Toughman Contest (1995)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Toughman Contest (1995): A Knockout Retro Boxing Experience

Released in 1995, Toughman Contest is a boxing game based on the world-famous boxing competition of the same name. Developed by Acclaim and published by LJN, the game allows players to pick one of 24 fighters, compete in one of 5 locations from around the world, and recreate the Toughman tournament as seen on TV.

Gameplay

Toughman Contest is played from a behind-the-back perspective, with your fighter rendered as an outline. This unique viewpoint gives you a clear view of your opponent and their movements, allowing you to react accordingly.

Matches consist of three one-minute rounds. Your goal is to knock out your opponent by causing their stamina meter to decrease to the point where they fall down, or by beating on them enough that you are scored the winner at the end of the third round.

You have a variety of punches at your disposal, including jabs, hooks, and uppercuts. You can also block your opponent’s punches and perform special moves, such as the devastating “Toughman Combo.”

Fighters

There are 24 fighters to choose from in Toughman Contest, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Some of the most popular fighters include:

  • Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns: A former world champion known for his powerful punches and aggressive style.
  • Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran: Another former world champion known for his toughness and determination.
  • Sugar” Shane Mosley: A rising star in the boxing world at the time the game was released, known for his speed and agility.
  • George Foreman: A legendary heavyweight champion known for his devastating knockout power.

Locations

The game features five locations from around the world, each with its own unique atmosphere and crowd. These locations include:

  • Madison Square Garden (New York City, USA)
  • The MGM Grand (Las Vegas, USA)
  • The Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan)
  • The Sydney Opera House (Sydney, Australia)
  • The Royal Albert Hall (London, England)

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Toughman Contest had impressive graphics and sound. The fighters are well-animated and the backgrounds are detailed. The sound effects are also top-notch, with realistic punches and crowd noise.

Legacy

Toughman Contest was a critical and commercial success, selling over one million copies worldwide. It is considered to be one of the best boxing games of the 16-bit era. The game has been praised for its realistic gameplay, variety of fighters and locations, and exciting atmosphere.

Toughman Contest has also been featured in several pop culture references, including the movie “Happy Gilmore” and the TV show “The Simpsons.”

Conclusion

Toughman Contest is a classic boxing game that still holds up today. With its realistic gameplay, variety of fighters and locations, and exciting atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the game was such a success. If you’re a fan of boxing games, or retro games in general, then you owe it to yourself to check out Toughman Contest.

Additional Information

  • Toughman Contest was the first boxing game to feature real-time 3D graphics.
  • The game was originally supposed to be released in 1994, but was delayed due to development issues.
  • Acclaim released a sequel to Toughman Contest in 1996, called Toughman Contest 2.
  • Toughman Contest is still available to purchase on the PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade.

Review Score

6.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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