Fight!

This is a boxing game that will send many gamers on a trip down memory lane. It's a remake of the 1980s NES and arcade classic, and is an action-packed treat whether you remember the original or not.

As in the original NES and arcade versions of the game, you play as 17-year-old Little Mac, a wannabe boxing champ who hails from the Bronx, and former heavyweight champion Doc Louis is still on hand to coach Little Mac into becoming a top-rate boxer, as he creams the game's 13 pugilists. Throw star punches at the familiar bodies of Glass Joe, Von Kaiser, Don Flamenco and, of course, King Hippo, while learning to overcome new characters such as Disco Kid. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can just pull out your old moves to floor the original opponents though. While they've been away they've learnt some new tricks, so you'll have to learn how to overpower them all over again.

The Greatest

The challenge really kicks in when you're in the Title Defence Mode. You play the same roster of boxers, but your work is cut out because they have overcome their weaknesses. King Hippo, for example, wears a manhole cover over his belly, which is his weak spot, as it was in the original. Consequently you have to work even harder to beat your opponent.

While characters and many of the features are based on those of the original NES version, the animation has now been turned up to 11. It's a smoother, brighter, 3D revamp of the original cartoon graphics. This and some of the game's playful quirks keep the action light-hearted, playful and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Of course, the Wii's key feature is its intuitive controls, and there are those that say this edition of Punch-Out!! demonstrates the best use of the Nunchuk and Wii remote combo to date. One thing's for sure though; you will sweat like a lager boy. Weave the punches thrown your way using the analog stick, and swing the Nunchuk and Wii Remote to the left and the right in order to floor your opponent. Those who want to take intuitive controls up another notch should invest in a Wii Balance Board, as they are compatible with the game.

The real deal

Of course if you really want to keep it old school drop the Nunchuk and turn the remote on its side. The original controls kick in and you'll be immediately transported to a time when you wore Global Hypercolor t-shirts and drank Slush Puppies while playing computer games in your bedroom.

It's not just gamers who are desperate to get their hands on the new version of Punch-Out!! though. Real-life boxers are excited about playing a more eccentric version of the game that they play professionally, and undefeated world champion Joe Calzaghe, and his son are endorsing the game. "The controls feel really natural, and throwing punches with the Wii remote really connected with the different fighters in the game," he says. "I was an undefeated former world boxing champion before I met my son on Punch-Out!! He's the new undefeated Punch-Out!! champion now in our family."

The people behind the game aren't stuck in the past though. It has the multiplayer and online aspects you'd expect of any new game. The multiplayer mode sees both players playing as a differently coloured version of Little Mac, while online you can keep a log of your scores in order to earn a place on the leader boards.

Punch-Out!! is a revamped trip down memory lane. It's nostalgic fun to those who remember to original, and an exciting and playful challenge to those who have never stood in Little Mac's shoes before. The gloves are on.

GAME's Verdict

• Nostalgic fun
• Great use of Wii controls
• Challenging new Title Defence Mode

• Repetitive game play
• Simple for experienced gamers
• Limited to two players

Review by: Simon 'Sugger' Kirrane
Version Tested: Wii
Review Published: 25.05.09