I have avoided the topic of the new gaming systems for a while now because I was so extremely disappointed by what was going on. Dating back to the Atari 2600 the advantage to being a console gamer was that you avoided many of the hasslse of PC gaming. While there are many great PC game titles, there were many annoyances to gaming on a PC, while console gaming was as simple as inserting a game and playing.
Without the need for activation codes or having to understand system requirements, console gaming flourished into a grand past time for both hardcore and casual gamers. Consoles were also a cheaper alternative to investing in a state of the art PC to run new games. Gaming consoles were simple, user friendly ways to immerse yourself into a whole new world. All that was required was to insert the game, and play it.
Some of Microsoft's ideas for the Xbox One weren't so simple. Unfortunately I did fear when a company like Microsoft entered the gaming arena that the industry was about to move in the wrong direction. In my opinion their first cardinal sin was Xbox Live. Charging you to use your own internet is a sin and something that I flatly refuse to facilitate. But just as i feared, it was only the beginning of their dastardly ideas.
Xbox President, Don Mattrick choking down the last bite of his shoe after constantly having his foot in his mouth at E3
The issue is that industry is beginning to plateau, and for a company like Microsoft anything other than rapid growth of earning potential is not acceptable. So when information about how the company's plans for the new system began to surface many eyebrows were raised.
The first rumor to be addressed was that of a Digital Rights Management (DRM) system that Microsoft looked to place in the system. The system would keep an online record of each individual game disc, and once inserted into a game system link that game to the user's Xbox Live account. In the future if any other user attempted to use that disc, it would first require that an activation fee be paid to Microsoft.
This issue created quite an uproar due to the fact that this would mean that gamers would no longer be able to borrow, rent, or buy game discs that have already been used without paying Microsoft first. With many gamers being able to buy more titles for their systems when choosing to buy used, this became a concern that their Xbox One libraries would have to be considerably smaller. Even the most hardcore Xbox fanboys were forced to express their displeasure with this concept. However when the time came Microsoft announced that this would in fact be a reality for anyone who bought their new system.
Always being connected to the internet, with a wide angle 1080p camera constantly peering into your living room... someone else can write that article, but it is pretty scary to think about
The second huge issue to arrive was that of connectivity. While online features have been a staple of the last generation of gaming consoles, they certainly weren't necessary for most titles. Even great online multiplayer titles like Call of Duty had an offline single player campaign that players could go through. Microsoft planned on taking that luxury of online ability and making it mandatory. The "always connected" Xbox One was to require a daily internet check, or the system would not allow for games to be played.
Many people felt that this was a rather bold and conceited move by the brass at Xbox. While the internet has grown substantially over the past few years, there are still many homes that do not have readily available internet. Backlash on this topic met a fever pitch, when Xbox boss, Don Mattrick made some rather smug comments in an interview with video game journalist Geoff Keighley. Mattrick said, "Fortunately we have a product for people who aren't able to get some form of connectivity, it's called Xbox 360." He later made a comment about how they based that decision from reading the forums and only finding a guy on a nuclear submarine complaining about the issue. Apparently those on nuclear submarines were to quit their complaining and be happy with their 360.
Sony reps were almost repressing laughter at E3 explaining that their PS4 was not only going to be $100 cheaper than the $500 Xbox One, but wasn't including any sort of DRM technology, or forcing online connection. Combined with the horrible press and angry consumers Microsoft came out and changed their stance on the issues. While they did listen to the public, they certainly weren't thrilled about the result. They did act much like the pouting kid taking his ball home, declaring that some of the features now won't be able to work as previously advertised.
Thank you to blisteredthumbs.net for this wonderful apology photo from Microsoft
Well boo-hoo Microsoft, apparently you are going to have to find other ways to turn your new system into a revenue machine. Just be careful, apparently winning one round of the console wars doesn't make you immune to public scorn.
Mike Tyson made the news a few days back when he attended the latest UFC event with the companies president, Dana White. When former heavyweight champion Junior Dos Santos was awarded the Knockout of the Night honors, Mike Tyson disagreed. He told Dana While that he believed up and coming fighter T.J. Grant deserved the award, and the $50,000 that comes along with it. White changed the decision and probably rightfully gave the prize to Grant.
While unfortunately not every Iron Mike story through history is as nice as him doing a solid for a deserving young fighter being overlooked, he has seemed to have left a troubled past behind him. That is nice to see, because Mike Tyson was a keystone figure in my childhood gaming experience.
The Orginal Punch Out!! arcade machine. Note the duel monitor setup it employed that served as the inspiration of the Nintendo DS.
In the mid 80's Nintendo had hoped to release a console version of the popular Punch Out!! arcade game. The original Punch Out!! was a simplistic cartoonish version of boxing. It was a neat machine because you did fight behind a green wire frame fighter, allowing a third person perspective with full view of your opponent. The other thing that was unique was the dual monitor display. The bottom monitor was the main play screen while the top monitor displayed fight information. The Nintendo didn't have anywhere near the graphical capabilities of the arcade version, so developers had their work cut out for them.
The main character had to be shrunk down, due to perspective issues from the Nintendo's performance limitations. The wire framed tough guy from the arcade version was replaced with Little Mac. Mac was listed at 4'8" and 107 pounds, and hailed from The Bronx, New York. Little Mac was a simple character capable of head and body punches, ducking, dodging, and a power uppercut whenever he earned a star. The point of the game was to take the underdog Mac through a string of unique boxers, winning various championships along the way.
Mike Tyson on the cover of Sports Illustated in 1986
Nintendo wanted something to put the title over the top, their idea was to have the game culminate against a real fighter. The marketing scheme was developed when the president of Nintendo of America attended a Mike Tyson fight. At the time Tyson was a young fighter to was beating up guys about every other week. Tyson wasn't a household name quite yet but, was signed the three year contract for the use of his likeness. Right about the time of the game's release, Tyson defeated Trevor Berbick for the Heavyweight Championship of the World, quickly becoming boxing's newest and biggest star.
The game couldn't have come out much better. Although it was technically a boxing game, in a weird way it actually transcended normal sports titles. Instead of using AI to dictate the computer, each opponent you faced was a scripted challenge. Since each fighter had individual strengths and weaknesses, the challenge of the game is figuring out to exploit each fighter's timing. Acting and reacting is the key to victory, so if you want to take a chance at Mike Tyson here is the path you will need to take.
Little Mac is trained by none other than The Office's Stanley Hudson
The game starts out with Little Mac and his trainer Doc Brown starting at the bottom of the boxing world. The first championship you fight for is the Minor Circuit. The Minor Circuit is your introduction to the game, and shouldn't be a problem for anyone seriously hoping to make it to the end of the game. So let the fighting begin.
Glass Joe - The game leads off with the same first character from the arcade game, the French fighter with a 1-99 record. Unlike most of the other fighters in this game Joe is not overly concerned with defense. From the very beginning of the fight you can begin picking Joe apart. Glass Joe only has three different attacks, and none of them are incredibly effective. Trying to pinpoint a strategy against Joe is pretty much pointless, if you can't beat him you should try a hobby besides video games.
Von Kaiser - The second challenger is the German fighter Von Kaiser. Kaiser only has two real attacks, a left jab and a right uppercut. He tips off his jab by shaking his head, you can dodge the attack and counter strike, or simply give him a shot to the body while his head is shaking to beat his defense. The uppercut is much of the same, he can be hit with a body blow while he is crouched to throw the uppercut, or simply dodge and counter punch to land a few extra blows. If you earn stars to throw your power uppercut, no matter how much stamina Kaiser has left the blow will knock him to the canvas. You should have no problem making your way to the first champion.
Piston Honda - Here comes the Champ. He's the toughest fight you have seen so far, but that's still not saying much. Honda goes through a slightly varying pattern of Left Jabs, Right Hooks, and Right Uppercuts. He tips off all of his punches, most notably his eyebrows twitch before throwing some blows. If you can time it right you can punch him while he is winding up and earn stars during his his Jab or Hook. The safest strategy is to dodge and counter punch his strikes. Honda's only curveball is his Banzai Attack. When he prepares to use it he will back off and hop around for a few seconds and charge forward. A well timed punch to the mouth will send him stumbling to the canvas. If you aren't brave enough to go that route you must be prepared to block and counter 5 straight punches and a quick uppercut. His Banzai attack is the most brutal technique so far in the game if not defensed property. Also you must win by KO or score the three knockdowns in the round to score the TKO because this fight is impossible to win by decision.
This is the famous pink jogging suit scene that transitions you to the next division
After you dispatch of Honda it is time to face off against the next tier of challengers. But first there is the legendary training scene, where Doc Brown is riding a bike in New York City while Little Mac trails behind in a pink training outfit. Perhaps the pink training outfit was only to pick warmup fights, because the Major Circuit fighters are trickier and more dangerous than the ones you have faced so far. It is probably my favorite circuit because of the iconic characters that were in it.
Don Flamenco - You knew right away you were in the big time at the beginning when Flamenco would do the dance of the same name. However his showmanship display lasts about as long as his match with Mac as long as you follow the simple formula to beating him. Instantly in the match Flamenco begins taunting Mac. He will continue to do this until you throw a strike. No matter what he will block your strike and quickly counter with a powerful uppercut. You must be ready for it because he doesn't tip his uppercut off very well. If you do manage to dodge his attack, alternate left and right blows to the head. You can knock him down after the very first uppercut. He will get up and immediately throw another quick uppercut. If you are ready for it and can dodge it you can repeat the process and knock him down a second time. He won't get up and the fight is yours. His only other technique is a wimpy little hook he throws if you run out of hearts. Be careful though, that right uppercut is quick and lethal.
King Hippo - One of the true iconic characters of the game, King Hippo was one of the few characters that really can only be beaten with one strategy. King Hippo only has several different varieties of jabs. King Hippo's strikes are amongst the most powerful you will see in the entire game, so not getting hit is extremely important in this fight. Occasionally during his punches he will open his mouth just before throwing the strike. At that moment Mac should punch Hippo in the mouth. Once hit in the mouth, Hippo's trunks will fall down allowing you to unload a barrage of punches to his stomach. To knock Hippo down you will have to accomplish that several times. The good news is that King Hippo cannot get back to his feet once knocked down, so after the 10 count Mac will be awarded the victory.
Great Tiger - Right from his intro Great Tiger shows that he is bringing something a little different to the table. His ability to use his abilities to warp around the ring will show itself soon enough. Tiger's main offense is his quick jabs. They are tipped off when the ruby in his turban begins to flash. The safe bet is to dodge and counter, but if you can sneak a punch in when the ruby flashes it will connect. Tiger can also through both left and right uppercuts, which also should be dodged and countered. He is a pretty straight forward match, until he does his Tiger Punch. The Tiger Punch is a series of five punches thrown while he warps around the ring. If you block all five blows Great Tiger will get dizzy and can be easily knocked down with one head shot. He isn't terribly hard to defeat, but it takes a lot. Tiger cannot be knocked out, you must either TKO him or score 10,000 points to get the decision in your favor.
Bald Bull - Perhaps the pinnacle icon of the series, the Major Circuit Champion is by far the toughest opponent yet. He has a powerful jab and hook, but tips them off with quick hand movement. Like most of the previous fighters he can be hit with a perfectly timed head shot when he is tipping those punches off. Unlike those fighter he has a very powerful uppercut that he throws much quicker than the other blows. You must be ready for it, if landed it causes a tremendous amount of damage. If that isn't enough Bald Bull will use his trademark Bull Charge on you. Bull will retreat to the far side of the ring and charge forward with a strike that if hits is an instant knockout. The Charge can be dodged, but he will just keep doing it. It must be countered with a perfectly timed body blow just before he reaches Mac. If countered properly Bull will hit the canvas like a ton of bricks. Hitting that counter is key, because Bald Bull is the only other character besides Great Tiger that cannot be knocked out. The trouble is that it is also impossible to win by decision in this fight, so the only way to win is to TKO the champ.
After this championship the pink gear is donned in the evening hours of New York. This means that you will also enter the big time. The World Circuit has some familiar faces mixed in with some new challenges. These are the truly difficult fights in the game, and really what gives the game the replay value.
Piston Honda - If you are breathing a sigh of relief when you see your old friend Honda, don't. Honda has refined his fighting style since the last time Mac faced him. He now throws trickier combos, that have smaller counter windows. His jab has become a triple jab, and the rest of his arsenal is now thrown with much trickier timing. Honda is certainly beatable this time around, but he's not easy.
Soda Popinski - He was originally named Vodka Drunkinski in the arcade version. However, Nintendo liked their games to stay family friendly on the consoles so he quit drinking large doses of alchohol and changed his name and sticks to what appears to be either Mountain Dew or 7up. While he can be dispatched by simple dodging and counter punching, Popinski doesn't make that terribly easy. He throws heavy uppercuts and hooks, with an occasional jab thrown in. The most difficult part of this fight will be identifying which punch he is about to throw and dodging with the appropriate timing. He has a special triple jab technique he will use on occasion that can cause problems if not avoided. A well executed fight should leave Soda Popinski with another loss on his record, you should be getting skilled enough by now to not let him be a road block.
Bald Bull - Oh no not again, who let this guy in the World Circuit. This rematch is a bit unique, where Bull really hasn't improved too greatly as a fighter. He still throws the same strikes as before, but this time there is a twist. You can beat down Bald Bull all day, but you cannot knock him down with normal counter punches. His energy bar will hover at the botton, only a power uppercut will actually send him to he mat. Getting the uppercuts are a bit easier this time around, but it still raises the overall difficulty of the match quite a bit. You will also need to counter the Bull Charge this time around as well. That can score you a quick knockdown as well. Mac will never be rewarded a decision so getting a KO or TKO is imperative.
Don Flamenco - Much like Piston Honda the 2nd time around with Don Flamenco shows an improvement in his game. Flamenco now features an arsenal of tricky jabs and hooks. He throws them slowly and deliberately so patience is the key this time around. Dodging and counter punching is yet again a sound strategy. This is probably an easier fight than the three previous fights, so if you can make it to Flamenco you probably have the skills to defeat him. I hope you enjoyed this fight because the cupcakes are over.
Mr. Sandman - The final three fights of this game are easily the toughest. You will need all the skills you have picked up so far to make your way to the end. Mr. Sandman throws his blows similarly to Bald Bull, only quicker. Sandman also has tremendous defense to his head, meaning that you will need to learn how to counter attack him. In many instances you must counter with a punch to the face, then repeated blows to the body while he is stunned. He can absorb a huge amount of damage and it takes quite a few punches to knock Sandman down. In fact many people will stop attacking him at the end of the first round, so that he can be knocked down quickly in the 2nd round to make a TKO possible. Sandman's unique move is the Dreamland Express which are three rapid fire uppercuts that need to be dodged. Dodging the Dreamland Express will lead to the best opportunity for damage against Sandman, so learning the timing is crucial to beating him.
Super Macho Man - Not to be confused with the late Randy "Macho Man" Savage, the World Circuit champion is the final step before fighting Mike Tyson. Macho Man is simply an amped up version of Soda Popinski, which makes him fairly manageable opponent for most of the fight. Macho Man's biggest assets are his unique spin punches. Occasionally he will delay for a moment then rip off a nasty spin punch. You must time your dodge perfectly or you will take some serious damage. His Super Spin Punches are even worse, he will pause the same and spin an undetermined amount of time. Avoiding this attack is crucial to taking down the Macho Man for good and making your way to "The Dream Fight"
Mike Tyson - One of the most legendary final challenges in the NES library is Little Mac's fight with Mike Tyson. Iron Mike doesn't really do anything special as he make his way out of the corner to fight, he saves every bit of aggression for the opening bell. The first 1:30 of the first round is among one of the hardest challenges you will ever face. Tyson throws huge uppercuts with very little warning that will knock Mac down with one punch. To get the timing of the uppercut and recover enough to counter is extremely difficult. If you aren't on your game this fight can easily end after just three punches. After the 1:30 Tyson comes back to earth and becomes a slightly more normal fighter. However his arsenal is quick, strong and tough to counter. If you can beat him, Tyson will congratulate you (Which is much better than having you ear bitten off, or having your children threatened to be eaten).
With the NBA Finals getting started, it serves as a reminder to me of some of the old basketball titles that graced the early gaming consoles. While there were some fun titles early on in the NES library for basketball fans, they were also rather generic and bland. Eventually NBA Jam came to the arcades. While that game was a blast to play, it was a crazy 2 on 2 arcade style game that didn't really speak to a true basketball purist.
The Sega Genesis was the first console to make a legitimate attempt at creating a true NBA experience. It did an updated version of 1989's PC game, Lakers vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs. Now the game did have it's shortcomings. It only featured 8 NBA teams and 2 All-Star teams. There was no season mode, so your only real option was to take a team and start in the Conference Semi-Final round of the playoffs with one of the teams they had available.
The real treat of the game was the actual gameplay. It was a true 5 on 5 game with real rules, and no one jumping 30 feet in the air with the ball on fire. The coolest feature was that star players could perform signature moves if performed in certain areas of the court. Michael Jordan had his air reverse, Clyde Drexler did his glide, Charles Barkley did a gorilla dunk. While those were great, nothing was more brutal than Tom Chambers' triple pump slam.
Tom Chambers in his prime with the Phoenix Suns
While not nearly as respected as a Jordan or Barkley, Tom Chambers wasn't a slouch. A 6' 10" power forward, Chambers was a 4 time All-star and has his jersey number retired by the Phoenix Suns. He was an above average shooter for his size, and known for unleashing some powerful dunks from time to time. However I have never seen him pull off the triple pump slam from just inside the 3 point line.
This was just after jumping nearly 20 feet and pumping the ball three times in mid-air
And that was the issue with Lakers vs Celtics, that move was just to easy to pull off. Most of the other signature moves were much more difficult to pull off. To pull off a move in the game you needed to shoot with the player on the correct area of the court. Most required being somewhat close to the basket, but Chambers' signature dunk started just inside the three point line.
The only way to stop it was drawing a charging foul, but that was difficult to do consistently. It was a fun way to trick a new player. You could tell them they could have Jordan and the Bulls, while you play with the lowly Suns... then destroy them.
There were a few sequels to the game. Bulls vs Lakers and Bulls vs Blazers. Those were significant because they were among the first games to replace in game music, with in game commentary. Giving those games a more realistic feel. EA also did a similar game featuring the 1992 "Dream Team" playing internationally.
