Initial release date 1995 Genre Sports game | Publisher Electronic Arts Platforms Sega Genesis, 32X | |
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Developers Electronic Arts, Visual Concepts, High Score Productions Similar High Score Productions games, Sports games | ||
Toughman Contest is a boxing video game for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive and Sega 32X. The game is based on the Toughman Contest, an amateur boxing competition. The game was released in 1995 in North America and Europe. It features Eric "Butterbean" Esch as the cover character as well as the game's final boss. After defeating the final opponent, Butterbean emerges from the crowd to challenge the player.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
