Nintendo explains the reasoning behind voices in Punch-Out!!
“Nintendo’s tradition is that the hero or central character never vocally speaks. We also followed this tradition [keeping Little Mac quiet] for the title. We recorded speech to express each character’s origins and characteristics, and to make Doc Louis have a larger personality and greater impact on gameplay. I believe having fighters’ voices during matches is very effective in making the experience more immersive. Since we used the original camera view from over the shoulder and kept the feeling that the game is about overcoming your fears and knocking out your bullies, it makes sense for Little Mac to talk very little. He is more avatar than character, giving fans an opportunity to put a little of themselves into his character.” – Punch-Out!! producer, Nintendo’s Kensuke Tanabe
I am 100% open to seeing more voice acting in Nintendo titles. In the case of Punch-Out!!, I think they fit in quite well. The voiceovers in Metroid Prime 3: Corruption weren’t too shabby, either. How do you guys feel about it?
