Starting out life as “Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!” this game was swiftly renamed “Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream”, after a contract dispute in the early '90s. The removal did little to harm the game, as Punch-Out!! was never really about Iron Mike at all. It was about the patterns. The final opponent Mr Dream is basically the Iron Mike sprite but made to look Caucasian!
Recognizing the patterns, timings and tells of each opponent is what it takes to win the championship in Punch-Out!!. You play as Little Mac, a diminutive upstart rookie in the boxing world who's faced with one of the most flashy and funny rogues' galleries of heavyweight opponents to every appear in any game. You'll stare across the squared circle at enemies like the overly effeminate Don Flamenco, the friend of the bottle Soda Popinski, the pectorally gifted Super Macho Man and, most famously, the excessively rotund King Hippo.
Boxing each of these mighty fighting men is a contest of perception and reflexes – each has some subtle hint that reveals his next action, each jab, hook and uppercut telegraphed in some way. The jewel on turban-clad Great Tiger's head-wrap will blink when he's about to bring the pain, meticulously moustached Von Kaiser will shake his head back and forth before his attack – many of the hints are obvious, but some of the signs are subtle.
You anticipate what's coming based on these tells, then dodge, block or pre-emptively strike to counterattack against them. Little Mac's a small guy, but he's got an impressive arsenal of moves for only having access to two controller face buttons. You can command him to dodge left or right, duck down quickly, shield his face with his gloves, and attack either high or low with either his left or right hand. The control is remarkably tight, preserving the challenge of the experience and letting you know that when you go down, it's your lack of skill that's made you hit the mat – no fault of the game.
Punch-Out's strict level of challenge, its outstanding graphics and addictive "just one more try" style of gameplay made it a major hit in the NES days. It didn't need a celebrity sports star's name attached to it, because it stood solidly on its own merits. This game is just as much fun as it ever was and is still supremely playable which is a true rarity for a game of its age. Buy it now!
Note that, while Europe does have the Mr. Dream version of the game, the game is simply called "Punch-Out!!" and does not have the "Featuring Mr. Dream" subtitle.
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1. Christian
26 Feb 2007, 05:34 GMT
Will this be the Mike Tyson Punch Out or the version they released AFTER Tyson went to prison with Mr. Fantastic or whatever his name was?
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2. Dazza
26 Feb 2007, 07:31 GMT
This will 99.9% not be the version that features Iron Mike - What a shame!
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3. Don-Bon
09 Mar 2007, 04:16 GMT
Ohhhhhhh, I think I will wait for Super Punch-Out.
I mean, this game is great and all, but in my opinion Super Punch-Out was far superior. That game showed what the SNES could do. NOT saying that Punch-Out was a bad example of NES power.
But on top of all of that, I really don't want to waste points on both.
Here is hoping Super Punch-Out is not far away!
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4. Jon
13 Mar 2007, 02:08 GMT
I agree, I can't wait for Super Punch-Out to come out. I have that game for the SNES already, and I loved it. Too bad my Super Nintendo doesn't work anymore
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5. manny
19 Mar 2007, 05:34 GMT
WOW!!! cant wait for punch-out, i've been waiting and waiting for far too long!!! i hope it comes out soon, this IS a really great fun game
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6. Dan H
30 Mar 2007, 11:26 GMT
If you only ever played the PAL version of these games you will NOT i repeat NOT notice any difference as they will run the same speed as when you played the originals. Don't worry about it
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7. john doyle
30 Mar 2007, 11:41 GMT
what a classic, this game has the pick up and play factor that us people who have to work during the day want,10/10!
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8. Mr Sandman
30 Mar 2007, 12:33 GMT
10/10, seems to be pal optimized too, runs smoothly. with only small ish boarders.
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9. JB
30 Mar 2007, 14:42 GMT
Just as I remember it, still great fun, fingers crossed "Super Punch Out" is not far away because I have heard that's even better? but I don't know if that is the case because I missed out on Super Punch Out first time around which is why I am looking forward to trying it out for myself even more. JB
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10. SMBSS
30 Mar 2007, 15:42 GMT
If you want Super Punch Out, just buy Fight Night Round 2 for Gamecube.
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11. reekon
30 Mar 2007, 15:58 GMT
@Dan H: Actually, I grew up playing NTSC Famicom/Super FC games (as I was born in the PH). So I'm used to the NTSC Punch-Out. I'm now living in Europe (working here in DE). So now I'm dealing with a PAL Wii.
In any case, if other PAL users are happy with it too, I think I can get used to the speed (if it is different).
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12. ice
01 Apr 2007, 15:21 GMT
i never played this game back in the day. I downloaded it and it rules! My new fav on VC. Now i need to try and work out how to KO that tiger dude.
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13. reekon
02 Apr 2007, 00:57 GMT
@ice: when fighting "great tiger", be ready to dodge right after the gem on his turban flashes. also, if you can block (not dodge) his rotating magic punches 5 consecutive times, he'll get dizzy and you can knock him out in 1 uppercut. (rinse and repeat.)
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14. ice
02 Apr 2007, 19:07 GMT
@reekon, Done him mate! many thanks!
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15. Jadelouise
10 Apr 2007, 19:53 GMT
If you like Super Punch Out you can get it running on the Wii right now. Just buy Fight Night Round 2 for the Gamecube and the full game is included. This was compensation for GC owners as the game had no online play. Little Mac is also in Fight Night Round 2 so I recommend getting this instead as you get SPO and a good modern boxing game to go with it.
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16. Mirokunite
16 Apr 2007, 20:18 GMT
Doc Stole Little Mac's bike!
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17. Dusk
17 Apr 2007, 02:19 GMT
This game is pure gold. I never owned the original for NES, but have spent countless hours on it in Animal Crossing for GC. This game is a must have, do yourself a favor and hit it with a download. You'll thank me later when your busting some 8-bit face in.
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18. elguapo
23 Apr 2007, 21:38 GMT
Let's not forget the code to get right to Mr. Dream (or Mike Tyson)... 007-373-5963.
I can't believe I remember that after almost 15 years
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19. Jonno
24 Apr 2007, 05:30 GMT
I bought downloaded this along with Wonder Boy in Monster World and Star Fox 64 today (April 23) and this is the only one that is below average in my opinion. I should basically steer clear of NES titles (except for the Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Mega Man, Castlevania, and Duck Hunt series
) I use
a lot.
Also, my newest Wii Points total is 0!
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20. Taint Smack
28 Apr 2007, 04:27 GMT
Are you kidding me? Punch-Out!! is a classic. You must not understand it's strategic element or something. Either that, or you're a douche.
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21. nephew77
09 May 2007, 03:10 GMT
This is my favorite NES game. This is saying a great deal since I've played about 200 of them. Brilliant. Graphics, gameplay, music, and challenge make it #1. It gets an easy 5/5.
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22. mack2404
19 Jun 2007, 21:45 GMT
One of the few NES games that I still own the original of. The reason? This game is, without doubt, the best boxing game EVER made - simply because there are no stupid combos or annoying character creation screens to fight through - just simple boxing.
If you haven't got it, I ask: WHY NOT?!
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23. Andy
08 Jul 2007, 20:40 GMT
I'm of the minority opinion that this game isn't all its cracked up to be. To me, it's just a glamorized version of a really hard shoot 'em up. I can understand why others love it, but pattern memorization just bores me.
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24. GS
19 Jul 2007, 01:05 GMT
I like the game alot... only complaint is that, the D-pad on either the wiimote or the classic controller is alittle small and it is frustrating when it registers a dodge instead of a block.
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25. Northerner
09 Aug 2007, 13:48 GMT
Classic game - I remember playing this in a local Dept store where they had a Nintendo set up with 8 games in you culd select the game and you got 5/10 minutes to play said game - loved it from the start - its still great cartoony graphics have aged pretty well - its only the sound that dates it in my opinion - shame its not the Tyson version but great fun all round....a must for all retro gamers old and new.
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26. peda
14 Aug 2007, 07:51 GMT
one of the best NES-games ever beside "bionic commando"! download it! nintendo did everything right and made the best boxing-game until now! i'm not interested in boxing in any other way, but i love this game! only one thing i don't understand: they replaced the last boxer, mike tyson himself, with somebody called mr. dream?!? ok, try to reach a 14-0 KO record...i did it! much fun!!!
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27. WoRMaSTeR
14 Aug 2007, 10:28 GMT
This game really has aged well. Playing it is so much fun. The only problem being it is a tad short, even tough it has great replay value. Mr. Dream is insanely difficult, still haven't managed to beat him even if I can easily beat everyone else.
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28. LikwidSnaque
29 Aug 2007, 09:16 GMT
This game was the first VC game I dl'd. This game was the heat, it is the heat, and it will always be the heat. If you have never played it, do so! If you are one of those graphics doods who can't stand looking at 8-bit pixels, get over it! Arguably, this title is a top 3 download on the Virtual Console, to date.
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29. jg233
11 Sep 2007, 16:31 GMT
Awesome game
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30. wiifomii
11 Oct 2007, 02:42 GMT
I played this game at play n trade yesterday for 1 hour greatest one hour spent playing video games it was great it was in kalispell montana and I would like to say hi clark seaman its me joey
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31. lee
11 Oct 2007, 18:29 GMT
Guys how do you activate the Knock out punch..... all this jabbing the guys to a TKO is no fun.!
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32. Mii be you
19 Oct 2007, 02:50 GMT
Little Mac will be an Assist Trophy in Brawl.
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33. usmc2003
22 Oct 2007, 19:18 GMT
Jonno
I I kow how you feel after downloading it I entered the code , and my wife was like you remeber that from that long ago!
This game is awsome. i play this and Super C more than I do the actual WII games.
Like most games of the erait is just plain fun.
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34. darthmix
01 Nov 2007, 17:15 GMT
A classic. Nothing bad to say about this game.
But, I'm gonna wait for Super Punch-Out. Sorry.
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35. Link O' Fett
19 Nov 2007, 21:04 GMT
I will love this game forever. The music and characters are truly memorable and the gameplay itself is just so perfect. Little Mac, when will you come back?
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36. Drake
19 Nov 2007, 21:18 GMT
When will he come back? He's already coming back! http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/items/assist/assist10.html
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37. Link O' Fett
20 Nov 2007, 16:12 GMT
Well, I knew about him in Brawl. I mean when will he get his own new game?
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38. Jogurt the Yogurt
04 Dec 2007, 02:30 GMT
Classic game, despite all of its crazy racist stereotyping. The music is really great, too. Solid gameplay. Replay value could be better, but I keep coming back to it because of the good memories.
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39. Cally
08 Jan 2008, 06:30 GMT
I BEAT MIKE TYSON!!!!
.....
Who is not in this version.
But still, it's classic stuff. I think little mac should be in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, don't you?
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40. learn japanese ds
10 Jan 2008, 01:52 GMT
Little mac IS in SSBB. He's just an assist trophy. too bad, would have been cool as a playable character. Wish nintendo would release Super Punch Out.
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41. Zweck36
21 Jan 2008, 21:12 GMT
An old classic. I played this game so much as a child, that I had everything memorized, and could not be hit. Fantastic!
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42. dexter
23 Jan 2008, 21:58 GMT
Best boxing game EVER!!
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43. JDub
31 Jan 2008, 11:35 GMT
Jonno, you are dumb...you are officially the first person to have something negative to say about punch out. play more
"best sports game ever for it's time"...SUPER punch out is a bore compared to the original as it is practically the same thing, but far easier to beat...you are either too young or not skilled enough to appreciate the original opposed to the sequel....Mike Tyson aka Mr. Dream could woop Nick Bruiser. amen ( I still like super though)
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44. uncle smuck
01 Feb 2008, 19:12 GMT
This game has a great amount of depth and it's tough as nails. A masterpiece if a little too hard!!!
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45. Jimmy Damage
02 Feb 2008, 08:38 GMT
Had the Mike Tyson version as a child, was so proud when i beat it
Great characters in the game. 4*
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46. angel m. rivera collazo
07 Feb 2008, 16:58 GMT
super punch out has the looks,punch out has HEART! 5 stars
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47. cptmatt
12 Feb 2008, 20:06 GMT
Wow. Great game, forgot how hard the timing can be at times. I am getting stuck at Bald Bull...how sad. I have my sights set on Soda Popinski, he's going down.
This is a very fun game to play with friends and flashback to a simpler time when knocking out King Hippo never got old (;
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48. Roo
16 Feb 2008, 19:22 GMT
I just bought this game last night after reading the review at the top of the page. Good shout - this game is a belter! Certainly worth the 500 points, GO FOR IT!
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49. Jon
16 Feb 2008, 20:35 GMT
An absolute classic!
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50. wowtriumph
20 Feb 2008, 17:41 GMT
I agree with Jon! I used to have the arcade stick with my nintendo to play this.
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51. zelda freak
21 Feb 2008, 15:14 GMT
I love this game. It keeps me busy for hours, but i can't seem to get farther than Soda Popinski.
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52. Jupiter Adept
01 Mar 2008, 23:47 GMT
I'm gonna get this on Animal Crossing today.
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53. Jupiter Adept
02 Mar 2008, 03:05 GMT
I just got it on Animal Crossing, four stars (should change to 5 soon). It's pretty hard (for me, at least), I can't even beat Piston (the Japanese guy, and the third guy).
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54. TheWiiMan
20 Mar 2008, 20:10 GMT
This game is a masterpiece by any standard! Greatest game on the NES (Also Mario trilogy of course)
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55. KhaoShar
25 Mar 2008, 11:20 GMT
I own it.
I love it.
Five stars.
No further comment needed.
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56. Zinjak
28 Mar 2008, 05:16 GMT
i dont care if they ever release Super or not because they changed the way Mac looked in that game, and for the worse. He has that retarded facial expression and they made him blond and gave him an awful Hanson brother haircut. this one was the better entry.
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57. MasterMario
12 Apr 2008, 16:40 GMT
This game is awesome!
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58. redskinsfan1997
17 Apr 2008, 01:35 GMT
this is a must get game. it's bad they don't have the original version. it seems like more of a feat to beat mike tyson than mr. dream. that hurt the game but 5 stars all the way.
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59. That Guy from Faxanadu
17 Apr 2008, 21:45 GMT
One of the best games ever. Great characters.
And Mike Tyson is BADASS.
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60. Jona
15 May 2008, 04:46 GMT
WOW! i dont no wat 2 say bout this game. its way ahead of its time, this is 1 of those sports games that r so good apart of u lives in it. its 1 of those games like techmo bowl that teach u the gameplay doesnt hav 2 b so real 2 b such a fun game.
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