Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream Review (NES)

Although boxing is a fairly obvious display of aggression, it’s surprising that so few video game adaptations of the sport have been worth playing. Punch Out!! Featuring Mr Dream is an exception, and to many it still hasn’t been beaten.

Assuming the role of Little Mac, you have to punch your way to ultimate victory by taking on such extravagant opponents as Soda Popinski, Super Macho Man and King Hippo. Those names should give you a fairly good indication about how serious this game is — those of you expecting an accurate and realistic representation of boxing might be disappointed. However, the character design is one of the high points of the game.

Boxing titles often stumble and fall when it comes to control. The reason that Punch Out!! is so successful is largely down to its tight and responsive interface; considering the NES pad only has two face buttons, it’s amazing how many different moves Little Mac has at his disposal. Moving around the ring is a joy and stringing together devastating combos soon becomes second nature.

Of course, your opponents improve in skill as you progress and that’s when the fun really starts. As you progress, Punch Out!! transforms from a mindless button-basher into a game of skill, timing and intuition. The more you play, the better you start to know your rivals, and eventually you will be able to predict their movements.