Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Shin Nihon Pro-Wrestling: Tōkon Retsuden puts you squarely in the ring with six of NJPW’s most iconic stars, each modeled on real-life wrestlers of the era. At its core, the game offers a straightforward but deep combat system: basic punches, kicks, grapples, and ground tackles are all mapped to easy-to-reach buttons, making it simple to learn but challenging to master. The inclusion of timed taunts adds an extra layer of strategy, as pulling off a well-timed taunt can unnerve your opponent and leave them vulnerable to a signature move.

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Victory hinges on keeping your opponent down for ten seconds—enough time to watch the referee’s count and feel the tension rising with every tick. Each wrestler handles differently, with unique strengths in power, speed, or submission holds. This diversity encourages you to experiment across the roster and find a fighter that fits your style, whether you’re a striking specialist who dishes out heavy blows or a grappling expert who looks for quick pins.

The game offers four distinct modes to keep the action fresh. Title Match lets you challenge all five other wrestlers in turn, defend your crown, and engage in endless rematches to prove you’re the true champion. G1 Climax is the marquee tournament mode: battle through the entire roster to cement your legacy in New Japan’s toughest competition. If you’re racing against the clock, Time Attack tasks you with achieving a knockout in record time, while Training gives you an unrestricted sandbox to practice every hold and combo until they’re second nature.

Graphics

Visually, Tōkon Retsuden captures the look and feel of early ’90s wrestling games with crisp, colorful sprites and detailed ring environments. Each wrestler’s pixel art faithfully recreates signature gear and build, making it easy to pick out your favorite star at a glance. The animation frames are smooth enough to convey the heft of slams and the snap of strikes without bogging down the action.

The ring itself is brought to life by a simple but effective crowd backdrop that pulses with energy during big moves or close calls. While there are no cutting-edge lighting effects, the game’s palette choices and shading techniques lend depth to the canvas mat and turnbuckles. Referee and arena details are modest, but they don’t distract from the in-ring spectacle; instead, they channel an authentic arcade-era vibe.

Special moves trigger brief but satisfying visual flairs—screen shakes, flash frames, and dynamic zooms highlight the impact, giving each suplex or powerbomb its moment to shine. Though Tōkon Retsuden may not rival modern 3D renderings, its retro charm and fluid sprite work hold up well and offer a nostalgic trip for veteran wrestling fans.

Story

Unlike cinematic-heavy wrestling titles, Tōkon Retsuden keeps its narrative lean, focusing on the competitive spirit of NJPW’s grand stage. There’s no elaborate storyline or cutscenes; instead, the drama unfolds organically in the ring as you climb the ranks. This minimalist approach lets gameplay drive the excitement and encourages players to imagine their own rivalries and triumphs.

The four modes provide a loose framework for your in-ring saga. In Title Match and G1 Climax, you’ll feel the mounting pressure as each victory inches you closer to undisputed champion status. The absence of forced dialogue or plot twists means every pinfall or reversal is a personal milestone—your chance to write history with button presses and timing.

Training mode doubles as a narrative primer, allowing you to learn a wrestler’s full move set and visualize how each hold or strike fits into the larger context of a believable wrestling match. Even without voice-overs or cutscenes, the ebb and flow of grapples, near-falls, and comebacks tells a story that resonates with anyone who’s ever cheered at the arena or tuned in on TV.

Overall Experience

Shin Nihon Pro-Wrestling: Tōkon Retsuden delivers a compact but satisfying package for fans of classic pro-wrestling games. Its straightforward controls and variety of modes ensure that both newcomers and series veterans will find something to enjoy. The challenge of maintaining a ten-count pin, combined with AI that adapts to your tactics, makes each match compelling and replayable.

While the lack of a deep narrative or large roster may feel limiting compared to modern wrestling sims, the game’s focus on core mechanics and arcade-style thrills keeps the action tight and engaging. Multiplayer bouts are where Tōkon Retsuden really shines—nothing beats the adrenaline of a head-to-head showdown with a friend controlling your favorite NJPW star.

For collectors of retro wrestling titles or anyone looking to experience early ’90s NJPW action, Tōkon Retsuden remains an entertaining—and historically significant—choice. Its blend of accessible gameplay, authentic presentation, and nods to real-life promotions makes it a worthy addition to any gaming library, especially for those who long for the golden age of pixelated slams and high-stakes countouts.

Retro Replay Score

null/10