Rent Games Online for All Game Systems

Here at Rent Games Now we prefer to rent games to try them out before buying them. And being able to do it online makes it even better! Here’s a game we think you’ll enjoy renting - Punch-Out for the Nintendo Wii.

I’m dating myself but I was around when the original version of Punch-Out was released for the classic NES console over 20 years ago. I put in many hours playing that game trying my best to beat the long string of colorful characters you got to spar with. From King Hippo to Bald Bull to Soda Popinski each character was rather unique in their appearance and fighting style. I’m pleased to report that this updated version for the Wii stays true to the original’s gameplay.

Little Mac is back and he’s still as scrawny as ever. He’s back to face 13 fighters, the majority of which are resurrected from the original NES version. Two of the fighters hail from Super-Punch-Out which was the Super Nintendo (SNES) version from the mid-nineties, Aran Ryan and Bear Hugger. Your final opponent is Disco Kid who is flashy to put it mildly. True to the original and its sequel each character has their signature moves and attacks. And also like the original each has their own particular weakness.

Gameplay is as fun as the preceding versions of Punch-Out and is rather enhanced by the Wii’s unique control scheme. Besting all 13 of your opponents can be hard but is not a major challenge once you figure out their weaknesses and get your timing down. Where things take off and get very challenging is after you’ve won the championship belt. Suddenly you’re constantly challenged with rematches against every one you previously beat in order to keep the title. And let me tell you these guys come back with a vengeance! The skill level necessary to beat your opponents a second time is ramped up dramatically making for some very fun and challenging boxing matches. you see your opponents didn’t just sit around licking their wounds. They spent their recuperation time coming up with ways to counteract their weaknesses as well as learning new moves and altering their timing. this second go round took me some time to master - not that I was complaining though!

This updated version of Punch-Out also includes a two-player mode that’s rather fun. You and a friend can both play as Little Macs fighting each other. When you score enough blows you’re transformed Hulk-style into the super-sized Giga Mac.

Graphically the game takes advantage of the Wii’s superior technology while still remaining true to the original’s cartoony feel. Nintendo really did a great job in this respect.

I give Punch-Out a 9 out of 10. I would have given it a 10 except for the fact that the balance board is a little hit and miss when registering your movements. That shortcoming aside I heartily recommend this game!