Pato Box is a strange concoction of boxing and noir storytelling that never quite lands a solid punch. Developed by Bromio and released for several platforms in July of 2018 after a fully funded Kickstarter campaign beginning in March of 2017, this title’s visuals, artistic style, and weird protagonist may initially turn some heads, but its eccentricity doesn't always translate into a satisfying gaming experience.
Pato Box's core mechanic is its Punch-Out-inspired boxing matches, but it feels like a watered-down version of the classic franchise. Much like Punch-Out the controls are simple in Pato Box - face buttons deliver blows while directional buttons help the character dodge incoming punches. This ease of control helps make the game accessible, but there is little depth or complexity hidden beneath the surface of these dated controls. Much like the original Punch-Out, opponent patterns are predictable here, leading to repetitive encounters that fail to offer much in the way of a challenge. While I understand the core aspect of Punch-Out was pattern recognition and Pato Box seeks to follow in its footsteps, Punch-Out was released nearly 36 years ago on a console with less power than a flip-phone. Failing to revolutionize on a 30+ year old mechanic introduced by its predecessor, Pato Box is a let down that doesn’t earn a spot in the ring next to Punch-Out or its SNES sequel. Despite this, I will concede that the boss battles are the game's saving grace, but they fail to fully compensate for the mediocrity of the rest of the boxing experience.
Unlike Punch-Out, however, Pato Box does have a more engaging story than simply becoming a boxing champion. The game attempts a noir narrative with a duck-headed protagonist seeking revenge against an enigmatic organization. Unfortunately, while the story starts out strong and interesting, it ultimately lacks depth and never transcends beyond a simple revenge plot. The quirky characters and surreal moments scattered throughout are charming and keep the game somewhat engaging, but never become truly memorable. The noir aesthetic and black and white visual style, reminiscent of classic film noir, is entirely unique for this type of game and is one of the games strongest points. It adds a distinct style to Pato Box that makes it instantly recognizable among a slew of other Indie games, unfortunately, style can’t compensate for the game’s other shortcomings.
Overall, Pato Box is an oddity that falls short of its potential. Its quirky mix of boxing and noir storytelling feels disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying. While it has moments of charm and style, they can't hide the game's underlying flaws. If you're looking for a unique and challenging boxing experience with a compelling narrative, Pato Box is not the game to deliver it. It's a swing and a miss in the crowded world of indie gaming, leaving players wanting for a more satisfying experience.
Pato Box's core mechanic is its Punch-Out-inspired boxing matches, but it feels like a watered-down version of the classic franchise. Much like Punch-Out the controls are simple in Pato Box - face buttons deliver blows while directional buttons help the character dodge incoming punches. This ease of control helps make the game accessible, but there is little depth or complexity hidden beneath the surface of these dated controls. Much like the original Punch-Out, opponent patterns are predictable here, leading to repetitive encounters that fail to offer much in the way of a challenge. While I understand the core aspect of Punch-Out was pattern recognition and Pato Box seeks to follow in its footsteps, Punch-Out was released nearly 36 years ago on a console with less power than a flip-phone. Failing to revolutionize on a 30+ year old mechanic introduced by its predecessor, Pato Box is a let down that doesn’t earn a spot in the ring next to Punch-Out or its SNES sequel. Despite this, I will concede that the boss battles are the game's saving grace, but they fail to fully compensate for the mediocrity of the rest of the boxing experience.
Unlike Punch-Out, however, Pato Box does have a more engaging story than simply becoming a boxing champion. The game attempts a noir narrative with a duck-headed protagonist seeking revenge against an enigmatic organization. Unfortunately, while the story starts out strong and interesting, it ultimately lacks depth and never transcends beyond a simple revenge plot. The quirky characters and surreal moments scattered throughout are charming and keep the game somewhat engaging, but never become truly memorable. The noir aesthetic and black and white visual style, reminiscent of classic film noir, is entirely unique for this type of game and is one of the games strongest points. It adds a distinct style to Pato Box that makes it instantly recognizable among a slew of other Indie games, unfortunately, style can’t compensate for the game’s other shortcomings.
Overall, Pato Box is an oddity that falls short of its potential. Its quirky mix of boxing and noir storytelling feels disjointed and ultimately unsatisfying. While it has moments of charm and style, they can't hide the game's underlying flaws. If you're looking for a unique and challenging boxing experience with a compelling narrative, Pato Box is not the game to deliver it. It's a swing and a miss in the crowded world of indie gaming, leaving players wanting for a more satisfying experience.