Fire Pro Wrestling World Reviews

Yes

Mike Tyson vs. Hatsune Miku

goodgameeee

Peak wrestling game

great wrestling game

Fire Pro Wrestling World is a deep, complex, and unapologetically old-school wrestling simulator that has earned a cult following through its layered gameplay, unmatched customization, and reverence for the sport of professional wrestling. Developed by Spike Chunsoft and available on Steam, it continues the legacy of a series that began in the late '80s, refining its systems for modern audiences while remaining fiercely committed to its roots. Unlike many flashy wrestling games that rely on quick-time events, cinematic cutscenes, or high production values, Fire Pro Wrestling World thrives on tight mechanics, strategic gameplay, and player creativity. At first glance, the game’s retro-inspired graphics and isometric 2D presentation may seem like a throwback to a bygone era, but beneath that modest surface lies an intricate simulation engine that rivals or even surpasses many of its more modern, graphically advanced counterparts. Wrestlers in Fire Pro Wrestling World are governed not just by move sets but by fighting styles, personality traits, AI logic, and timing-based mechanics. Every match becomes a delicate dance of grappling, countering, and stamina management. The gameplay rewards precision and pacing over button-mashing, forcing players to learn how to build momentum and tell in-ring stories—just like real professional wrestling. The timing-based grappling system is the core of its gameplay. Unlike many wrestling titles that prioritize real-time combos or reactive counters, this game demands players learn the rhythm of each match. Weak grapples and strikes should start the match, slowly escalating into powerful suplexes, submission holds, and finishing moves. Charging in too quickly can lead to reversals or early fatigue, while ignoring your opponent's tactics leads to devastating counters. There's a realism to how matches flow that mirrors actual wrestling psychology—building tension, managing crowd energy, and executing high spots at the right moment. This methodical pacing makes each win feel earned, and each match a miniature drama. But what truly elevates Fire Pro Wrestling World is its near-limitless customization. The game comes preloaded with a wide variety of wrestlers inspired by real-life performers (often lightly altered for licensing reasons), but the real magic begins when you dive into the robust creation suite. You can design your own wrestlers (or recreate your favorites), from their appearance and attire to their moveset, entrance music, AI tendencies, and even their in-match behavior. The sheer level of detail is staggering—you can assign logic parameters dictating how often a wrestler uses specific moves, how they react to certain match conditions, and how aggressive or tactical they are during various match stages. For fans who want to simulate dream matches or fantasy promotions, this level of control is unparalleled. This flexibility extends to match types and rulesets as well. The game supports everything from standard singles and tag team matches to hardcore brawls, MMA-style bouts, battle royals, and even deathmatches featuring exploding barbed wire and fire. The match customization system allows players to create highly specific scenarios—whether it’s an ironman match with 30-minute time limits, a no-DQ brawl in a tiny indie venue, or a dramatic best-of-seven series with escalating tension. Online play and local multiplayer are also supported, allowing competitive players to test their timing and strategy against human opponents, though the experience can vary depending on internet connection stability. Visually, while the pixel-art aesthetic may not appeal to everyone, it is clear and functional, especially during chaotic multi-man matches. Animations are smooth, and the move variety is exceptional. From technical mat work and lucha libre flips to powerhouse slams and hardcore weapon spots, the move animations are fluid and satisfyingly impactful. There’s also a charming personality in the visuals, with exaggerated sell animations, taunts, and referee reactions adding to the drama. The crowd audio and commentary are minimal, but the game lets the action speak for itself, encouraging players to become both participant and observer in the unfolding matches. The game's partnership with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in the World edition) adds even more depth, with official NJPW wrestlers, story content, and scenarios included in the DLC. These story-driven modes introduce players to pre-built characters and teach basic mechanics while also offering insight into the characters and factions of NJPW, making it a solid entry point for fans of Japanese wrestling. There's even a career mode where you rise through the ranks, dealing with injuries, rivalries, and promotional politics along the way. While the story is relatively simple and largely text-based, it adds flavor and narrative motivation to the gameplay loop. Community engagement is a major strength of Fire Pro Wrestling World. The Steam Workshop is filled with thousands of user-created wrestlers, arenas, logos, and match types. Whether you’re looking for AEW stars, classic WWF legends, indie darlings, or fantasy crossovers, chances are the community has already created them in loving detail. This continuous stream of content ensures the game feels ever-evolving and highly personalized. It’s not unusual for players to spend more time customizing rosters and simulating events than actually playing matches themselves—something the game fully embraces. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s steep learning curve and text-heavy menus can be overwhelming for newcomers. The tutorial is barebones, and understanding the intricacies of timing-based grapples, AI logic, or move editing often requires outside guides or community input. The UI, while functional, can feel outdated and clunky, especially when navigating deep customization menus. Additionally, while there is online functionality, it's not always stable or feature-rich compared to dedicated fighting games. Despite these rough edges, Fire Pro Wrestling World remains a gold standard for fans of wrestling games who value authenticity, strategy, and creative freedom over flash. It offers something few modern games dare to attempt: a faithful simulation of professional wrestling that respects the artistry, psychology, and storytelling of the sport. It demands time and attention but repays both with endless possibilities, whether you’re playing for yourself, simulating epic feuds, or recreating entire promotions from scratch. In the end, Fire Pro Wrestling World is less of a conventional video game and more of a sandbox for wrestling enthusiasts. It’s not for everyone, but for those who connect with its depth and possibilities, it becomes a long-term companion—one you’ll return to again and again to tell new stories, stage new rivalries, and continue exploring the limitless canvas of the squared circle. Rating: 9/10

Still the gold standard for pro wrestling video games. It seems to be so simple and bare bones but that appearance betrays the depth of features and options at your fingertips. If this is the final Fire Pro title, they can rest knowing they stand alone in the space of pro wrestling video games.

Honestly, I would put this game next to Wrestling Empire in my "best wrestling games" podium, and it's for entirely different reasons. This game is an absurdly deep game when it comes to customization, moves, and gameplay complexity. It's one of the most impressively deep fighting games, and you owe it to yourself to try if you have any interest at all.

better than any 2k wrestling game so far. better AI and all, even for a "retro" styled game