Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fire Pro Wrestling on the Game Boy Advance revives the classic timing-based wrestling mechanics that the series is known for, freeing players from the “mash-button” routines of other portable wrestling titles. Instead of simply flailing at buttons, you must time your strikes, grapples, and reversals precisely. This timing-driven system adds depth and satisfaction to every suplex, clothesline, or submission hold you execute.

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The roster is impressively stacked for a handheld game, featuring cleverly disguised homages to real-life wrestling legends—“The Bionic Man” Steve Majors, Axe Duggan, and more. These stand-ins allow you to create dream matches between WCW, WWF, and ECW-style characters. Whether you’re pitting Majors against Duggan or mixing in some up-and-coming fictional talent, each bout feels fresh thanks to the varied move sets and signature maneuvers unique to each wrestler.

Beyond one-off exhibition matches, the game offers multiple match types—single, tag team, triple threat, and cage matches—keeping the action diverse. The purpose-built A.I. reacts dynamically to your tactics, forcing you to adapt on the fly rather than relying on a single overpowered move. With a modest learning curve, new players can pick up the basics quickly, while veterans of the series will appreciate mastering the deeper mechanics.

Graphics

On the GBA’s small screen, Fire Pro Wrestling delivers surprisingly detailed 2D sprite work that captures the personality of each wrestler. The animations for strikes, grapples, and high-flying moves are smooth, and the ring mat and turnbuckles are rendered with just enough texture to feel authentic without overwhelming the hardware.

Character sprites are easily distinguishable thanks to bold color palettes and signature attire cues. Whether you’re staring down Axe Duggan’s yellow trunks or The Bionic Man’s metallic arm, each wrestler stands out clearly during the heat of battle. The crowd in the background remains simple, but the looping audience animations add a lively atmosphere to each match.

The interface is clean and intuitive: health bars, stamina gauges, and move meters are easy to read even in handheld mode. Menus for selecting wrestlers, match types, and ring entry effects are well-organized, ensuring you spend less time navigating and more time in the ring. Minor load times between entrances are brief enough to keep the action flowing.

Story

Fire Pro Wrestling on GBA doesn’t feature a traditional narrative-driven story mode, but it compensates with tournament brackets and championship runs that emulate the feel of an organized wrestling promotion. You can guide your chosen wrestler through a series of escalating challenges, vying for titles and unlocking secret opponents along the way.

While there are no cutscenes or voiceovers, the progression structure—exhibition match, tag tournament, ladder matches—creates its own sense of rivalry and momentum. The lack of scripted drama means the stories you tell are player-created: a rookie wrestler climbing the ranks, a tag team defending their belts, or a veteran chasing a career-defining title.

For those craving more meta-progression, a simple edit mode allows you to rename wrestlers and tweak their move sets, encouraging you to craft personal backstories or replicate real-world wrestling feuds. The flexibility in customization means the narrative stays in your hands, making each campaign uniquely memorable.

Overall Experience

Fire Pro Wrestling’s GBA debut brings the depth and authenticity of its console counterparts into a truly portable package. The timing-based controls, diverse match types, and robust customization options make it a must-have for wrestling fans on the go. Whether you have a few minutes to spare or are settling in for a longer session, the gameplay remains engaging throughout.

The presentation strikes the right balance between detail and performance, with crisp sprites, fluid animations, and user-friendly menus. Even without a linear storyline, the tournament structures and create-a-wrestler features ensure high replay value. You’ll find yourself returning again and again to test new strategies, wrestle with different champions, and chase unlocked secrets.

Overall, Fire Pro Wrestling on Game Boy Advance stands out as a portable wrestling game that rewards skill, creativity, and dedication. Its faithful translation of the series’ core mechanics, combined with a playful nod to real-world wrestling icons, makes for a captivating experience that will satisfy both casual fans and hardcore grappling enthusiasts alike.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10