Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!

About

Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! is a boxing action game built around the fast-paced combat and character-driven narrative of the Ippo series. Players control Makunouchi Ippo as he takes on a string of rivals, using a mix of timed button presses and quick-time sequences to land punches and dodge attacks. The controls emphasize responsive feedback, with each match unfolding in a rhythmic blend of offense and defense. Story mode traces key moments from Ippo's early career, focusing on his rise through the featherweight division via structured bouts that mirror the show's dramatic pacing. The game stands out for its tight match design and adherence to the source material's underdog spirit. While it omits some iconic fights and rearranges others, the included bouts, like Ippo's clashes with Shigeta Akira and Sendō Takeshi, capture the series' emotional stakes. As one of the few official Ippo games on handheld, it remains a niche title for fans familiar with the anime's lore. Limited to Japan at release, it retains a cult following for its blend of sports action and story progression.

Storyline

The Story Mode follows Makunouchi Ippo's journey from his spar with Miyata Ichirō to his second match against Sendō Takeshi for the JBC featherweight belt. It skips some of his fights from the series such as Oda Yūsuke, Fujiwara Yoshio, Jason Ozuma, Kobashi Kenta, and Ponchai Chuwatana. It also has Ippo fighting Shigeta Akira after losing to Date Eiji instead of fighting Ponchai.