Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

PRIDE FC: Fighting Championships offers a deep, authentic fighting system that welcomes all martial arts disciplines under one roof. Whether you favor striking from Muay Thai, grappling from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or a balanced approach, the game’s mechanics adapt to your style, allowing for dynamic transitions between standing exchanges, clinch battles, and ground combat. The flow between these phases feels remarkably fluid, with takedown setups leading into ground control, and stand-up exchanges transitioning naturally into wrestling scrambles.

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The game shines in its variety of modes. The 16-man single-elimination Grand Prix is a true test of your endurance and skill, especially when you pit yourself against 25 distinct fighters, each with unique move sets, strengths, and weaknesses. If you’d rather work on your techniques, One Match mode lets you fine-tune your character against any PRIDE veteran, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the rigors of tournament play. For those craving a longer path to glory, Survival Mode demands you conquer all 25 fighters consecutively, offering a real sense of accomplishment and a shot at the Top Ten Fighting Legends leaderboard.

Multiplayer adds another layer of excitement. You can challenge a friend locally in fast-paced bouts, or organize a full 16-player tournament and either compete or sit back and watch as human or CPU participants duke it out in a bracketed spectacle. This flexibility ensures that PRIDE FC can be a casual party game or a hardcore competitive experience, keeping both solo and group players thoroughly engaged.

Graphics

Visually, PRIDE FC: Fighting Championships delivers detailed fighter models that capture the athletic builds and fighting stances of real-world mixed martial artists. Musculature is well-defined, tattoos and fight gear are crisp, and sweat effects during intense exchanges add to the immersion. The ring and surrounding cage are rendered with authentic branding and sponsor logos, lending the presentation a broadcast-quality polish.

Animations are smooth and varied; each striking technique, throw, and submission hold has its own distinct motion, so matches never feel repetitive. Clinch battles showcase realistic posture adjustments as fighters jockey for underhooks or attempt a knee strike, while ground transitions flow seamlessly from guard to mount to back control. The camera work—while generally stable during gameplay—dynamically zooms in for high-impact moments, highlighting fight-ending strikes or critical submissions.

The crowd and arena lighting round out the spectacle. Reacting appropriately to near finishes or dominant grappling sequences, the audience ambiance elevates the tension in each match. Subtle details, like the flicker of overhead spotlights and the reflection on the mat, contribute to an atmosphere that mirrors major MMA events, making you feel as if you’re part of a world-class promotion.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven fighters, PRIDE FC focuses on the emergent drama of competition rather than a scripted story mode. Each bout writes its own tale of underdog comebacks, rival grappler showdowns, and last-second knockouts. The lack of a linear storyline is intentional—it places you directly in the shoes of a warrior forging your legacy through sweat, strategy, and sheer willpower.

The tournament structure itself provides contextual depth. Advancing through the 16-man bracket feels like climbing the ranks in a real-world organization, with post-fight interviews delivered by in-game ring announcers that reference fighters’ prior victories and upcoming matchups. This branching narrative framework kindles a personal investment in your fighter’s journey, making each win more significant.

Survival Mode further enhances the narrative by pitting you against a gauntlet of opponents who grow increasingly skilled and aggressive. Overcoming all 25 fighters not only cements your name among the top ten legends but also crafts an unofficial story arc of perseverance and dominance. In PRIDE FC, your greatest achievement is not just victory—it’s the legacy you build through countless hard-fought battles.

Overall Experience

PRIDE FC: Fighting Championships strikes a commendable balance between authenticity and accessibility. Newcomers can learn fundamentals in One Match mode, while veterans will appreciate the depth of the grappling and striking systems, as well as the strategic layer of stamina management and positional control. The learning curve is inviting rather than punishing, motivating players to master advanced techniques over time.

The inclusion of customizable characters adds personalization, letting you craft a fighter that represents your style and aesthetics. From selecting your base discipline and fight stance to fine-tuning your appearance and walkout animations, customization ensures that your journey feels uniquely yours. As you climb the ranks, the sense of progression becomes tangible—not just in your skills, but in your fighter’s look and reputation.

Longevity is one of PRIDE FC’s strongest suits. With multiple modes, a diverse roster of 25 international fighters, and the possibility of human opponents, the replay value is substantial. Whether you’re chasing the Grand Prix crown, fighting for survival glory, or simply sparring with friends, the game consistently delivers high-stakes excitement. For fans of mixed martial arts and competitive fighting games alike, PRIDE FC: Fighting Championships is a must-have addition that promises to keep you enthralled round after round.

Retro Replay Score

6.7/10