Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting! DS

About

Play as Ippo in this boxing game based on the long-running manga series. The Challenge Mode walks you through key fights from the story, letting you build skills and unlock new opponents. Free Match Mode lets you pick any boxer in the roster and test your own strategies. Mini-games boost attributes like speed and strength, adding a layer of grind before entering the ring. Online play supports arranging matches with friends over Wi-Fi, though the focus stays on solo progression. The game leans heavily into the source material's training montages and rivalries, which gives it structure but limits variety. Community reviews note the repetitive mini-game loop and dated controls but praise the deep roster of fighters from the series. With 20 hours of Challenge Mode content and post-game Free Match options, it offers a solid single-player experience for boxing fans. The DS touch screen handles basic commands well enough, though the combat feels basic compared to modern fighters.