All New Punch-Out [NES] Review and Longplay [2008] hack

The All New Punch-Out!! for the NES by RatedJpG.

Retro Review: All New Punch-Out!! – A Fresh Knockout on the NES

Imagine stepping back into the ring of a beloved NES classic, but this time, the faces staring back are both familiar and entirely new. “All New Punch-Out!!”, a ROM hack of the iconic “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!”, is a love letter to the franchise, taking players on a nostalgic uppercut through a roster of characters from the extended Punch-Out!! universe and beyond. This game, available at romhacking.net, is a retro reimagining that breathes new life into the 8-bit boxing world.

A Lineup of Fresh Challengers

The hack’s creator has ingeniously replaced the original line-up with a mix of characters from the arcade version of Punch-Out!!, Super Punch-Out!!, and other gaming universes. Each opponent brings their own unique flair to the ring, testing players’ reflexes and pattern recognition skills in new ways. From the easily underestimated Gabby Jay from Super Punch-Out!! to the arcade nostalgia of Pete Pasta, the younger brother of Pizza Pasta, the variety ensures that veterans and newcomers alike will have their hands full.

Visual and Audio Overhaul

Upon booting up “All New Punch-Out!!”, players will immediately notice the cosmetic changes. Wario stepping in as the referee adds a mischievous twist to each match, while the recolored floor tarp gives the ring a fresh appearance. The text updates seamlessly integrate the new content, ensuring the experience feels both cohesive and exciting.

Replacing Little Mac’s trainer with Von Kaiser is a stroke of genius, providing a connection to the game’s legacy while also giving us a new cornerman to guide us through these tough bouts.

Gameplay – Familiar Yet Refreshing

The gameplay remains true to the original, with the same tight controls and timing-based mechanics that made “Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!” a masterpiece of its time. However, the new characters mean learning new patterns and tells, providing a fresh challenge that rekindles the thrill of mastering the game all over again.

Roster Standouts

King Hippo, now recolored as T.V. Hippo from the “Captain N: Gamemaster” cartoon, delivers a dose of animated nostalgia. Meanwhile, original characters like Alyn Tendo, who comes with a backstory tied to Power Punch II, and Al Molblin, a nod to “The Legend of Zelda” series, showcase the creator’s love for the wider gaming world and creativity.

Mask X from the arcade spinoff Arm Wrestling and an unmasked version of Masked Muscle from Super Punch-Out!! are standout additions that not only expand the roster but also pay homage to the less celebrated corners of the franchise.

A Stand Against Unauthorized Sales

It’s important to note that “All New Punch-Out!!” is a labor of love intended to remain free for enthusiasts of the series. The author’s stance against the unauthorized sale of repro carts is clear and should be respected by the community. This hack is meant to be enjoyed by all without the need for monetary exchange, preserving the spirit in which it was created.

Final Thoughts

“All New Punch-Out!!” is a ROM hack that serves as a delightful remix of an NES classic. It demonstrates how the love for retro games can lead to new experiences that honor their origins while adding a fresh twist. The new opponents, the charming visual updates, and the respect for the classic gameplay make this hack a knockout for Punch-Out!! fans.

For anyone looking to step back into the ring with a new set of challenges, “All New Punch-Out!!” is a title worth downloading. Just be sure to honor the creator’s wishes and enjoy this passionate project for free, sharing the experience with fellow fans and keeping the spirit of the original game alive and swinging.

Download it here: https://www.romhacking.net/reviews/8396/#review

Opponents:

Gabby Jay – From Super Punchout!!
Pete Pasta – The younger brother of Pizza Pasta from the arcade Punch-Out!!.
Aran Ryan – From Super Punch-Out!!.
Heike Kagero – From Super Punch-Out!!
King Hippo – Recolored to become T.V. Hippo inspired by King Hippos appearence in the “Captain N: Gamemaster” cartoon show.
Alyn Tendo – An original character related to Power Punch II.
Mask X – From Arm Wrestling, an arcade spinoff of Punch-out!!
Unmasked version of Masked Muscle – Super Punch-Out!!
Al Molblin – Inspired by the Molblin/Moblin enemy character from The Legend of Zelda series.
Frank Jr. – Purple Frankenstein monster from Arm Wrestling, an arcade spinoff of Punch-out!!
Sandman – Mr. Sandman’s son.