Donkey Kong Bananzahas been a massive success for Nintendo, but now it seems like the perfect time for another iconic Nintendo series to come back, likePunch-Out. After 26 years, DK returns in his first full 3D installment since 1999’sDonkey Kong 64, withDonkey Kong Bananza, and it’s beengetting stellar reviewsacross the board.
I loveDonkey Kong, but my favorite Nintendo series has to bePunch-Out. The games are incredibly fun to play, and mastering them feels truly rewarding. Plus, the newest entry in the serieswas actually the best one yet, and I would love to see its developer continue with a sequel. I hope Nintendo returns to this beloved franchise and makes a new entry, but there is a reason why I think Nintendo hasn’t brought it back yet.
Why Punch-Out Is Such A Phenomenal Series
Easy To Learn, But Hard To Master
The core reason why thePunch-Outgames (excluding the Arcade titles) prove to be such greatness on a different level isthe skill ceiling.Punch-Outis incredibly easy to learn. You can dodge left and right, duck, throw left and right body and headshots, throw star punches, and that’s pretty much it. There are other mechanics, like the KO meter and heart system, but the gameplay is as simple as that.
Despite its simplicity, there’s a very high skill ceiling, and masteringPunch-Outfeels amazing. There are usually wildly hard one or two-frame knockdown/knockout opportunities, and landing those makesyou feel like a million bucks. KOing the final boss ofSuper Punch-Outin ten seconds, for example, requires precise timing and reaction skills, but landing it is satisfying like no other game out there.
Punch-Out Deserves A Comeback On Switch 2
Next Level Games Nailed It The First Time Around
It’s saddening to see thatPunch-Outhas been largely abandoned by Nintendo when the last game was so good.Punch-Out Wiiwas essentially afull-blown remake of the NES original, and one of thebest video game remakes ever. It improved the game in all facets, even mechanically, with the more risky star system.
With the new technology of the Switch 2, it would be interesting to see what direction Next Level would take forPunch-Out.
Punch-Out Wiiwas developed by Next Level Games, a developer most famous forLuigi’s Mansion 2and3, which are some of thebetter video game spin-offsof theMariofranchise. Even to this day, I think thatPunch-Out Wiiis their best game ever, and I would love to see a sequel on the Switch 2.
With the new technology of the Switch 2, it would be interesting to see what direction Next Level will take forPunch-Out. With all that said, there is a pretty obvious reason why Nintendo hasn’t worked on anything new forPunch-Out. Whileit’s never been confirmed, it’s a no-brainer in today’s social climate:the stereotypes.
Why Punch-Out Might Not Return
The One Nagging Problem Associated With The Series
DespitePunch-Outbeing a great series, it is, sadly, marred by the series' notorious use of racial stereotypes in its boxers. Throughout the entire series, from the first arcade game in 1984 to the newest entry from 2009, you’ll find tons of racial stereotypes. It can be a bit jarring today, and even whenPunch-Out Wiicame out in 2009,the game received backlash for it.
It’s understandable why Nintendo would want to stay away fromPunch-Out, but people don’t love the series because of the stereotypes associated with it. At least for hardcorePunch-Outfans, they love the titlesbecause of the gameplay, landing one-frame knockdowns.
That’s what makesPunch-Outso fun, and Nintendo could easily remove stereotypes from the next installment, but keep the gameplay intact. That would be the best path forward in creating a newPunch-Outtitle.
