I'm not going to let the lack of online kill the experience for me: Punch-Out!! on the Wii is a fantastic recreation of the NES original and retains every element that makes the game one hell of a challenge and insanely addictive. The Wii version also looks fantastic, with animation that puts a level of attention to character personality that's rarely seen in a Nintendo first-party title. I'm thrilled that the formula's been retained but I do wish there were more original characters to the roster. Luckily the second half of the game brings back that sense of discovery with character upgrades that change things considerably. Punch-Out!! nuts have nothing to worry about, and I think that the game design holds up really well, even for players who aren't familiar with the brand's unique offering of pattern-focused gameplay.
The Way it Looks
<a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back"><img mce_style="float: left;" style="float: left;" src="../../../images/rating4.png" mce_src="/images/rating4.png" width="134" height="112">Menus are a little bland and uninspired, but the game just oozes personality, and even with the basic gameplay there's plenty to experience.
Visual
<a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back"><img mce_style="float: left;" style="float: left;" src="../../../images/rating4.png" mce_src="/images/rating4.png" width="134" height="112"><a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back">The two-frame animation has been completely revamped with modern 3D, and it looks fantastic in motion. Detailed painted cutscenes feel just a little rushed but they're certainly better than nothing.
Sound
<a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back"><img style="float: left;" mce_style="float: left;" src="../../../images/rating4.png" mce_src="/images/rating4.png" width="134" height="112">Each character has a good amount of dialogue with well-acted speech that fits their personality. And the classic Punch-Out themes have been remixed in various styles.
Gameplay
<a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back"><img style="float: left;" mce_style="float: left;" src="/images/rating5.png" mce_src="/images/rating5.png" width="134" height="112"><a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back">The matches aren't that exciting and I sometimes feel like the "simplified" controls complicate more than they should. Still, Road to WrestleMania can be fun and interesting.
Lasting Appeal
<a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back"><img style="float: left;" mce_style="float: left;" src="/images/rating4.png" mce_src="/images/rating4.png" width="134" height="112"><a title="Fear 2 Project Origin Review Alma is Back">Punch-out may have a basic set of moves and attacks, but the challenge is all in having quick reaction with these moves and recognizing each fighter's patterns. It's incredibly fun and satisfying.
Outstanding
<img style="float: left;" mce_style="float: left;" src="/images/rating4.png" mce_src="/images/rating4.png" width="134" height="112">OVERALL
(Not a most but need to be purchased)
