Glass Joe” and “King Hppo”, I knew they were gonna do it, and do it right.
Punch-Out for Wii is the definition of remake. It takes all the old ideas of the original, and applies a new coat of paint and some waggle to it, making it like new, all over again. While staying true to the original is the game’s greatest asset, unfortunately, it is its biggest downfall as well. The game explodes off the screen with a new graphical style as well as some sound upgrades, but it still plays it safe.
Back in the day, the NES version of the game was pretty simple looking. Two fighters, a ring and some flash bulbs going off in the background, that was pretty much it. Now with “updated” technology, the game looks ten times better. Fighters really stand out from the back grounds and are very expressive in a fight. The graphical bells and whistles are very shiny and new, making it fun to look at. Each punch landed on an opponent is satisfying to see and conversely, each blow to the chin of your fighter (Little Mac) is painful to watch. The extra little added touch of each fighters signature knockdown also adds a unique touch.
Where this game really shines is in the sound design. I found myself laughing out loud the first time I dodged an opponents punch only to hear a subtle “Whoop” from them as I was about to land a crushing blow to their chin. The audible exclamation of the fighters when they realize they have messed up is priceless. It really adds to the feeling that you have truly caught your opponent off guard. Music fanfares from the original are back again and done with much more flare and composition. As with everything about the game, the sounds and music both stay true to their roots, while still heavily influencing the game.
Now let’s get down to the heart of this game, the controls. Sadly, I feel like this is where the game had the biggest potential to shine and didn’t. I would have loved to be able to act out an uppercut or a over hand right punch and see it played out onscreen. Sadly, this doesn’t happen. Granted, you do “throw punches” with both your left and right hand, but not with any notable precision. Punches to the face and to the gut are determined by holding either the “C” or “Z” buttons respectively. Punches are thrown by simple shaking the wiimote or the nun-chuck, and there really isn’t any finesse required. That being the case, most fights are simply boiled down to a glorified waggle-fest. This is the double edge sword of the game, making the controls easy enough that anyone can play it, but not precise enough that pros will want to perfect their skills.
How bout a big fat hug?
Another downfall is that there isn’t really a way to fail out of the game. Once beaten by an opponent, you are forced to fight them again and again, until you get it right. This usually means that you need to memorize their moves and “tells” so that you know when to punch and where. Once you have each fighter figured out, you can tear through the competition on your way to the championship. Fortunately, the game does have some replay value. Being able to play against your friends in Punch-Out does provide at least a moderate reason to come back.
This game is very well put together, and extremely polished. It didn’t break the mold, but so very few Nintendo properties ever really do. With the updated look and sound to the game, as well as some new opponents, this title does pack a solid punch. I just wish that it was the knock out blow that everyone, including myself, was looking for.
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