Punch Out / Super Punch Out

Punch Out Arcade Game

Punch Out, released to the arcade by Nintendo in 1984, was a very popular boxing game.  There was also a version called Mike Tyson’s Punch Out.  From a behind-the-character perspective, the player boxed against opponents like Glass Joe, Piston Hurricane, Bald Bull, and Mr. Sandman.  Players had to time their punches and dodge just right and watch for weaknesses in their opponents.  For example, the opponent’s eyes might change color for a split second, indicating they are about to punch, and a quick dodge and attack would put the player ahead as far as the health points go.  Opponents had to be knocked down three times before the player one the match, and each subsequent match, with new opponent, became increasingly more difficult as the skill of the opponents increased.

Punch Out Game Cabinet

Super Punch Out was a sequel released by Nintendo the same year.  It was essentially the same as the first, but with new opponents, like Bear Hugger, Dragon Chan, Soda Popinski, Great Tiger, and Super Macho Man.  Punch Out became a popular hit on the NES as a game called Mike Tyson’s Punch Out, and Super Punch Out was later released on the Super Nintendo.