Punch-Out!! Press Release Info

Get ready to get back into the ring because after 15 years, Nintendo is finally giving gamers a new Punch-Out!! title for the Wii. The classic game gets a huge visual update (last time we saw a new Punch-Out!! was in 1994, for the SNES) as well as new features, a new opponent, and new controls. Punch-Out!! for the Wii is a modern update to the classic NES game.

In an official press release, Nintendo confirms that all 12 opponents from the original game will return, meaning you’ll get another chance to duke it out with Glass Joe, King Hippo, and others. You’ll also still be playing as Little Mac and your coach, Doc Louis, will make a comeback as well. The only new character seems to be Disco Kid, bringing the number of opponents in the game to 13. Punch-Out!! will also feature “back stories that capture all the fun and flair of the original Punch-Out!! games”, according to the press release.

The visuals will get a major overhaul for Punch-Out!!’s modern gaming debut. The graphics will be 3D in a cell-shaded style. The series certainly has come a long way from the 8-bit days of the NES.

One of the biggest features though that will set the Wii version of Punch-Out!! apart from the original is the Wii’s motion controls. Much like Boxing in Wii Sports, the game will use the Wii remote and the Nunchuk to simulate boxing. The player will throw left punches with the Nunchuck and right punches with the Wii remote. Swings and hooks can be further controlled with the control stick. For those that want a more classic control scheme, the Wii remote can be turned on its side for NES style control. The 1 and 2 buttons as well as the directional pad will be used to throw punches and to dodge.

One other added feature Nintendo mentions is the addition of “Star Punches”. Players can use these to take more health from the opponent. If a player obtains enough “Star Punches”, they can be used to throw one super powerful punch.

Punch-Out!! will be released May 18 in North America and will be rated E 10+ for cartoon violence and comic mischief.

Artwork

Screenshots