Really exciting to finally get to play this one. A 2D fighting interpretation of wrestling matches that at its core feels like an early SNK arcade fighter with grapples as the focus more so than like other Capcom fighters of the time.
The game comes across as experimental but clearly comes from a place of passion, with wrestling tropes and rituals honored well like walk-ins, out of ring items, and finishing match pins that each make the experience a bit more exciting than your typical 1v1 in a Street Fighter cabinet.
It does move somewhat jaggedly, causing action to feel methodical and patience-driven instead of rewarding aggressive play, but once it clicks the game becomes a breeze.
I played through as El Stingray, who I learned REALLY REALLY intends on going on a date with each and every opposing wrestlers' mother immediately after the match. I cleared the game, and the second playthrough required to "finish" the title as the character and did get a little tired of him, but other characters like Mike Haggar and, my favorite design-wise, The Scorpion (or Astro in the Japanese version) are fun to see get a little more characterized, even if only to the smallest degree.
Keep an eye out for Ryu and Chun-Li in the audience, stretch your stick-rotating hand, and buckle down for a fun and ambitious fighter that, while falling slightly short of what seemed to be desired from its design, will still stick with you as a good time.
The game comes across as experimental but clearly comes from a place of passion, with wrestling tropes and rituals honored well like walk-ins, out of ring items, and finishing match pins that each make the experience a bit more exciting than your typical 1v1 in a Street Fighter cabinet.
It does move somewhat jaggedly, causing action to feel methodical and patience-driven instead of rewarding aggressive play, but once it clicks the game becomes a breeze.
I played through as El Stingray, who I learned REALLY REALLY intends on going on a date with each and every opposing wrestlers' mother immediately after the match. I cleared the game, and the second playthrough required to "finish" the title as the character and did get a little tired of him, but other characters like Mike Haggar and, my favorite design-wise, The Scorpion (or Astro in the Japanese version) are fun to see get a little more characterized, even if only to the smallest degree.
Keep an eye out for Ryu and Chun-Li in the audience, stretch your stick-rotating hand, and buckle down for a fun and ambitious fighter that, while falling slightly short of what seemed to be desired from its design, will still stick with you as a good time.