Heavyweight Champ

Heavyweight Champ is a Sega boxing game and spiritual sequel to the identically named 1976 arcade title. Unlike its monochrome, side-view predecessor, this game places the camera behind the player’s boxer.

Players control left and right hands with separate levers, allowing them to punch, defend, and move from side to side. A controller rod measures three vertical positions—low, medium, and high—for punches such as hooks, uppercuts, and straight jabs.

Gameplay

As Kid “K.O.” Crusher, the goal is to win and defend the Heavyweight Championship. Each bout features three-minute rounds, blue and red energy indicators, and the possibility of making an opponent groggy or scoring a knockout. The player can rise after being downed up to three times; a further knockdown ends the game.

The game includes three difficulty levels and four adversaries: Sammy “Smasher” Smith, Jerry “Cyclone” Charger, George “Iceberg” Cooler, and champion Willie “Vulture” Wilson.

Release Information

• Release date: December 31, 1986
• Platforms: Arcade, Final Burn Alpha Neo, Sega System 16
• Developer: Sega
• Publisher: Sega
• Genres: Fighting, Sport, Sports / Boxing