Genre: Sports

Year Released: 1987(NES). Also made an appearance in Animal Crossing (2002, Gamecube).

Number of Players: 1

Mario Cameo Appearance: Mario counts down KOs as the referee.

You are Little Mac, boxer extraordinaire. The only things going against you? A bunch of challenging boxers, all wanting to stop you from being Champ. Oh yeah, the other thing is that you're... Um... Short, I guess.

Graphics: The ring is pretty basic looking, as are the menus, but the boxers look great, if not a little large. Their gloves are about the size of Little Mac's head! But it's worth it just to punch 'em to see the expressions on their faces. =)

Play Control: A, B, Right, Left. Could a boxing game get any easier to control? The best thing is that you don't have to wear those heavy leather gloves while playing. Bonus!

Sound: Simple music (the same song repeats in every match), and sound effects. Pretty unimpressive stuff, generally.

Challenge: This game provides a great challenge. Each boxer has their own special attack, and you've gotta learn how to counter it, or you'll be kissing canvas. Ouch! And if you can get past the charging of Bald Bull, the massive gut of King Hippo, and, oh yeah, all those other dudes, then you've gotta face Mike Tyson and watch for his attempts to bite your ear off (OK, he doesn't, but it's a whole lot more satisfying to beat him if you say he does).

The Bottom Line: An excellent game for NES, easily a classic. Now go out there, and wipe that big, dopey grin from Glass Joe's face before I have to do it myself.

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