The cult classic from Japan, Fire Pro Wrestling, makes its PS2 debut with flying 16-bit colors. This one takes customization to a new level, putting the focus more on fast-paced playing rather than the graphics.

Seriously, it is hard to get past the sprites representing your characters here, especially the ones that are designated "women". Fire Pro Wrestling Returns looks like a high-end original Nintendo game, complete with cheesy digital music that just puts the point further home. If you can get past all of that then you can get an idea of what all those die-hard fans are screaming about. It was never about the graphics, it's about the playing, the brutal combos and quick paced attacks. If you are looking for some semblance of WWE standard fighting you might as well look elsewhere because this is closer to Ultimate Fighting in an arcade format.

The real challenge and enjoyment in the game is mastering all of the different combinations and intricacies presented. There are over 100 choices of players with over 100 different skill sets. Add to that the possibility of creating your own wrestler with their own skill listings and the mind just boggles with the possibilities. The options are so numerous that the average gamer may lose interest in all of this or never even delve into it. With so many types of attacks to choose from on top of an already confusing control scheme, controlling each character also proves a little daunting. A simpler mechanic might have made the game easier to pick up, though that may have hampered the depth.

Given all of the pluses and minuses, the 20-dollar-price-tag makes this a little hard not to pass up. Having so many options, including creation of characters, rings, belts and the option to play up to 8 players at the same time are strong draws for the die hard fan. Conversely, the clunky controls and even more infuriating menu systems make this a head scratcher for the individual wrestling gamer.

Dec 26, 2007 | 1 comments
Paul Bishop