10 Games Like Punch-Out! | TheReviewGeek Recommends

10 More Fabulous Games That Will Get You Moving!

Punch-Out! is a fabulous boxing game that deserves a new entry. The previous installment of the Nintendo Wii was colorful, fun, and unforgettable. It gave classic characters from Little Mac to King Hippo a chance to resonate with new audiences. As for the game itself, it features fabulous gameplay that’ll test gamers’ precision and memorization skills. 

If you’ve finished playing Punch-Out! and are looking for alternatives – fret not! We’ve combed through the archives and saved you the hassle with our top 10 picks.

Of course, for all the games we’ve reviewed, we’ve also added a handy link, so you can check out our full thoughts on that and see if it’s something you want to invest your time in.

So without further ado, we present 10 games to check out if you’re looking for a game like Punch-Out!


ARMS

ARMS is a new Nintendo property that received decent buzz for a bit when it was released. Many enjoyed this title for its potential FGC viability, creative world, and enjoyable cast. When it was first announced many thought it was a more fleshed-out version of Punch-Out. This is because ARMS plays like an arena fighter and gives you the chance to jump and perform special moves. 

Nevertheless, like Punch-Out, this game’s cast will intrigue folks. Although they don’t receive as much depth as fans would hope, the little bits we receive of them should interest you. Further, ARMS features a similar control scheme that emphasizes timing and precision. You’ll use motion controls to dodge, throw punches, block, and perform the character’s special attacks. Punch-Out for the Nintendo Wii features motion controls too, but it’s not as in-depth as ARMS.

If you’re looking for another Nintendo boxing title with fun characters, modes, and enjoyable gameplay, pick ARMS up. 


Ready 2 Rumble Boxing

Ready 2 Rumble Boxing is an arcade-style boxing game that bears a resemblance to classic Punch-Out. Firstly, both games feature colorful characters who bring an air of personality to the boxing arena. Unlike Punch-Out, players can choose from a variety of different boxers from its roster. They’re all absurd and have a distinct fighting style that helps them stand out. 

However, their quirky personalities will remind folks of the opponents they’ll confront in the Punch-Out series like Glass Joe or Bear Hugger. These larger-than-life personalities add a layer of fun to Ready 2 Rumble’s gameplay, making it feel exciting to play. On top of requiring players to learn each boxer’s patterns and tendencies, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing is a great game to play after Punch-Out. 


Wade Hixton’s Counter Punch is a GBA boxing game that’s sure to keep you hooked. It’s a top-down boxing title reminiscent of classic Punch-Out, allowing players to overserve and react to their opponent’s movements and attacks.

Further, CounterPunch features a diverse roster of opponents for players to defeat. Many of these enemies can be challenging, so it’s best to keep your eyes peeled. That said, players need to prioritize precise timing and well-executed attacks if they hope to win in both games. Counter Punch requires you to master a range of punches, blocks, dodges, and counters. Mastering these techniques allows players to improve their skills in the game and could have an effect on them in real-life.

If you’re looking for another quirky and fun boxing title from the GBA days, Wade Hixton’s Counter Punch should satisfy you. 


Creepy Brawlers

Creepy Brawlers is a Punch-Out-inspired game that adds its own unique flair to avoid feeling like a carbon copy. Nevertheless, this game features countless quirky opponents for you to fight like its inspiration. Many adversaries are strange in personality and ability, helping the game remain fresh. This mirrors the weird foes you’ll come across in all the Punch-Out entries. 

Further, this game features all the strategic gameplay elements fans loved from the Punch-Out series. From studying opponents’ attacks to delivering powerful punches in retaliation, you’re bound to have a delightful time with Creepy Brawlers.

In addition to having some nice pixelated graphics that give it a retro flair, Creepy Brawlers is worth checking out. 


Teleroboxer

Teleroboxer is a strange boxing game from the Virtual Boy days. This game forces players to compete in intense one-on-one battles like in the Punch-Out series. However, Teleroboxer has you step in the shoes of a robotic boxer and face off against a series of challenging opponents in a futuristic-themed boxing ring. 

Nonetheless, the gameplay mirrors Punch-Out’s structure, making you feel like you’re in control of a robotic version of Little Mac at times. Further, this game demands players to have quick reflexes and strategic decision-making. You must use the Virtual Boy’s VR headset to dodge punches, launch powerful attacks, and defend against a slew of opponents’ assaults.

On top of having a fun roster of speedy warriors and hard-hitting opponents, Teleroboxer is a decent game from a past era. 


Toughman Contest

Toughman Contest is an arcade-style boxing game that has you step into the shoes of a determined boxer. Like Little Mac, you must help Toughman Contest’s protagonist endure the slew of opponents that’ll stand in his way from reaching the top. Each opponent is armed with a different fighting style and pattern, making things refreshing and fun. 

As one can expect, both games feature players forming strategic plans on the fly to counteract their opponents’ maneuvers. This allows each match to feel challenging to play and rewarding to complete.

In addition to featuring a diverse cast of technical and well-designed fightres for you to overcome, Toughman Contest is a great boxing game that captures the spirit of classic boxing. 


Frank Bruno’s Boxing

Frank Bruno’s Boxing is a popular boxing title that was released in the 1980s. This game draws obvious comparisons to Punch-Out from its character designs to its gameplay. The gameplay has you control a random boxer who must conquer a gauntlet of fighters in fierce one-on-one battles. You’ll need to read your opponent’s movements and deliver powerful attacks if you hope to walk away a champion. 

Many of your opponents have different designs and attributes to help them stand out. Some characters resemble fighters you’d find in Punch-Out like Bear Hugger in the image above. On the other hand, by studying each opponent’s patterns and adjusting your strategies accordingly, you’ll have an easier time defeating each enemy who crosses your path.

On top of having similar sound effects, visuals, and energetic commentary as Punch Out, Frank Bruno’s Boxing is a nice copycat that’s worth trying. 


Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is as the title suggests, a rhythm game that’ll help you get into shape. Although it’s no Ring Fit Adventure, this game offers a variety of boxing-themed workouts to make you break a sweat. Despite focusing more on fitness, this game bears many similarities with Punch-Out upon closer inspection. 

Firstly, Fitness Boxing 2 makes great use of the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers’ motion controls like Punch-Out Wii did with that system’s Wii Remote and Nunchuck controllers. These games will have you moving at quick paces to deliver swift and timely punches to overcome its hurdles. Where Punch-Out has you knocking people out, this game has you knocking fist tiles to pieces.

On top of featuring many valuable unlockables such as new gear, exercises, and music, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise is worth playing. 


Greatest Heavyweights

Greatest Heavyweights is a fun boxing game from the Sega Genesis era. Like Punch-Out, this game has you compete in intense one-on-one boxing matches. This not only captures the realistic spirit of boxing but makes each match feel exhilarating and eventful. Both games require you to study patterns, anticipate attacks, and find opportunities to counter. 

You’ll find yourself mixing defensive techniques with offensive ones, just like Punch-Out and the real sport. This game’s emphasis on strategy and pattern recognition adds a layer of depth and challenge to its gameplay, making players feel like they earned their success.

On top of featuring a great roster of likable and diverse characters, Greatest Heavyweights is a great alternative to Punch-Out.  


Wii Sports

Who doesn’t love Wii Sports? This game was the perfect launch title for the Nintendo Wii since it allows anyone to pick up a controller and play it without issues. Despite featuring more sports than Punch-Out, this game’s boxing mode bears striking similarities with Punch-Out Wii’s gameplay. Like that game, Wii Sport’s boxing mode has players compete in one on one matches. 

You can choose to battle random Mii characters through a gauntlet-like structure or your friends. The former mirrors the format you’ll find in all the Punch-Out games, even though the Punch-Out characters feel more memorable and creative compared to the Miis. On the other hand, both games require you to read your foes’ movements, timing, and patterns. 

This game allows you to move around the boxing ring and deliver different types of punches, unlike Punch-Out. Therefore, if you happen to have a Nintendo Wii lying around your home, I’d recommend looking for a copy of Wii Sports to pass the time. 


So there we have it, our 10 video game picks to keep you busy after playing Punch-Out!

What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!


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