Punching Kid

Released by Irem in 1982, Punching Kid is an action game that flourished during the golden age of the arcade. Centered on the sport of boxing—a rare theme for the time—the game challenges players to step into the ring and deploy a variety of punches to defeat their opponents. Its simple yet intense tactical gameplay demonstrated a foresight that would later influence the fighting game genre. This title is a precious artifact that captures both the excitement of the rapidly evolving video game industry and Irem’s signature sense of fun.

Players aim to clear each stage by catching and eliminating the mice wandering through the maze. While doing so, they must avoid being caught by the reptiles patrolling the maze. Although the game depicts the player character punching a sandbag, there is no explicit story within the game's setting.