Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Fire Pro Wrestling Queen’s Special delivers a wrestling experience that stands apart from most Western-published titles. Rather than emphasizing flashy grapples or cinematic finishers, the game focuses on timing, strategy and reading your opponent’s position. Each wrestler in the All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling roster comes equipped with weak-to-strong move sets that you can only fully exploit when your opponent is staggered or grounded. This risk-reward system pushes players to build momentum carefully and only unleash their most devastating maneuvers when the right moment presents itself.

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The modes selection is robust, offering single matches, elimination bouts, Battle Royals and full tournament arcs that culminate in a shot at the coveted Red Belt. The tournament structure mirrors the real-world stakes of professional women’s wrestling in the early 1990s, where the focus was squarely on skill and ring psychology rather than gimmick-based entertainment. These modes keep battles fresh, whether you’re climbing the ladder en route to championship gold or simply looking for a quick one-on-one showdown.

Adding to the game’s depth is an extensive Create-A-Wrestler mode that allows up to 16 custom fighters. You can tweak attributes, select signature maneuvers and even assign your wrestler to specific stables. While not as graphically elaborate as modern editors, the system offers surprising flexibility, letting you replicate lesser-known Japanese stars or invent your own high-flying phenom. Tinkering with CAW not only extends replay value but also deepens your appreciation for the strategic layers embedded in each matchup.

Graphics

Graphically, Queen’s Special retains the classic pixel-art aesthetic of the Fire Pro Wrestling lineage, complete with detailed sprite work and expressive animations. Wrestlers flow smoothly through strikes, submissions and suplexes, with each move rendered in precisely the right frames to convey weight and impact. Though the resolution is low by today’s standards, the clarity of action makes every elbow drop or pile driver feel satisfying.

The character portraits and ring backgrounds evoke the atmosphere of an All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling event. Each fighter’s design reflects real-life counterparts, from signature ring attire to hairstyles and facial features. The crowd in the background offers minimal animation, but the occasional camera flash and animated referee add just enough flair to remind you that this is a professional sport with spectators clamoring for every pin attempt.

Menus and UI elements are functional and straightforward, prioritizing quick access to move lists, wrestler galleries and match settings. Load times are minimal, and the in-game presentation—complete with authentic Japanese commentary in text form—immerses you in the early-’90s wrestling scene. While purists might crave rosters in HD or dynamic camera angles, the retro stylings here feel intentional and endearing rather than dated.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven sports titles, Queen’s Special doesn’t rely on cutscenes or voiced dialogue to spin a tale. Instead, the storyline unfolds through tournament progression and roster matchups, reflecting the real-world drama of women’s pro-wrestling in Japan long before WWE introduced its “Divas” division. There are no pillow-fights or lingerie gimmicks here—just pure athletic competition seeking to claim the Red Belt, the apex prize of the federation.

Your journey begins as a hopeful rookie or established veteran, striving to climb through qualifiers and eliminations. Each victory brings you closer to the spotlight and a title match that can define your career. The game encourages you to study opponent tendencies, adapt your strategy, and perfect your timing in order to triumph over powerhouse athletes and technical masters alike.

While there’s no voiced dialogue or animated story sequences, the authenticity of the league’s structure and its emphasis on sporting integrity serve as a narrative backbone. You feel the weight of expectation with every championship defense, and each matchup in the Battle Royal or elimination bracket adds another chapter to your personal saga in the squared circle.

Overall Experience

Super Fire Pro Wrestling Queen’s Special stands as a compelling homage to a golden era of women’s professional wrestling in Japan. Its blend of strategic gameplay, faithful retro visuals and authentic tournament progression offers a rich package for both longtime Fire Pro fans and newcomers seeking something distinct from the bombastic spectacle of modern sports-entertainment wrestling games.

The game’s depth shines brightest in prolonged play sessions—unlocking new rivals, honing custom wrestlers in CAW mode and mastering the timing-based move system. Casual players may find the learning curve steep at first, but investing time in understanding the stagger-and-strike mechanics rewards you with highly competitive matches that emphasize skill over flash.

Ultimately, Queen’s Special is a must-own for enthusiasts of vintage wrestling titles and anyone fascinated by the world of All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling. Its emphasis on athleticism, varied match types and customization options ensure you’ll return to the ring again and again, chasing that triumphant moment when you finally hoist the Red Belt above your head.

Retro Replay Score

null/10