The game that technically started it all, if you don't count the arcade version that is. 'Punch-Out!!' is a very unique title that released early in the NES's life. The only thing I knew about Punch-Out as a whole is Little Mac and his coach, but upon playing this, I learned that the game is moreso learning what your opponents do and countering with dodges, blocks, or even punches to defend yourself in the match.

Just like real boxing, if you counter at a perfect moment, Little Mac gains a star and if you press start, you use the star punch which deals more damage to your opposing boxer. This was a fun mechanic for the game, however if you get hit or run out of time in the round, you lose the star count, and it can stack up to 3, which makes it very easy to lose if you are inexperienced with this game.

I made it all the way to the end, and fought Mr. Dream (aka Mike Tyson in the OG release) and I couldn't beat him. Wiped me out the first round, but hey. I had fun either way with this game, even if Bald Bull, Super Macho Man, Mr. Sandman and especially Soda Popinski kicked my ass. But hey, that's what Switch save states are for.