Arcade Archives: Punch-Out!

 Switch
  • Publisher: Hamster
  • Release Date: Mar 30, 2018
Metascore
tbd

No score yet - based on 2 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Nintendo Life
    Apr 20, 2018
    70
    Punch-Out!! is not only a nostalgic slice of Nintendo’s arcade history, it just so happens to be one of the most enjoyable boxing games ever made, laying down the entire foundation not only for the whole series but for several other games adopting the ‘behind the boxer’ viewpoint. Over three decades later, it is still a joy to pick up and play, still proving to be extremely rewarding when you finally figure out your opponent's ‘tell’ and proceed to take them to the floor.
  2. NintendoWorldReport
    Apr 9, 2018
    80
    Punch-Out!! can be really fun and addictive, but will likely be way too challenging for some looking for a simpler arcade experience. There is a bit of a learning curve that has to be overcome to really start appreciating it, but if you can rise to the challenge there is a great arcade high score game to be enjoyed.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. Lumabros
    Apr 5, 2018
    8
    Gameplay: The gameplay is the exact same as the original arcade version that was released in the 80s. You play as a boxer who must beat aGameplay: The gameplay is the exact same as the original arcade version that was released in the 80s. You play as a boxer who must beat a series of challengers to eventually get to the end, not that complicated. However, in the arcade version, you get a joystick a some buttons for movement, on the switch you are using 2 joycons and the button translation feels really odd. The controls feel a little clunky to me, you need to press the left and right triggers of each joy con to punch, or only use the left joycon to press buttons to punch. I guess the reason why it feels so weird is because this game was only meant to be an arcade cabinet, and then you force its controls on the switch. I will admit, after awhile you do get use to the control scheme, but its really weird and troublesome if you played the original arcade version. Along with the arcade version of the game, you can also play High score mode that lets you compete for your highest score but you won't be able to save unlike classic mode allows you to. There is also caravan mode that times you for 5 minutes to see how far you can get. These modes are nothing special, but do offer some variety.

    Performance: The game runs perfectly on switch, no glitches or bugs of any kind.
    The sound is just like the original and looks how it did back in the day. No issues performance wise at all.

    ETC: Now I'm going to talk about how the game can be displayed. Since this game was an arcade cabinet, there were 2 screens to show you who you were fighting, and the game itself. There are 3 ways to display this. There is the original version, were 2 screens are stacked on top of eachother with a black backdrop on the sides, a horizontal display that puts the 2 screens right next to each other from left to right, or the most odd one, the whole game being played vertically including the switch itself. Unless you have a special stand, there is no real reason to play that way, it's just really odd. I myself play to original arcade display. All of these displays in general are odd, but its really the only way to port this game without dual screens, this game should have been ported to the 3DS or even Wii u. The displays are not the best suited for the switch.

    Overall: Overall, this port is great way to introduce new players to the punch out game that started it all. Although the controls aren't the best and displaying the game can be an issue, for the price of $8, It ain't that bad.    … Full Review »
  2. sailor_n
    Mar 19, 2019
    8
    having the original arcade version of punch out on the switch is awesome. it also has online features which is really cool
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