TKO!! - Punch Out!! (Wii)

Hello not so beautiful people of the Internet! And beautiful ones, of course... heh... Okay I do not like doing it this way. Shut up you. I'm Sin, and that's Useless (My name is Ren!) and today it's time to check out a slightly older game we've picked up recently... and boy is it amazing! Punch Out for the Wii... I never expected it to be this good and addicting... Yeah well, you never were one for punching people in the face. I on the other hand have been perfectly in my element the past few days... Yeah you like to beat up macho buff guys and laugh while you're doing it. And you wonder why you've never had a boyfr- Ow!

M-Moving on! Punch Out!! on the Wii is a 2009 reboot of the old NES game Mike Tyson's Punch Out, a simple and unique boxing game starring Little Mac, who you may recognise from Super Smash Bros. 4. The game sees you dodging and throwing punches in a series of progressively more difficult fights against various quirky boxers that attack in different patters and with different speeds. it's as simple as it sounds but remains super fun to play and at the same time very challenging.

"You know what... This time... I win!"
Referee is apparently tired of not winning matches.
He doesn't exactly lose either you know.

The Wii remake adds a lot more depth to the original game and is arguably twice as fun if not even more so. Though the story is basically the same as the previous game (winning a dozen or so fights until Little Mac claims the world title from Mike Tys- I mean... Mr Sandman), so much charm is added to the characters through their animations, taunts and movements that it makes it hard not to like any of them in some way shape or form even if they often are just dicks to Mac. All the characters from the previous Punch Out make a return here with a number of other fun new ones to enjoy fighting. Backstories are fun and entertaining and the light-hearted style and atmosphere of the game really helps bring out it's entertainment value. There's a lot of quirks and arguably racist jokes regarding the characters, each of whom hail from a different part of the world. Take note that the French guy is the weakest of them all and Piston Hondo (Honda) from Japan basically acts like he's a freaking car! Japan don't only make cars guys! Come on!

Always trust the Irish to be cheaters
Sin you shouldn't say things like that! ... Even if it is true...

The game at it's core remains deceptively simple. You can dodge to both sides and duck, punch high and low with either hand, block by holding up, and you can earn stars for special moves by punching your opponent at certain times such as countering their punches or while they taunt you. Each opponent has a variety of moves they will throw at you which are pretty random for the most part. I would go so far as to say it's one of the best games for improving your gaming ability all around as your opponents often launch attacks with very little warning, so dodging in the right direction is extremely difficult without good reactions. Just don't be a dummy and forget you also have to think about which way to dodge because many attacks hit in multiple directions.

The game itself though, as an underlying rule, is primarily about learning. With a learning curve that creeps up at first before evolving into a near enough vertical line, you'll find that after six or so fights it's almost impossible to win a fight first time as enemy punches hit harder, faster and wider. At that point it becomes a case of looking for indicators of which attack is coming, learning the safest way to dodge, and how to counterattack while you lose. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Right! Right! Right! What really makes the game great is the little extra depth held within. Nothing is ever explained outright to you so it's equally as fun to discover as well as learn. Times when you can get stars, times when you can counter. there's a lot more than you would think, with timings often needing to be so perfect you would hardly believe there are actually so many. You can even KO most opponents in a small number of punches with the right timing and setup, but although it's extremely difficult it's a brilliant surprise when you do, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are many more things to discover hidden within this fun little game that's perfect for killing time providing you don't get too irritated... Right Sin?

Yes that's right! Donkey Kong actually is the secret final boss of this game!
This one is for Princesses everywhere!
You aren't a princess Sin, why are you so passionate...
Sh-Shut up!

Argh! Some of the fights are infuriating I assure you! They basically all but cheat with health regen and barely telegraphed attacks to dodge! I hate it! But that feeling of finally beating the guy that's been wailing on you for the past hour... There's nothing greater...
(Well... At least until the next guy completely slaughters you in under a minute...)

With over 25 difficult and unique fights Punch Out!! on the Wii is a charming title that packs a lot more... hehe... PUNCH! than you might expect. (Sigh... ) It's easy to get into and play so makes a perfect title to pick up and play in a short title while you wait for something. It's a fast paced and fun game of reactions that is definitely worth picking up if you're looking for a challenge and some entertainment. Oh! and it's compatible with the Wii Balance Board and motion controls for you fitness buffs out there too! Just don't come running to us if you break something in frustration okay? Trust me...

Poor Glass Joe... Had the shit beaten out of him all his life and still finds a way to be so happy
He's a lot like you Ren... Weak, pathetic, and a loser...

That's all for this week people! I hope you're really in the mood to enjoy punching guys as much as I do! ...Sin...? Ow! Shut up! Until next time friends! Happy punching!

Sin...? We're not doing the thing...?
What? Ew god no I hate saying that.
But Sin...
I told you to shut up! Now come on Ren let's spar!
W-What? Oh no please...