We store cookies, you can get more info from our privacy policy.
Wii

Punch-Out!! to Support Classic Control

by Neal Ronaghan - March 3, 2009, 5:47 pm EST
Total comments: 49 Source: Press Release

In addition to a motion-based control scheme, Nintendo's upcoming title will also have classic Punch-Out!! controls using the Wii Remote NES style

Nintendo of America revealed that Punch-Out!! will feature two different control schemes. One scheme will feature motion control and use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, with the former being used for right punches and the latter being used for left punches. The other method, similar to previous Punch-Out!! games, has the Wii Remote on its side, and will use the 1 and 2 buttons for punching.

Also, the accompanying press release confirms gameplay details, such as "Star Punches," which were featured in the older games. It also confirms characters, some of which have already been seen in videos and screenshots, such as hero Little Mac, trainer Doc Louis, and rivals Glass Joe, King Hippo, Von Kaiser, and more "unannounced favorites."

Developed by Next Level Games, Punch-Out!! is scheduled to hit stores on May 18.

KEY INFORMATION

One of the biggest names in boxing returns after a 15-year hiatus. Grab a Wii Remote™ controller in one hand and a Nunchuk™ controller in the other and step back into the ring with a modern update of the classic Punch-Out!!

  • Little Mac is back! Everyone’s favorite underdog from the 1980s joins the best of the original Punch-Out!! cast in a modern re-imagination of the series. Players will find familiar names like Glass Joe, King Hippo and trainer Doc Louis. These boxers come to life again in cel-shaded 3-D, complete with hilarious fighting animations and back stories that capture all the fun and flair of the original Punch-Out!! games.
  • The motion-sensitive controls of the Wii console mean that when players throw punches, Little Mac throws punches as well. Additionally, you can control hooks and jabs by combining motion control with control-stick movement. The motion-sensing Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers turn real-life swings into on-screen punches, so anyone can play. The game can also be played with classic NES-style controls by turning the Wii Remote sideways.

Characters: Little Mac, Glass Joe, King Hippo, Doc Louis, Von Kaiser and other unannounced favorites.

Special powers/weapons/moves/features: Players can obtain special "Star Punches," which allow Little Mac to take more Health from his rival in a single punch.

Control options:

  • Motion Control (Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers)

    Punch-Out!! uses the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to simulate throwing punches. Use the Nunchuk to throw a left punch and the Wii Remote to throw a right punch.

  • Classic Control (Wii Remote NES™ style)

    Fans of the NES version and core gamers will be excited to see Nintendo has also included the option to play Punch-Out!! using the classic layout from the original NES controller. Use the 1 and 2 buttons along with the cross pad to throw hooks and jabs or to dodge.

Talkback

ShyGuyMarch 03, 2009

Hmm.... not sure if I like this. You can't move the core gameplay forward if you keep the controls classic.
Also, this is a straight up remake not a sequel isn't it?

Mop it upMarch 03, 2009

This actually has me worried as to how the controls will function. I guess it means they aren't an evolution of Wii Sports boxing if the motions can be replaced by buttons so easily. It will probably still be a solid game, just not very creative with the control style.

RizeDavid Trammell, Staff AlumnusMarch 03, 2009

It's a remake, but it's supposed to have new boxers in addition to the old.  I'm sure the returning boxers won't twitch exactly the same.  For example, the boxers that are common to Punch Out and Super Punch Out behave differently in each game (they're generally easier in Super Punch Out, but imo they are less cheap).

This is a good sign I think.  It sounds to me like you'll essentially fling your arms to simulate the A and B button presses, but hold the analog stick in a certain direction when you need to throw a hook (you could hook your arm, but won't have to rely on dodgy motion controls to determine whether you hooked or jabbed).

Hopefully the fact that both are present means that the motion control can keep up with button presses well enough that they didn't have to slow the game down (assuming they didn't do it already because of the mob of casual Wii owners).

I think it's a bad sign that they're using the nunchuk. I question whether the motion controls in this game will be significantly better than in Wii Boxing.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterMarch 04, 2009

So classic controls are now a problem?

BeautifulShyMarch 04, 2009

Quote from: pap64

So classic controls are now a problem?

Gezz people options are good.Look at Mario Kart Wii that game uses Motion Controls and Classic controls.From what I hear both are good.In some circles the motion controls are better.

I'm not complaining about classic controls. I'm complaining about NUNCHUK MOTION CONTROLS.

ShyGuyMarch 04, 2009

YOURE A NUNCHUK
Wii boxing was fine.

But I always thought that the Nunchuk was noticeably inferior to the Wii Remote, and that it showed in Wii Boxing?

BeautifulShyMarch 04, 2009

Kairon I wasn't refering to you.Note I made a comment about classic controls while your post was about motion controls.Two entirely different interfaces.

Rize your last paragraph wasn't needed.

Quote from: Maxi

Kairon I wasn't refering to you.Note I made a comment about classic controls while your post was about motion controls.Two entirely different interfaces.

Rize your last paragraph wasn't needed.

OH NO!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z310/CarmineRed/AA-SadLarryIsSad.png

D_AverageMarch 04, 2009

Prediction:  The motion controls in this game will be a total disaster.  Thank God they're giving us another option.

Nick DiMolaNick DiMola, Staff AlumnusMarch 04, 2009

Quote from: D_Average

Prediction:  The motion controls in this game will be a total disaster.  Thank God they're giving us another option.

For some reason I have a feeling this will be true as well. But yeah, thankfully classic controls will be there, so no worries.

Ian SaneMarch 04, 2009

The classic controls suggests to me that Next Level has some understanding of what the Punch-Out games are all about.  Anything resembling Wii Boxing would be a disgrace.  Punch-Out is like a boss rush game based entirely on pattern memorization and knowing when to dodge and when to hit.  It's hardly a boxing game at all.  Boxing is just a nice theme for the game to give it more personality.

In Nintendo's previous press release they mentioned new characters which suggested to me that it's a sequel but if it's an enhanced remake that's extremely lazy on their part.  They've had over ten years to make a sequel.  Though I imagine a remake of this calibur would be more like Metroid: Zero Mission where th experience is so different that it's really a new game with the same story.  Kind of like a movie remake vs. a director's cut.  I'll wait for reviews.

The Wii's control often puts Nintendo in a no-win situation.  If it isn't right for the game forcing its usage just makes it look like a novelty.  But not making full use of it has the same effect since Nintendo was really promoting it as a new standard.  The times it works is in games like Wii Sports where you cannot possible imagine the game working with anything else.

StogiMarch 04, 2009

I agree with Kairon,, nunchuck control is worrying.

Wii Sports Boxing is the only boxing game I've played however,, maybe there's a possibility it can work better?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMarch 04, 2009

I haven't played Punch Out in ages, but weren't there only 4 different punches? High Left, Low Left, High Right, and Low Right?

That means each half of the controller only has to tell the difference between high and low.  It would seem to me that this would be relatively easy to do regardless of whether it was the Nunchuk or actual Wiimote.

BeautifulShyMarch 04, 2009

There was another punch also Pale.The Star Punch.
This is how I figure the controls will be.
Swing with your left hand and you will do a left body blow.Right hand=right body blow.
Hold up on the Analog stick and swing your left hand for a left face punch.Hold up on the analog stick and swing your right hand for a right face punch.+ will be your star punch.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorMarch 04, 2009

Well star punch could be mapped to a button, but I still don't see why we need to use the stick to differentiate high and low punches.

vuduMarch 04, 2009

Super Punch-Out introduced additional punches including jabs, body blows, uppercuts and hooks.

AVMarch 04, 2009

sort of perplexed why no Wii Motion Plus support ? Seems logical .

whatever it should be fun. I like options. I'll try out motion first, and if I don't like it I have old school way.

D_AverageMarch 04, 2009

Anyone else here own Super Punch Out?  I don't think there's any way they can top that one.  Its in my top five of all time.

NovaQMarch 04, 2009

When I was little, my older brother would rent Super Punch Out and I'd watch him play. I'm waiting for it to come out on VC so that maybe I can someday best my brother's past skillful displays.

StogiMarch 05, 2009

The only problem with Super Punch Out is that it was easier than the original.

It played much better, however.

vuduMarch 05, 2009

Super Punch-Out is fantastic.  I don't understand why it hasn't been released on VC by now.

StogiMarch 05, 2009

Perhaps they are waiting to use it in a promotional play?

vuduMarch 05, 2009

I've never bought into that.  Playing Super Punch-Out the week before the Wii version comes out is less likely to make me run out and drop $50 on the game.  I'd probably be more inclined to wait for a few months until a sale.  The two games are similar enough that I might not want to play the new game immediately after finishing Super Punch-Out.

Put the game on VC six months before the new version comes out so I am reminded of how bad ass it is.  When the new game is released several months later I'll be itching to play Punch-Out again.

Ian SaneMarch 05, 2009

I always thought Super Punch-Out was one of those classic Super Nintendo games that everyone has played and loves.  I'm quite surprised that it's somewhat obscure, at least compared to the NES game.  Oddly enough the most common complaint I hear about it is that it isn't exactly like Punch-Out because it doesn't have rounds and such and different characters.  So it sucks because it's not exactly the same game?

But it's a much more polished game.  As great as the NES was the games were usually a little rough and their SNES sequels just ironed all the little details out.  It's like how Legend of Zelda and Metroid are kind of rough but A Link to the Past and Super Metroid are near perfect games that even 15 years later don't feel dated.  Super Punch-Out is like those in that if you needed to preserve a limited amount of gaming history that's the game you would pick to represent Punch-Out's gameplay.  They need it on the VC for sure.

D_AverageMarch 05, 2009

For those that don't have the patience to wait for it to pop on VC, pick up Fight Night Round 2 for the Cube.  It actually has Super Punch Out inside of it for some odd reason.  Its unlock-able from the start.  In addition, if you beat it, you can use Mac in Fight Night.

It should be around 10 bux used.

Mop it upMarch 05, 2009

I own Super Punch-Out!! but I don't like it because it is too difficult for me.

I'm just glad this game's title still has two exclamation points.

D_AverageMarch 05, 2009

Quote from: Mop_it_up

I own Super Punch-Out!! but I don't like it because it is too difficult for me.

I'm just glad this game's title still has two exclamation points.

Really?? Then the original must be brutal!  I still haven't beat the original, but I've always faired well in the sequel.  I believe my record for Gabby Jay is 9 seconds, and 17 seconds on the first boss, Piston Honda maybe???

Mop it upMarch 05, 2009

Yes, the original Punch-Out!! is brutal. I can beat the first boxer, but after that... :-\

GoldenPhoenixMarch 05, 2009

Quote from: Mop_it_up

Yes, the original Punch-Out!! is brutal. I can beat the first boxer, but after that... :-\

Are you talking about the NES game? You really can't get past the 2nd boxer? Hmmm, well I get my booty kicked by Soda Popinskiall all the time. i think I may have beaten him once but that was it.

BeautifulShyMarch 05, 2009

I can get up to Mr.Sandman in the original.Masked Muscle in Super Punch Out!!.I only rented it if I had more time with it I'm sure I could get further.

GoldenPhoenixMarch 05, 2009

Quote from: Maxi

I can get up to Mr.Sandman in the original.Masked Muscle in Super Punch Out!!.I only rented it if I had more time with it I'm sure I could get further.

I think I maybe have gotten to him (been awhile), and the only way I beat the game was by ::GASP:: using Game Genie, even then it wasn't a cake walk!

BeautifulShyMarch 05, 2009

Yeah I got up to him once or twice.Each time I had two losses so I had to beat him.Couldn't each time.

NWR_pap64Pedro Hernandez, Contributing WriterMarch 06, 2009

In my better days, I could go up to Sandman. Now...I don;t know :\ .

Mop it upMarch 06, 2009

It's been a while since I've played the original Punch-Out!!, so I don't remember the order of the boxers... Maybe I did beat more than Glass Joe, I can't remember. Who do you face second? When does Soda Popinski show up?

My brother was pretty good at the game though, he reached Mike Tyson a few times but I don't know if he ever beat him.

BeautifulShyMarch 06, 2009

2nd is Von Kieser. Soda Popinski was after the second Piston Honda which was after the First Bald Bull.
Edit:Here is the order of fighters.
Minor Circuit:Glass Joe,Von Keiser,Piston Honda.
Major Circuit:Don Flamenco,King Hippo,Great Tiger,Bald Bull.
World Circuit:Piston Honda,Soda Popinski,Bald Bull,Don Flamenco,Mr.Sandman,Super Macho Man.

Final Fight:Mike Tyson or Mr.Dream.

UltimatePartyBearMarch 06, 2009

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix

Quote from: Maxi

I can get up to Mr.Sandman in the original.Masked Muscle in Super Punch Out!!.I only rented it if I had more time with it I'm sure I could get further.

I think I maybe have gotten to him (been awhile), and the only way I beat the game was by ::GASP:: using Game Genie, even then it wasn't a cake walk!

I can vouch for that!  The only useful cheat as I recall simply made you not lose heart points, and considering the pummeling the last few opponents can hand you, that's barely any help at all.

StogiMarch 06, 2009

I've beaten both games.

The first one is by far the tougher.

vuduMarch 06, 2009

I can beat Super Punch-Out pretty easily.  Done it several times.

I can't beat the original.  I've only been able to top Super Macho Man a couple times and Mr. Dream always kicks my ass.  :(

GoldenPhoenixMarch 06, 2009

Quote from: UltimatePartyBear

Quote from: GoldenPhoenix

Quote from: Maxi

I can get up to Mr.Sandman in the original.Masked Muscle in Super Punch Out!!.I only rented it if I had more time with it I'm sure I could get further.

I think I maybe have gotten to him (been awhile), and the only way I beat the game was by ::GASP:: using Game Genie, even then it wasn't a cake walk!

I can vouch for that!  The only useful cheat as I recall simply made you not lose heart points, and considering the pummeling the last few opponents can hand you, that's barely any help at all.

It is pretty funny that even if you beat a game with cheats on, you still feel like you accomplished something. If I recall even with inf. health your defenses still fall and you are vulnerable after a hit or two from Tyson/Dream, so you are forced to dodge them anyway.

D_AverageMarch 06, 2009

IMO it was the guy right before the end guy in Super Punch Out that was the hardest.  Once I finally beat him, the last guy was a breeze.

StogiMarch 06, 2009

Weren't they twins?

vuduMarch 06, 2009

Yes, but they fought a bit differently.  Personally, I found the Nick (the last guy) harder than Rick (the second to last), but to each his own.

However, in my opinion the hardest opponent in the game is the old man who came right before the twins.  Damn him and his walking stick!

ShyGuyMarch 06, 2009

Remember the arcade version of Punchout with the wire frame boxer? Did it have all the same enemies? I never got past the first guy.

vuduMarch 06, 2009

Quote from: ShyGuy

Remember the arcade version of Punchout with the wire frame boxer? Did it have all the same enemies?

According to GameFAQS, no.

StogiMarch 06, 2009

Yes, I found the old man harder than both.

D_AverageMarch 06, 2009

Oh yeah, forgot about that old crusty man.  He must have taken me a week, he definitely was the hardest.

Got a news tip? Send it in!
Advertisement
Advertisement