Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The heart of Ultimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation lies in its fast-paced, arcade-style wrestling mechanics that perfectly capture the over-the-top spectacle of the Kinnikuman anime. Matches are won not just by depleting health bars but by outwitting opponents with timely grapples, throws, and ring-out tactics. Each fighter’s basic moveset is easy to grasp, but the real excitement comes from chaining together flashy combos and using the environment—such as bouncing enemies off the ropes—for maximum dramatic impact.

Central to the experience is the special move meter, which fills as you land strikes or take damage. When the gauge peaks, your wrestler bursts into a glowing state, allowing you to execute gravity-defying attacks that launch opponents skyward and bind them in midair before a devastating slam. These signature maneuvers not only pay homage to classic anime moments but also introduce a strategic layer: you must decide whether to cash in immediately or build the meter further for an even bigger payoff.

The roster is a highlight for both veteran fans and newcomers, featuring twenty iconic Kinnikuman characters from the Legends and New Generation arcs—Kid Muscle, Terry Kenyon, Ramenman, Buffaloman, and more—each with unique strengths and finishers. On top of these familiar faces, ten guest wrestlers offer fresh playstyles and unlockable surprises, keeping matches unpredictable. Whether you prefer the raw power of King Muscle or the technical finesse of Jeager, there’s a persona to suit every taste.

Adding to the chaos are dynamic power-ups dropped by your tag-team partner or manager during tag and team-battle modes. These items range from health boosts and meter fills to devastating traps that can sap your opponent’s stamina. Timing when to grab a power-up—or deny it to your rival—often turns the tide of battle, making every match feel like a roller-coaster of momentum swings.

Graphics

Visually, the game leans heavily into its anime roots with bright, cel-shaded character models that pop against detailed 3D arenas. The wrestlers’ proportions exaggerate muscles and masks, delivering a cartoonish charm that mirrors the show’s aesthetic. Smooth animations breathe life into every suplex and piledriver, ensuring that special moves look as dynamic on-screen as they do in the source material.

Each arena is packed with personality: ringside banners bear old-school logos, enthusiastic crowds wave signs, and ring posts gleam under spotlights. Even minor hits send sweat particles or small shockwaves across the canvas, enhancing the visceral feel of competition. Environmental details—like ropes sagging after repeated rope-hops—add another layer of immersion, reminding you you’re in a living, breathing wrestling world.

Special-move cut-ins feature dramatic close-ups, speed lines, and colorful screen effects that heighten the drama. When Buffaloman unleashes his “Hail Guanyin” or Ramenman strikes with “Cucumber Slice,” the visuals freeze-frame for a moment before unleashing the blow, evoking the exact same thrill you’d get watching an episode of the anime. This marriage of gameplay and art style ensures every match feels as spectacular as a climactic showdown at Choujin Olympia.

Story

Although primarily an arcade fighter, Ultimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation offers a Story Mode that traces key arcs from both the original and new-series sagas. Fans will appreciate re-enactments of fan-favorite bouts, complete with comic book–style panels and witty dialogue exchanges between characters. The narrative isn’t deep—after all, the emphasis is on the action—but it delivers enough context to make each matchup meaningful.

You’ll battle through the Seven Akuma Choujin and face off against formidable bosses in one-on-one duels that mirror the anime’s high-stakes tournaments. Between fights, quick cutscenes highlight the camaraderie and rivalries that defined the series, such as the mentorship between Terry Kenyon and Kid Muscle. These brief story beats add flavor without bogging down the pace, striking a good balance between spectacle and narrative.

Unlockable bonus chapters let you explore “what if?” scenarios with guest characters, expanding the lore in playful ways. Whether you’re seeing how a non-anime challenger fares against territory champions or revisiting classic showdowns, these extras boost replay value. While the game doesn’t aim to replace a dedicated Kinnikuman RPG, it offers enough story-driven content to satisfy fans’ nostalgic appetites.

Overall Experience

Ultimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation delivers a wrestling experience that’s equal parts accessible and deep. Casual players can jump in and pull off spectacular moves with simple inputs, while competitive fans can master frame-perfect counters and advanced combos. Multiple modes—Exhibition, Tag Team, Story, and Tournament—ensure there’s always a fresh way to test your skills alone or with friends.

Multiplayer is where the game truly shines: local battles can become instant classics as opponents react to last-second reversals and surprise power-up grabs. Teaming up with a friend in tag matches creates electrifying moments of coordination, like simultaneous special moves that end in double knockouts. Even when playing solo, the option to recruit computer-controlled partners keeps matches lively and unpredictable.

For anime enthusiasts, the title is a love letter to decades of Kinnikuman lore, packed with recognizable faces, iconic moves, and inside jokes. Newcomers will appreciate its bold visuals and straightforward mechanics, making it an excellent gateway into the world of Choujins. While it’s not without minor balancing quirks—some characters’ specials can feel overpowered—the overall package is a triumphant celebration of all things wrestling and anime.

In the end, Ultimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation stands as a must-play for fans of arcade fighters and Kinnikuman alike. Its blend of flashy graphics, rapid-fire gameplay, and enthusiastic fan service makes for an unforgettable ring experience that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re after epic midair slams or nostalgic story moments, this title delivers in spades.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10