Fact Sheet
Developer
ExceptioNULL Games
Based in Spokane, Washington
Release Date
Mobile: February 14th, 2020
PC/Mac: July 2nd, 2020
Website
electionyearknockout.com
Instruction Booklet
View/Download
Price
PC/Mac: $19.99
Mobile: FREE (with ads)
Mobile upgrade: $4.99
Description
Election Year Knockout is a boxing game in the style of the Punch-Out!! series parodying American politics. Fight to become president in a ludicrous alternate reality where elections are decided exclusively through boxing! Witty and playfully-animated cartoon caricatures of famous politicians from both sides of the aisle are lined up to defend against your new third party. Defeat them all to take over the United States!
The characters quip and joke in reaction to how well the player is performing. As each region of the United States gets conquered, players add to their increasingly absurd party names. The campaign culminates in a final boss battle against President Donald Thump in the White House.
Election Year Knockout has two modes of play. Casual Mode allows players to experience the game’s jocular story with one-finger controls and easier fights, while Classic Mode recreates the frenetic challenge of the NES and Wii-era PunchOut games without any compromises to playability.
How this came to be
Election Year Knockout is produced by a small, ideologically diverse team with the shared goal of getting everyone to laugh about today's most serious topics. If a joke wasn't able to make all of us laugh, it didn't make it into the game.
The game is made in Cocos2d-x and animated with Spine for high-fidelity graphics at high framerates while only sipping battery power.
Features
- Hilarious, irreverent dialog and situations to encounter in an America obsessed with boxing.
- Two modes of play: A casual one-finger difficulty mode (precisely which finger is up to you), and a Classic mode that recreates the strategic challenge of popular boxing titles of the past.
- Nine opponents across eighteen challenging fights to conquer, four blue and five red. (Additional characters and fights available in the Store, or included already for PC/Mac)
- 110 challenges to complete, testing your skills and teaching you secrets about the game as you go.
- Customize your boxer's looks and clothing.
Screenshots
Download all screenshots, images, and logos as a zip file
Alternate screenshots available in zip file
Selected Articles
"Election Year Knockout is a boxing game that wears its Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! influence on its sleeve."
Hardcore Gamer - Mar 6, 2020 - https://hardcoregamer.com/2020/03/06/.../368879/
"What really surprised me was how much depth and polish this game has. Not to mention, the writing is really witty and actually had me laughing out loud quite a few times. The developer did an “exceptionull” job on this game. (Sorry. I had to do it.) It sheds light on an otherwise dark topic for people and just has fun with it. I honestly can’t recommend Election Year Knockout enough."
SNAPP Attack! - Feb 17, 2020 - http://snappattack.com/2020/02/17/election-year-knockout-ios-snapp-review/
"While the initial pitch might inspire the odd eye roll, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Knockout looks to be a polished, suitably ridiculous arcade boxing game."
Pocket Gamer - Sep 16, 2019 - pocketgamer.com/articles/081089/...
"It’s a fairly simple looking boxing game, but the animation looks great and there’s no denying that it’ll be particularly satisfying to punch a lot of those presidential candidates in the face!"
Alpha Beta Gamer - Aug 10, 2019 - alphabetagamer.com/election-year-knockout-beta-sign-up-ios-android
"It's well-presented, the touchscreen controls are intuitive, and there appears to be a surprising amount of quality content to enjoy."
Pocket Gamer - Feb 6, 2020 - pocketgamer.com/articles/082114/...
Download and Installation
PC/Mac (Steam) - $19.99
iPhone / iPad - Free (with ads)
Android - Free (with ads)
Controls
Election Year Knockout supports keyboard, controllers (Xbox, PS4, and x-input), tv remotes and touch screens. For more details on each, please view the Instruction Booklet
Tips for Getting Started
Election Year Knockout is a puzzlebox fighter where you manage your resources to destroy opponents in their moments of weakness. Experiment with each opponent to find out what makes him tick!
Fill your power meter every chance you get. A full power meter allows you to throw your haymaker. Punching your opponent fills the power meter, even if he blocks. You can also boost your power meter by performing perfectly-timed blocks.
Watch your stamina meter as you play, or you'll get winded. While winded, you can only block. However, a successful block refills your stamina and gets you back into the action, as does standing still for a couple of seconds. Landing a haymaker refills your stamina entirely and instantly.
If your opponent is blocking you, try dodging! Many opponents are defenseless when you catch them off guard.
Opponents also flash red when they are vulnerable, leading you to opportunities for a counter punch. Even better things happen if you counter opponents when they flash yellow.
If you're having trouble with the later opponents, try completing some of the earlier challenges. They can teach you alternate playstyles, advanced techniques, and even a few secrets.
Additional Links
Game entry on Giant Bomb
giantbomb.com/election-year-knockout/3030-76110/
About ExceptioNULL Games
ExceptioNULL Games is creating the future of mobile gaming. We go our own way and blaze a trail for others to follow. Our emphasis on player experience and community supercedes all else. Some of our members have been making mobile games since 2011, practically the dawn of time for this industry.
Contact Information
Chat with the dev team!
discord.gg/VDUbRat
Media Inquiries
support@exceptionullgames.com
Twitter
twitter.com/ExNullGames
Facebook
facebook.com/ExceptioNullGames
Website
electionyearknockout.com