Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns delivers a deep and satisfying wrestling simulation that balances accessibility with strategic depth. The north-south/east-west axis movement system allows players to seamlessly move between multiple planes, creating the illusion of a 3D ring while retaining the precision and responsiveness of 2D controls. This dual-plane movement adds layers of tactical options—players can evade attacks by shifting planes or set up devastating counters, making each match feel dynamic and unpredictable.

The sheer variety of match types keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. From standard one-on-one exhibitions to chaotic eight-person battle royals, and from round-robin tournaments featuring up to 64 wrestlers to high-stakes mixed martial arts bouts under Pride or K-1 rules, there’s a mode to suit every taste. The introduction of North American cage matches brings a new level of intensity, forcing players to adapt to ring boundaries and turnbuckle interactions in creative ways.

A highlight of Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is its robust Edit Mode. With over 1,648 moves and holds at your disposal, you can craft wrestlers with unique move sets and signature finishes. You’re not limited to carbon-copy reproductions; you can tweak CPU logic to simulate your favorite wrestler’s style or invent entirely new personas with custom ring logos, attire, and even ring announcements. This freedom fosters a personalized experience that keeps players invested long after they’ve mastered the core mechanics.

Complexity scales smoothly from casual pick-up-and-play sessions to marathon booking marathons. Beginners will appreciate the intuitive input system—grabs, strikes, reversals, and finishers are executed via simple button combinations—while veterans can explore advanced timing windows and chain reversals to outsmart opponents. The learning curve feels fair, and the payoff for mastering intricate sequences is immensely rewarding.

Graphics

Although Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is built entirely on a 2D engine, its sprite work and animations are surprisingly expressive. Wrestlers boast clear, detailed pixel art that captures the essence of their real-life counterparts without veering into uncanny territory. Each move is animated with enough frames to convey weight and impact, so slams, suplexes, and aerial maneuvers look and feel powerful.

The dual-plane system isn’t just a gameplay gimmick—it’s visually distinct. When a wrestler shifts between the foreground and background, the ring ropes and apron subtly shift to reinforce depth. This clever trick enhances spatial awareness and elevates the presentation beyond what you’d expect from a purely flat environment. Transitions are smooth, and there’s no slowdown even when the action gets hectic in larger matches.

Menus, character-edit screens, and tournament brackets are functional and straightforward, though they lean toward a utilitarian aesthetic rather than flashy flair. This design choice keeps the focus on in-ring action, but some players might find the UI a bit dated by modern standards. Still, the clear iconography and well-organized menus allow quick navigation through massive rosters and complex customization options.

The game’s audio complements its visual style admirably. Ring announcers, crowd chants, and sound effects are punchy and well-mixed, while each wrestler’s entrance theme and vocal taunts add personality. Although the soundtrack doesn’t rival high-budget console titles, it effectively captures the spirit of classic Japanese wrestling broadcasts, enhancing immersion.

Story

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns doesn’t offer a traditional narrative campaign, but it excels at delivering emergent storytelling through its myriad match types and customization tools. Players can stage “dream matches” between legends from different promotions, simulate historic feuds, or invent entirely original storylines with custom factions and stables.

The inclusion of league and tournament modes provides a loose framing device for rivalries and title chases. As you guide your chosen wrestler (or stable) through round-robin bouts or sudden-death brackets, unexpected upsets and dramatic comebacks shape an evolving saga. This open-ended structure encourages creativity and allows you to document tournaments with your own commentary or imagined backstories.

Edit Mode can be seen as the game’s true narrative engine. By designing custom wrestlers, managers, and even entire promotions, you can script angles, title reigns, and faction warfare on your terms. The ability to tweak CPU behavior means you can prompt alliances, betrayals, and rivalries without lifting a finger, letting the game generate story beats organically.

For players who enjoy wrestling as both a sport and a form of theater, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns offers a sandbox ripe for storytelling. Whether you’re recreating iconic moments from puroresu history or crafting an all-new wrestling universe, the game’s tools empower you to tell compelling tales in the squared circle.

Overall Experience

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns stands out as one of the most comprehensive and customizable wrestling sims ever made. The blend of 2D precision and multidirectional movement delivers fluid, strategic action, while the vast roster of 327 talent from various Japanese promotions ensures near-endless matchups. Whether you’re a purist seeking authentic in-ring psychology or a creative mind eager to invent your own wrestling empire, this title has something to offer.

The learning curve is approachable yet deep. Newcomers can dive into an exhibition match and feel immediately competent, while dedicated players will find a lifetime of refinement in timing reversals, mastering submission transitions, and optimizing custom wrestler AI. The game’s replay value is further amplified by the robust editing suite, which has spawned dedicated online communities exchanging custom characters, rings, logos, and story scripts.

While the absence of a traditional story mode may disappoint those seeking a narrative-driven campaign, the emergent storytelling potential more than compensates. Each tournament, rivalry, and custom promotion you build becomes a personal saga you can share with friends or document for posterity. This organic approach to story is a hallmark of the Fire Pro series and one of its greatest strengths.

In sum, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is a must-have for wrestling aficionados who value depth, customization, and strategic gameplay over arcade-style spectacle. Its timeless presentation and endlessly configurable options make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the art and craft of professional wrestling.

Retro Replay Score

7.7/10