Big Shot Boxing

🥊 The Sweet Science of Hitstun and Stamina

Big Shot Boxing distinguishes itself from arcade button-mashers by enforcing a strict Stamina Economy. Every punch thrown consumes energy. Throwing a flurry of haymakers leaves your fighter exhausted, entering a "gassed" state where movement slows and defense drops. The gameplay loop is a rhythm of aggression (spending stamina) and recovery (regaining stamina).

The physics engine calculates impact based on the "Hitstun" state. Hitting an opponent while they are winding up a punch (Counter Hit) deals bonus damage and potential stun, simulating the real-world danger of opening oneself up to attack.

🧠 Pattern Recognition & Telegraphing

Success relies on reading the AI:

• Telegraph Identification: Opponents have distinct wind-up animations for power punches. Recognizing the frame where an uppercut begins allows for a perfectly timed dodge or block.
• Rhythmic Blocking: You cannot hold block forever (it degrades). You must tap block in sync with the opponent's combo rhythm, engaging the brain's temporal processing centers.

🎮 Mechanics: The Punch Triad

Strategic utility of moves:

• Jab (Z): Fast, low stamina cost, low damage. Used to interrupt enemy wind-ups and keep distance.
• Cross/Straight (X): Medium range and damage. The primary damage dealer in a combo chain.
• Uppercut (Space): High damage, high risk. Leaves you wide open if missed. Best used only when the opponent is stunned.

🏆 Ring Generalship

1. The Counter-Punch Meta

Wait for the opponent to throw a heavy punch. Dodge or block it, then immediately throw a 3-punch combo. The AI is programmed to have a "recovery window" after missing a heavy shot where they cannot block.

2. Flash Knockdowns

A fully charged uppercut on a "gassed" opponent has a high probability of triggering a one-hit knockdown. Save your energy for these critical windows.

🛡️ Technical Specs

Visual style:

• 2D Sprites: Uses large, expressive sprites to clearly convey the damage state (bruising, wobbling) of the fighters.

❓ FAQ