Developed by RockLive (whose first game starred Chad Ochocinco), the free game [iTunes link] is a modern twist on the classic, with the user fighting their way through a series of progressively more challenging opponents and a variety of boxing rings to get to Mike Tyson.
Graphically, the gameplay, characters and animation looks a lot like the NES original. Using your iPhone or iPod touch's screen, you can throw punches by tapping the "R" or "L" icons. There's also a directional touchpad which lets you move around and dodge punches (dodging punches also rebuilds your stamina), which can also be used for additional punching maneuvers.
A special power punch c an also be activated at times during the fight depending on your performance. If you get knocked down, stars spiral around you — tapping enough of them gets you back up before the 10 count, though it becomes progressively harder to do so the more you get knocked down.
Beyond the gameplay, Main Event has its own in-game currency called RockCash, which lets you buy virtual goods like power punches. You can also automatically share out your wins to Facebook and Twitter, where characters from the game also have their own accounts (for example: @jordymcdirt, who you can see I knocked out in the image above). Meanwhile, GameCenter integration lets you earn points for various achievements to compete with others.
Main Event will surely attract some interest on nostalgia alone. Like the original, however, there's an addictive component in wanting to eventually get to and beat Tyson, and with in-app purchases that can help you get there faster, Roc kLive has a potentially lucrative business baked...
