Developer: Retrosoft Studios
Publisher: Retrosoft Studios
Release Date: 26rd February 2021
Platforms: PC, PlayStation, Xbox & Nintendo Switch
Reviewed on: PC via Steam
I think any self-respecting wrestling fan over the age of about 35 years old who had access to an arcade back in the early 90’s both remembers and has fond memories of WrestleFest. In-fact in my extensive time discussing favourite all-time wrestling games with various online communities, if you discount the Nintendo 64 classics that made use of the AKI grappling system, WrestleFest is in that elite tier discussion. So when Retrosoft Studios announced they were developing the “official sequel to the 1991 arcade hit WrestleFest” people took notice.
This isn’t simply a reskin though. Retrosoft Studios have put the work in and crafted a story mode that is worth the price of admission. You play as Johnny Retro, aka John Morrison. He is on the way back from a serious injury suffered at the hands of Zack Sabre Jr. The rehab at Stevie Richards Fitness acts as a mini-tutorial, which worked well as a vehicle to get you up to speed with how the game operates. Throughout the journey, you will lock horns and team with stars such as the Road Warriors, Jeff Cobb, Tommy Dreamer and more.
These matches are broken up by fun backstage interactions where you even have the agency to make some choices that dictate how Johnny is perceived. I really liked this inclusion as it bridged the story together well and even contained the odd surprise appearance that I won’t spoil here.
Next up we have 10 Pounds of Gold. Here you can choose your character and the aim is to make your way through a number of opponents in various match types, culminating in an NWA title match against Nick Aldis. Again I feel like this mode over delivered, with Aldis even delivering some promos along the way.
Modes are rounded out by versus, which offers singles, triple threat, four-way, tag team, six-man and eight-man matches, all of which can be spiced up with the addition of two different cages. Chain link and in keeping with the retro style, BIG BLUE! Last on the menu is the Retro Rumble, which sounded great, but in practice quickly became too cluttered and frantic to properly enjoy.
That takes us onto the gameplay. Everything is built around the idea of weak, medium and strong attacks. Using these outside of a lock-up will result in the likes of a punch, kick and dropkick. Approaching an opponent will automatically start a grapple. Winning said grapple often involves button mashing, but gaining the upper hand here is just the beginning. Next, you need to execute one of the 24 moves on offer via the directional button and one of the three attacks. I was really happy with the wide variety of moves on offer. Especially after the recent WWE 2K Battlegrounds came in very limited.
Grappling is where the momentum meter comes in though. Try to pull off a medium or strong attack without filling the first bar in this meter and it will be automatically reversed. So working your way into the contest with smaller moves and a bit of showboating is key. Getting the timing down for winning lockups is far from easy though. In all likelihood, you will get your ass handed to you in the opening encounters, but persistence pays off. Put in the time and slowly but surely the pieces will fall into place.
Now that’s not to say that the difficulty isn’t an issue, because I believe it is. Some gamers are going to be ran off in the early going and for that reason, I think making the easiest setting more accessible would help widen the appeal of the game. I get the reasoning behind the difficulty. WrestleFest wasn’t an easy game by any means. However, it was built with the goal of beating you down and trying to get more money out of you in the arcade as a result. That is no longer a driving force.
There are definite frustrations in pulling off certain manoeuvres as well. Running attacks require pinpoint precision and as a result, usually end in a miss. As mentioned earlier the Retro Rumble mode suffers too, with fresh air strikes galore. It doesn’t ruin the enjoyment of the experience, but it can lead to losses you feel you had no agency over.
The games pixel art aesthetic is gorgeous, retaining the WrestleFest style. A more zoomed out hard-cam than the original game gives it a hybrid WrestleFest/Fire Pro Wrestling look. The game always stands out thanks to the expertly crafted arenas. From the NWA Powerrr set, to a Pro Wrestling Tees Warehouse all the way to my personal favourite, the Major Wrestling Figure Podcast arena that comes complete with the old WWF Hasbro ring. Nostalgia overload!!!!!!
Overall RetroMania Wrestling is a fun trip down memory lane. The game is a love letter to its predecessor, unfortunately with a more limited roster due to the current wrestling landscape. The NWA and House of Hardcore licenses are welcome though. Future DLC drops have been promised, with the first batch delivering James Storm, Chris Bey and everyone’s favourite narcoleptic grappler, Mr Hughes. If you are nostalgic for the 1991 arcade classic, this is an expanded take on the formula with two properly fleshed out modes to keep you busy.
-Terry 🦊