Punch-Out!! (Wii) Impressions

[VegasD]

I picked this up from Best Buy today and was able to put in a couple of rounds this afternoon.  As a huge fan of the original Mike Tyson's Punch Out, I've been looking forward to this.

Quick first impressions:

Pros:
- Outstanding job of preserving the old school feel with a massive face lift.  Even the intro screen reminds me of the original.
- Controls well using the nunchuck sideways (didn't play motion control)
- Easy to jump right in and play.
- Wonderful use of humor in the characters.
- Fun to play!

Cons:
- Occasional loads a bit longer than I would have expected
- No Mike Tyson license. :p

Feels like a great game to play in short bursts.  So far I say 'Great remake!'

[Azhag]

On it's way for a bday gift for a friend... looking forward to invading his basement.

[Tebunker]

Completely agree with what VegasD posted other than the Mike Tyson thing. Not really important to me.

What I really like is that the characters, while familiar, have a lot of nuances and tweaks to their formulas. Figuring out the moves all over again is great. I am on to the second half of the game already, and the title defense fights are a bear so far. Definitely a great re-envisioning of the series.

[Eco-Logic]

Thanks for the impressions guys.  This is my most anticipated Wii game, though I won't be able to get it for a while (bought too may 360 games after finally acquiring a 360). 

[VegasD]

I'm surprised at the apparent lack of interest in this title (in this forum at least).

After a couple of hours of play I'm finding it to be just as fun as the original.  I'm currently getting whooped by the bear hug dude, that kick/slap is punishing.  He seems to have three unique moves, all timed differently of course, that he strings together in short order.  I'm looking forward to getting the timing down to send him to the mat.

[Knightshade Dragon]

I'm surprised at the apparent lack of interest in this title (in this forum at least).

After a couple of hours of play I'm finding it to be just as fun as the original.  I'm currently getting whooped by the bear hug dude, that kick/slap is punishing.  He seems to have three unique moves, all timed differently of course, that he strings together in short order.  I'm looking forward to getting the timing down to send him to the mat.

I think people are just afraid of shoddy waggle controls with an action game.  Once the word gets out, I think it'll catch on.

[Devil]

Got it, but haven't played yet - Stay tuned for my 2 word impressions!

[denoginizer]

I plan on renting this as soon as I see it available at Blockbuster.  I loved the original Mike Tyson Punchout. 

[PeteRock]

I plan on renting this as soon as I see it available at Blockbuster.  I loved the original Mike Tyson Punchout. 

I did too, and this almost motivated me to pick up a Wii.  If it wasn't for such a crappy controller.  I can't stand the Wii's controller. 

[Dimmona]

How different is this from the original?  Reason I ask is I bought the original on the VC store 2 weeks ago and finished it - will I be beating the exact same version of King Hippo with better graphics?

Edit: read the gamespot review - they mention that once you become champion, the strategies change quite a bit as does the difficulty level.  For example, I guess Glass Joe shows up with a metal helmet to protect his jaw... and is actually difficult to defeat!   I may have to pick this up anyways.

[VegasD]

How different is this from the original?  Reason I ask is I bought the original on the VC store 2 weeks ago and finished it - will I be beating the exact same version of King Hippo with better graphics?

Edit: read the gamespot review - they mention that once you become champion, the strategies change quite a bit as does the difficulty level.  For example, I guess Glass Joe shows up with a metal helmet to protect his jaw... and is actually difficult to defeat!   I may have to pick this up anyways.

Even the first time through they are a little different.  King Hippo as an example breaks out a new move half way through round 1 that you won't have seen in the original. 

[pr0ner]

I got through Bear Hugger in a quick sit down with the game after buying it this morning.

And my impressions?  Fantastic.  I love the nostalgia, the controls are great (I'm playing it with the Wiimote turned on its side), and I have no regrets with my purchase so far.

[JSL]

I wasn't really that interested in this game, but the reviews have been great and I noticed that it supports the balance board. I would probably get it at the $30 price point; I have a hard time justifying $40 or $50 for a new game unless it is something I am highly anticipating. All of these Steam sales have also spoiled me and the amazing Plants vs. Zombies (so much content for $10).

[leo8877]

I almost bought a Wii just for this game.  I may still!

[Dramatist]

I bought this yesterday.  I never played the originals but this seems like loads of fun.  I'm not very good so far, but I'm enjoying it.

[happydog]

I am up to Soda Popinski after one session. So far I have enjoyed it greatly. I just hope that after I finish it there is more challenge. I also hope there are some more hidden opponents in there.

[Tebunker]

I am up to Soda Popinski after one session. So far I have enjoyed it greatly. I just hope that after I finish it there is more challenge. I also hope there are some more hidden opponents in there.

More impressions, first, the regular guys have a lot of nuances to their 'classic' move sets, which I really liked. After winning the title there is a load more challenge. Namely things like Glass Joe wearing headgear so he can't be hit in the head etc. Some of the other characters have radical changes that make them quite difficult. I really love the second King Hippo fights as there are some neat tweaks to his fight now.

Also there is one more fighter at the end of title defense. You may be able to see this character in the crowd...

[somoflange]

I read the game can be played using classic controls (no waggle!) is this true? If I can play it without inaccurate, shoddy waggle controls I am 100% in.

Can anyone confirm?

[Autistic Angel]

I read the game can be played using classic controls (no waggle!) is this true? If I can play it without inaccurate, shoddy waggle controls I am 100% in.

Can anyone confirm?

Yes, you can play the entire game using the Wii-mote sideways so it's laid out like the original NES controller.  GiantBomb's Ryan Davis and Jeff Gerstmann have a long-standing disdain for the Wii's motion controls that date all the way back to the first unboxing video they did for GameSpot, and they stuck with the "traditional" controls throughout their Quick Look of Punch-Out.

[wonderpug]

On the flipside, I think there's a chance my wife might have fun with this game if the waggle controls work well.  How well do they work?  Are they precise enough to feel like your guy is always doing what you intend him to do?

[Bullwinkle]

On the flipside, I think there's a chance my wife might have fun with this game if the waggle controls work well.  How well do they work?  Are they precise enough to feel like your guy is always doing what you intend him to do?

I think they're pretty excellent.  I've had more problems with the movement controls, but even those are pretty minor (springback issues, for example).

[The Grue]

Picked this up yesterday and play for about two hours straight with the motion controls (am sore today).  The game is all the fun of the old Punch Out games and I really love it.  The waggle controls make it more fun as you do the punching.  I did try the balance board mode, but stopped as I didn't feel as effective in dodging.  I would lean left and when I would stop leaning, I would go too far right and it would lean right as well.  On some of the fighters at the higher levels, I had enough trouble dodging the right way with the stick, so I think I will wait until I am much more comfortable with the game to do more balance board.

[pr0ner]

I've beaten the game in the default mode, and I really enjoyed it, though the final boss was a bitch!

Now on to the alternate version of each character, and after getting worked by Glass Joe already, I can tell it will be much harder!

[VegasD]

I'm up to Bald Bull and am nearing the ability to beat him.  Having a blast with the game so far.  Maybe after I beat it I will try the motion controls.