I recently received a copy of Punch-Out for the Wii from my girlfriend (thanks, Tracie) and I've been having a blast playing it so far. It’s always fun working my way up the World Boxing Association circuit against such feared foes as Bald Bull, Great Tiger, King Hippo and Mr. Sandman. I remember back in 1984 when I first saw the game at my neighborhood arcade with a crowd of people watching. It was you as the challenger, a green wire-framed boxer, up against various boxers looking for signs that would telegraph their next move so that you could defeat them in the fastest time possible. I would watch other players to learn what worked against each character and use that info to become the new WBA champion.The sequel would come out a year later featuring the likes of Vodka Drunkinski (subsequently renamed Soda Popinski), Bear Hugger and Dragon Chan. Once again I would spend my weekends learning their weaknesses and remaining undefeated.

In 1987, Mike Tyson’s Punch Out finally made it home to the NES. My friends and I would form our own “Fight Club” as we worked our way through each circuit to face off with Mike Tyson himself. He would hand us a serious beat-down but we would persevere until Tyson was finally down on the ropes. 3…2…1…K.O. Once again I was the undisputed champion of the world…in my basement. 11 years later, I would once again lace up my gloves to take on Super Punch-Out on the SNES. This time Glass Joe, Piston Honda and the rest were now dealing with a grown man. Battle-hardened and ready to reclaim the title belt.

And now all things come full circle as Punch-Out returns to take away my vacation time as work my way up to handle Mr. Sandman. It’s been too long hasn’t it? I still remember your moves like it was yesterday. Once again, I'm taken back to my childhood as a little boy peeking around the arcade cabinet. As the Sandman comes crashing down to the mat, I realize that I always was and always will be the World Boxing Association Champion…of my basement. Until next time, good luck and good gaming.

MegamanX