PixlBit

Developer: Nintendo R&D3

Publisher: Nintendo

Genre: Sports

Release: 1994

Currently available on: New 3DS VC, SNES Classic Edition, Nintendo Switch Online

About the game: This is actually a port of the 1984 arcade game of the same name. You play as Little Mac (who looks completely different from the previous game) as you take on the strongest and strangest boxing opponents to win the World Championship belt. The behind-the-back perspective is back, although this time Little Mac is transparent. Now you have a charge meter which allows you to release powerful blows in order to knock down opponents faster. Opponents include such memorable characters as Bear Hugger, Bald Bull, and Super Macho Man. SPO is different from most boxing games. It's more like a puzzle game with boxing elements. It's all about learning your opponent's attack patterns and countering at just the right moment. 

Why I love it: This is another game that I played for the first time in college on an emulator. I had never played a Punch-Out game before, but I had heard good things, and let me say, I really loved this game! It was different, fun, and challenging. It's unfortunate that this game is often overlooked in favor of the original and the Wii remake; this is an excellent game! I think some tend to complain about the opponents going off the rails. For example, Dragon Chan will jump around the ring and try to kick you, and later in the game, an old man fights you with a staff. The Masked Muscle tries to cheat by spitting in your face, which blurs the screen. I actually like these additions, which give the game more personality. SPO should get more love. 

You can read my full review of this game here