Mike Tyson's Punchout NES Review - Doc's Shoulder Rubbing

Pre-emptive note- I have beaten this game without codes (it can be done)...When discussing MT's Punch-Out, I feel that I can safely skip what this game is about. Ok, ok, as Little Mac, you go head to head with some of the world's best boxers in 3 different circuits. The beginning boxers are easy, but get progressively harder. Each boxer has a distinct pattern you can learn to use against them. You fight several boxers more than once (Piston Honda, Don Flamenco and Bald Bull).
The most important thing about this game is that it is FUN. At least, it is fun until you get to Mr. Sandman, and that's when things start getting rough. You have to defeat the Sandman by his telegraphed little twitches (these look like blinking on your system the first time you play; don't be alarmed). Basically, it comes down to reflexes and controller sensitivity. Super Macho Man is even worse. He also telegraphs his Super Spin Punch, but you have no idea how many times he'll throw it consecutively.
If you survive these guys and reach Tyson, you're in for a brutal awakening. Tyson comes out of the gates throwing all he's got at you. You can only mash the buttons the best you can and pray. I'll say this- tenacity is great with Tyson, but I recommend cleaning your controller before you even start this game.
The graphics in this game are simple and uninteresting. Even the sidescrolling New York skyline is less than amazing. The sound is sub-par as well. None of this much matters, though, because as I have stressed, this game is fun. The play control is good enough; your inadequacy only truly shows through on Tyson's and Bald Bull's Bull charge. The challenge is good enough to keep you coming back to try and defeat Tyson.
On a scale of 1-10, with 5 as average:
Graphics:6
Sound:5
Play Control:8
Challenge:8
Fun:9

You really must own this game. ~E.

-Ebo