Punch Out! comes back swinging. I’ve been waiting for this one to come and the wait is definitely worth it. It’s 15 years to be exact since the SNES version has been released (NES punch out codes, anyone?). Now Little Mac has returned with Punch Out! for the Wii.

Punch Out! fans will find the Wii version to be loyal to the original. The developer stuck with the old formula but incorporated motion controls to it. You’ll recognize each and every boxer in the game except for one. New to the Wii version is the Disco Kid.

Expect the same comic-like characters to come alive in your TV sets. Each boxer will have its own fighting pattern. Once you discover the pattern, beating the boxer will be easy. But as you progress through the career mode, the boxers will be more defensive or offensive. They will also beef up their weaknesses so you can’t beat them that easy. King Hippo will guard his soft spot with a manhole cover taped to his belly.

To beat the game you must figure out the boxer’s patterns and players must time their punches right. But sometimes it can be frustrating. It’s not because of unresponsive controls but mostly due to player error.

Speaking of controls, the player can choose to use a single Wii remote, Wii remote with the nunchuk or use the Wii remote with the Balance Board. I prefer using the Wii remote. The 1 and 2 buttons are for your punches while the D-pad is used to make Little Mac dodge. To use the Star Punch, you have to press the A button. Stars are collected by punching your opponent at the right time. Using the Wii remote is like holding a SNES controller again.

If you like some motion action, then attach the nunchuk. You just have to shake it left or right to throw the punches. When you hold on the Z button, Little Mac will execute body punches. The nunchuk’s analog stick will replace the D-pad and will make the character dodge and duck the opponent’s attacks.

There were boxing games released for the Wii in the past, most recently is the Don King Boxing. I repeatedly said that Don King Boxing is not good. It is the Hatton of Wii Boxing while Punch Out is the Manny Pacquiao. Punch Out! for the Wii will definitely bring new fans to the franchise.

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