Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WCW SuperBrawl Wrestling delivers a straightforward yet surprisingly deep wrestling experience for its era. Players can step into the squared circle as one of 12 licensed WCW superstars, including legends like Sting, Ric Flair and Big Van Vader. Beyond the basic punches, kicks and grapples, each wrestler boasts a unique finisher that adds an extra layer of strategy when it comes time to close out a match.

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The control scheme keeps things accessible without sacrificing depth. Standard moves—such as piledrivers, power slams and suplexes—are executed with simple button combinations, while timing-based reversals and ring-edge actions reward precision and anticipation. The overhead 3/4 perspective, with the ring set diagonally across the screen (reminiscent of titles like Fire Pro Wrestling), gives you a clear view of positioning, allowing you to set up high-impact maneuvers or dodge incoming attacks.

WCW SuperBrawl Wrestling offers both Single and Tag Team match types, each with customizable rulesets for time limits, victory conditions and ring-out stipulations. The two-player support is a welcome feature, letting friends settle their scores in back-and-forth battles. For longer campaigns or tournament runs, the built-in password system enables you to pick up progress at will—a thoughtful inclusion in an era before built-in save RAM became standard.

Graphics

Graphically, SuperBrawl Wrestling adopts a vibrant, pixel-art style that holds up surprisingly well. Wrestler sprites are instantly recognizable, capturing iconic hairstyles, ring gear and facial expressions that reflect the personalities of stars like The Steiner Brothers or Ric Flair. The animations may look simple at first glance, but each signature move and grapple transitions fluidly, bringing a satisfying punch to every slam.

The diagonal ring view is more than a novelty—it enhances depth perception in a way that traditional side-view wrestling games can’t match. You can gauge distance for running attacks or ring-corner grapples with ease. The turnbuckle and rope collisions are animated clearly, lending authenticity when you whip an opponent into the corner or bounce off the ropes for a clothesline.

Backgrounds are minimal but effective, displaying the sold-out arena crowd in a repeating pattern that conveys atmosphere without hogging system resources. The color palette stays clean and vibrant, ensuring wrestlers stand out against the mat. Subtle details—like referee animations, count-outs on the apron and Tony Schiavone’s commentary banner—add layers of immersion that belie the game’s 16-bit hardware limitations.

Story

Like many wrestling titles of its time, SuperBrawl Wrestling doesn’t feature a traditional narrative or story campaign. Instead, it captures the spirit of WCW’s marquee events by letting you forge your own rivalries and championship journeys. The focus remains on climbing the ranks, challenging for titles and busting out finishers to become the ultimate WCW icon.

What narrative exists comes through in the dynamic presentation: Tony Schiavone’s enthusiastic play-by-play commentary adds context to every big move, making you feel as though you’re part of a live broadcast. Between matches, simple onscreen text reminds you of upcoming opponents or stipulations, gently guiding you through tournament brackets without bogging you down in cutscenes.

This event-driven format perfectly mirrors the pay-per-view atmosphere that wrestling fans cherish. Each victory in Single or Tag Team mode feels like a chapter in your own personal SuperBrawl saga, allowing you to craft rivalries and dream matchups that might never have happened in real life.

Overall Experience

WCW SuperBrawl Wrestling succeeds on multiple fronts: it pairs a robust roster of genuine WCW talent with accessible controls, customizable match options and a presentation style that echoes live broadcasts. Whether you’re a casual player eager for pick-up-and-play fun or a wrestling enthusiast chasing high-octane tag team victories, there’s something here for you.

The game’s limitations—such as the absence of a deeper career mode or an expansive move list—are balanced by its strengths: tight gameplay, a memorable overhead perspective and the nostalgic thrill of seeing licensed WCW stars battle it out. The password save feature, two-player mode and replayable tournament brackets extend the game’s longevity, inviting you back for countless rematches.

For retro gaming collectors and wrestling fans alike, SuperBrawl Wrestling offers an authentic snapshot of 16-bit era sports entertainment. It may not have all the bells and whistles of modern wrestling titles, but its combination of licensed roster, engaging mechanics and faithful presentation makes it a standout choice when you’re ready to rumble.

Retro Replay Score

null/10