Toughman Contest (video game)

Last updated
Toughman Contest
Toughman Contest Coverart.png
Developer(s) High Score Productions
Visual Concepts
Publisher(s) EA Sports
Composer(s) Brian Schimdt
Platform(s) 32X, Sega Genesis
ReleaseMay 1995 [1]
Genre(s) Sports

Toughman Contest is a boxing video game for the Sega Genesis and 32X. It is based on the Toughman Contest, and features Eric "Butterbean" Esch on the cover and as the game's final boss. The game was released in 1995. It received mixed reviews, generally criticizing the sluggishness of the gameplay while praising the selection of special moves.

Contents

Gameplay

The game is based on the Toughman Contest, an amateur boxing competition on American television. [2] It features Eric "Butterbean" Esch as the cover character as well as the game's final boss. [3] Players have to win boxing matches against their opponents. Each match is composed of three one-minute rounds, and there are 24 different characters in the game from which to choose. [4] Each player can throw various punches, such as jabs, uppercuts, and hooks. The player's character also has three "special punches": the Super Uppercut, Windmill Wind-up, and Popeye Punch. If the player is losing, they also have the option to throw in the towel. [5]

Reception

GamePro gave the Genesis version a rave review, commenting that the game has clean and well-animated graphics, bizarre and humorous background animations, a surprising selection of special moves, and an enjoyable two-player mode. [14] The two sports reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly both gave it an 8 out of 10. They praised the special moves, combos, tough enemy AI, and high level of strategy required to win the game. [3] They also ran a side-by-side comparison with the similar Super Punch-Out!! . They declared Toughman Contest the better of the two games, citing its better replay value, stronger AI, and the fact that opponents do not signal their moves ahead of time. [15] Next Generation stated that "the minimal length of the fights and the one dimensional, fuzzy graphics leave this title a few pounds short of the heavyweight title." [9]

Electronic Gaming Monthly reviewed the 32X version with similar praise, though one of the reviewers complained that the only changes made from the Genesis version are improved graphics and sounds, and lowered his score half a point to a 7.5 out of 10. [7] GamePro similarly commented that "Toughman is the same great game on the 32X that it is on the Genesis. Only a few noticeable enhancements separate them." They further criticized it for removing the humorous background animations of the Genesis version, but nonetheless concluded that 32X owners who don't already have the Genesis version should get the 32X version instead. [16] Two reviewers for Mean Machines Sega scored the game 64 out of 100 points, with the reviewers criticizing the lack of responsiveness to the controls and sluggish gameplay. [5] Computer and Video Games said the sluggishness of the game makes the game more frustrating and difficult. [2]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">32X</span> Video game console add-on

The 32X is an add-on for the Sega Genesis video game console. Codenamed "Project Mars", it was designed to expand the power of the Genesis and serve as a transitional console into the 32-bit era until the release of the Sega Saturn. The 32X uses its own ROM cartridges and has its own library of games. It was distributed under the name Super 32X in Japan and South Korea, Genesis 32X in North America, Mega 32X in Brazil, and Mega Drive 32X in all other regions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genesis Nomad</span> Handheld game console by Sega

The Genesis Nomad, also known as Sega Nomad, is a handheld game console manufactured by Sega and released in North America in October 1995. The Nomad is a portable variation of the Sega Genesis home video game console. It could also be used with a television set via a video port. It was based on the Mega Jet, a portable version of the home console designed for use on airline flights in Japan.

<i>NBA Jam</i> (1993 video game) 1993 video game

NBA Jam is a basketball video game developed and published by Midway for arcades in 1993. It is the first entry in the NBA Jam series. The project leader for this game was Mark Turmell.

<i>Corpse Killer</i> 1994 video game

Corpse Killer is a horror-themed rail shooter developed and published by Digital Pictures for the Sega CD, Sega CD 32X, 3DO, Sega Saturn, Windows 95 and Macintosh computers. An interactive variation on the zombie film genre, it utilizes live-action full motion video in a format similar to other games developed by Digital Pictures. Reviews for the game were mixed, generally criticizing the repetitive gameplay and low video quality, though many reviewers enjoyed the campy nature of the cutscenes. Corpse Killer was the first CD game released for the Sega 32X. It was later remastered for Steam, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.

<i>Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure</i> 1994 video game

Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure is a side-scrolling action-platform video game developed by Activision in conjunction with Kroyer Films and originally published in North America and Europe in 1994. The fourth installment in the Pitfall! franchise, players assume the role of Pitfall Harry Junior as he embarks on a journey through the Mayan jungles of Central America in an attempt to rescue Pitfall Harry, his father and the protagonist of previous entries in the series, from the evil Mayan warrior spirit named Zakelua. Its gameplay mainly consists of action and platforming mixed with stage-based exploration using a main six-button configuration.

<i>Garfield: Caught in the Act</i> 1995 video game

Garfield: Caught in the Act is a 1995 side-scrolling platform game developed and published by Sega for the Genesis and Game Gear. A Microsoft Windows version followed. It is based upon Jim Davis' comic strip cat, Garfield, and draws inspiration from Davis' 1984 book Garfield: His 9 Lives. Odie scares Garfield while they are watching television and they fall on the TV, breaking it. Both characters attempt to repair it before Jon Arbuckle catches them; however, the thrown spare parts become an electronic monster known as the Glitch, transporting Garfield into the TV, where he must defeat him in order to get out.

<i>Slam City with Scottie Pippen</i> 1994 video game

Slam City with Scottie Pippen is the first FMV basketball video game. It was developed by Digital Pictures for the PC and CD-ROM-based video game consoles such as the Sega CD. Scottie Pippen stars in the game, and performed the theme song. Ron Stein, who had previously directed the video footage for Prize Fighter, directed the video footage for the game. A 3DO Interactive Multiplayer version was announced but never released.

<i>Brutal: Paws of Fury</i> 1994 video game

Brutal: Paws of Fury is a 2D fighting game published by GameTek in 1994. The game features a cast of various anthropomorphic animals as selectable fighters. It also features the ability to learn new attacks and save them via passwords. Originally a Sega CD exclusive, it was later ported to other game consoles.

<i>Tommy Lasorda Baseball</i> 1989 video game

Tommy Lasorda Baseball is a 1989 baseball video game developed and published by Sega as one of the six launch titles for the Sega Genesis in the North America and for the Sega Mega-Tech arcade system. It is a follow-up to the arcade game Super League (1987). It prominently features former MLB player Tommy Lasorda, who was manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the time. In the game, players compete with either AI-controlled opponents or against other players across single exhibitions, open matches or a 30-game season.

<i>T-MEK</i> 1994 video game

T-MEK is a two-player, sit-down, virtual reality fighting arcade game developed and published by Atari Games in 1994.

<i>Cosmic Carnage</i> 1994 video game

Cosmic Carnage is a 1994 fighting video game developed by Almanic Corporation, in conjunction with ALU, and published by Sega exclusively for the 32X add-on. Set in an uncharted star system, the game follows eight fighters from two factions in a struggle for survival. Its gameplay consists of one-on-one fights, with a main six-button configuration, featuring special moves and finisher techniques, as well as two playable modes. The title garnered mostly negative reception from critics since its release.

<i>Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Starship Bridge Simulator</i> 1995 video game

Star Trek: Starfleet Academy – Starship Bridge Simulator is a video game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Sega Genesis 32X systems that was released in 1995 by Interplay, the same group that produced many later Star Trek starship games.

<i>Metal Head</i> 1995 video game

Metal Head is a first-person shooter mech simulation video game developed and published by Sega, and released in 1995 for the Genesis/Mega Drive's 32X add-on, allowing for fully texture-mapped 3D polygons.

<i>Supreme Warrior</i> 1994 video game

Supreme Warrior is a full-motion video (FMV) beat 'em up game developed by Digital Pictures. It was released for the 3DO Interactive Multiplayer and Sega CD in November 1994 in North America and in early 1995 in Europe, with subsequent releases in 1995 for the 32X, Macintosh, and Windows. The game is themed as a kung fu film where the player has to fight off opponents to protect half of a magical mask.

<i>Motocross Championship</i> 1995 video game

Motocross Championship is a racing video game developed by Artech Studios for the 32X. It was released in 1995. The premise of the game is based on motocross racing across twelve different tracks, while being able to attack opponents during the race. Motocross Championship received mixed reviews, with criticism on multiple aspects of the game. Some reviewers have suggested the game's quality impacts the 32X negatively.

<i>Zaxxons Motherbase 2000</i> 1995 video game

Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000, known in Europe as Motherbase and in Japan as Parasquad, is a 1995 isometric-scrolling shooter video game developed by CSK Research Institute and published by Sega for the 32X. The North American version was rebranded as part of the Zaxxon series due to its similar gameplay. Gameplay involves piloting a ship to destroy giant robots and enemy ships, while being able to capture enemy ships and use them as power-ups. Reception to Zaxxon's Motherbase 2000 was negative. While reception of the gameplay was mixed, the visuals were panned as being rough-edged, ugly, and susceptible to slowdown. Most North American critics also said the game is not similar enough to Zaxxon to justify the use of the series name.

<i>World Series Baseball 95</i> 1995 video game

World Series Baseball '95 is a traditional baseball simulation video game by Sega. It was released in 1995 for the Game Gear and Sega Genesis, as well as a 32X version sold as World Series Baseball Starring Deion Sanders. In Japan, the game features Hideo Nomo on the cover and is called Nomo's World Series Baseball in English and Nomo Hideo no World Series Baseball in Japanese.

<i>Pelé!</i> 1993 video game

Pelé! is a 1993 sports video game developed by Radical Entertainment and published by Accolade for the Sega Genesis. The game is based on the sport of association football and puts the player in control of a football team in modes of play such as exhibitions, tournaments, and seasons. It is named after and endorsed by former Brazilian footballer Pelé, who also provided input on the game's design.

References

  1. ↑ "Toughman Contest". GameFan . Vol. 3, no. 6. DieHard Gamer's Club. June 1995. p. 111.
  2. 1 2 3 Patterson, Mark (April 1995). "Toughman Contest". Computer and Video Games . No. 161. pp. 88–89. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 "Team EGM: Toughman Boxing (Genesis) by Electronic Arts". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 70. Sendai Publishing. May 1995. p. 118.
  4. ↑ "Toughman Contest". VideoGames. No. 76. May 1995. pp. 92–93.
  5. 1 2 3 "Mega Drive 32X Review: Toughman Contest". Mean Machines Sega . No. 30. April 1995. pp. 78–79.
  6. ↑ Marc; Panda (April 1995). "Megadrive Review: Toughman Contest". Consoles + (in French). No. 42. pp. 90–91. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "Toughman Boxing (32X) by Electronic Arts". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 71. Sendai Publishing. June 1995. p. 120.
  8. ↑ "Toughman Boxing". Hyper. No. 23. October 1995. p. 68.
  9. 1 2 "Finals". Next Generation . No. 5. Imagine Media. May 1995. p. 99.
  10. ↑ "Megadrive Toughman Contest". Player One (in French). No. 52. April 1995. pp. 102–103.
  11. ↑ "Toughman Contest". VideoGames & Computer Entertainment . No. 78. July 1995. p. 98. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  12. ↑ Tschiltsch, Jeffrey (May 1995). "Toughman Contest". VideoGames & Computer Entertainment . No. 76. pp. 92–93. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Reviews". GamesWorld (in German). July 1995. p. 79.
  14. ↑ "ProReview: Toughman Contest". GamePro . No. 80. IDG. May 1995. pp. 42–43.
  15. ↑ "Greatest Heavyweights: Toughman Vs. Super Punch-Out". Electronic Gaming Monthly . No. 70. Sendai Publishing. May 1995. p. 114.
  16. ↑ "ProReview: Toughman Contest". GamePro . No. 81. IDG. June 1995. p. 64.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.