Super Punch-Out's introductory sequence, capturing Little Mac's preparation beforehand of the actual fight. Determination, courage and perhaps a hint of apprehension best describe the scene.
We've got a checklist to review before entering the ring.
Bandages? Check. Wouldn't want to risk fracturing a knuckle, now.
Comfortable footwear? Check. Lengthy fights surely lay ahead.
Boxing gloves? Check. Ready to clout faces, and bodies, too.
Entering a brightly illuminated arena in style, to the brouhaha of the crowd? Check.
The audience, and all the challenges our future opponents may bring, await us! Let's go!
The title screen, appropriately coinciding with the area you'll spend most of your time; the ring.
If you remain idle at the title screen briefly, you'll be treated to a helpful tutorial on how to play.
Having a bit of creative fun with the eight file names.
A choice of four modes to select. The first time you arrive at this menu on a new file, though, Championship Mode, and Button Setting Mode (controller configuration) are the only two options available.
Championship Mode features three circuits by default that you must finish in a specified order: Minor, Major and World. Only until you acquire the championship titles from each circuit, will you meet the qualifications to advance to the next circuit. The Special Circuit can only be procured by winning all three normal circuits undefeated.
After completing each circuit in Championship Mode, your opponent roster will subsequently expand by four in Time Attack Mode. You'll be enabled to fight a particular opponent at whim, and to beat them in the fastest time possible for your records.
Your journey for the W.V.B.A. championship title starts here at the Minor Circuit, where amateurish opponents aren't particularly challenging, and where leeway for mistakes is often in ample supply. Notwithstanding, you'll have to accustom yourself to offensive, and defensive techniques competently if you ever wish to progress from the Minor Circuit to better prospects.
Ranked No. 2 - Bear Hugger. Psychologically, this corpulent Canadian lumberjack's may appear intimidating at first because of his weight, but is offset by his questionable record of 17 wins, and 12 losses. Yes, he's burly, and probably relies on his power to emerge triumphant, but brute force alone doesn't account for much, apparently as his record indicates.
Next, is the Major Circuit where you can expect a considerable increase in difficulty, as these contenders are more skillful, contrasting to those in the Minor Circuit. Forgiveness for some mistakes can be found, but make one too many, too frequently, and you'll be struggling here for quite a while.
Ranked No. 2 - Dragon Chan. With Dragon's name, and appearance like that, the notion that Dragon Chan is a dual parody of both martial artists Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan, isn't actually a very farfetched conclusion. If true, a very unorthodox fighting style from Dragon is likely. We'll never know until we fight him firsthand, so let's attest our theory!
Following the Major Circuit is the World Circuit, where the competition becomes even more formidable. Simply put, mistakes must be minimized as the standards here require an exceptional performance. Mediocrity won't suffice.
Ranked No. 3 - Aran Ryan. Either Ryan is inebriated; drunk (which could explain why he's benumbed to the pain of punches), or is insecure about himself, because ten others have already proven him wrong; I aim to make it eleven. This Irishman's luck is beginning to stretch itself thin.
The match is virtually lopsided in my favor at the outset. The ratio of successful punches landed is very imbalanced between us; mine being the majority. Ryan is knocked down by a powerful hook, whereas I haven't lost much stamina.
A winded Aran Ryan appears to struggle, rising at the count of six. It costs him a sizable chunk of his health. Waiting in the meanwhile, I recovered some stamina.
After knocking Ryan down a second time, I exhibited more aggression. Although going on the offensive was somewhat effective at first, it ultimately produced overconfidence, and carelessness that culminated with me suffering a knock down, myself. An uppercut sends me to the canvas.
Knocked down, but not knocked out. Wasting no time in recovering to resume the match, the count stops at three once I manage to stand again.
Inflicting a couple more blows renders Ryan prone on the mat for the third, and final time allowed. Victory by T.K.O. What's left is to review the recorded statistics of the match, and the total score achieved.
Beyond the World Circuit is the secret fourth and final circuit; the Special Circuit. Here, only the most accomplished, and prestigious boxers of the W.V.B.A. contend for the ultimate prize; the Special Circuit's championship belt. Until you master Super Punch-Out, odds are you'll never acquire the championship belt, as affordability of mistakes is scarce, to virtually nonexistent.
Ranked No. 2 - Hoy Quarlow. Don't be deceived by Hoy's plea, nor his age of 78. After accumulating an impressive 62 wins throughout his prolific boxing career, and only suffering 13 losses, this Asian geriatric assuredly possesses both experience and prowess; two traits that don't make him a cakewalk to defeat. He also has a third, distinct advantage against you. You'll see. It's more tangible than the two aforementioned advantages Hoy has.
More screen shots, and comments coming soon!
