Ashita no Joe on SNES is one of those boxing games that actually makes you feel the punches. You start off as this scrappy underdog, and the first thing that hits you (besides your opponent’s fists) is how weighty the movement is—dodging feels like you’re really leaning into it, and landing a solid hook has this satisfying crunch.

It’s not just button-mashing, either. You’ve gotta manage stamina between rounds, pick your shots, and sometimes just survive until your trainer tosses you a water bottle. The sprite work nails the manga’s rough-around-the-edges style, especially when Joe’s face starts showing damage after a brutal round.

Fans of the series will spot little nods everywhere, but even if you’ve never read the manga, there’s something weirdly gripping about the way the crowd noise swells when you’re barely hanging on. Just don’t expect flashy combos—this is old-school, sweat-and-grit boxing where one good counter can turn everything around.