Knockdown (arcade game)


Knockdown is a strength tester arcade game released by Namco in 1981 in Japan only. It was the company's first strength tester game and is the first in the Knockdown series. In July 2015, Bandai Namco discontinued support for Knockdown due to discontinued supply of parts.

Gameplay

The player uses the attached boxing glove on the cabinet and must hit the target when the bell rings. The player's score is calculated based on the strength of the player, with the maximum score being 199. The criteria is listed before:
RankEscaped WinMaybe Next TimeI Did It!Good and Powerful PersonWorld Champion
Score- 69 kg or less70 - 79 kg80 - 95 kg96 - 109 kg- 110 kg or more

The original versions of the game did not have a padded boxing glove, which resulted in the player hurting their hands when they punched the target. In response, Namco made new versions with the padded glove to avoid further injuries, although this could result in the player punching so hard that the target may break.

Sequels and related titles

Knockdown '90

Knockdown '90 was released on November 1, 1990 in Japan only, and is the first sequel to Knockdown. The game is simply a redesigned version of the original but with refurbshings to improve the game. The padded glove was attached to the cabinet to avoid injuries in the hands. The score criteria is the same as the original, and like the first game again, the maximum score is 199.

Knockdown 2001

Knockdown 2001 was released on November 28, 2001 in Japan only, much like the previous titles. This sequel is a complete redesign of the original, featuring a sandbag target instead of a padded spherical target. The player can select three gameplay types that suit the player best; "General People", "Light-weight Class", and "Women". The game also features a complete score table redesign, and the criteria for such is displayed below:
RankFEDCBA
EvaluationAmoeba ClassHome ClassGeneral Men's ClassFaulty Length ClassDojo Practice ClassActive Fighter Class
Indiscriminate Grade Norm0 - 40 kg40 - 80 kg80 - 120 kg120 - 160 kg160 - 200 kg200 kg -
Light-Weight Class0 - 30 kg30 - 60 kg60 - 90 kg90 - 120 kg120 - 150 kg150 kg -
Women0 - 20 kg20 - 40 kg40 - 60 kg60 - 80 kg80 - 100 kg100 kg -

Dangerous Bar

A related game, titled Dangerous Bar was released in 1994. It plays very much like Knockdown, but it features a bar-like setting with the target being a punk-like person.