PS2 Underrated Gem: Fire Pro Wrestling Returns
49This is a series of gameplay vids I'm doing highlighting overlooked games for the PS2.
I've heard many great things about the Fire Pro Wrestling series over the years. So much so that I finally decided to pick one up. I just got this game in today, and let's just say that so far I'm completely blown away. Don't let the 16-bit looking graphics deter you from enjoying the most in-depth wrestling game of all time.
Not only is the wrestling system sound, and addictive, but the game really does offer endless customization. It's absolutely amazing what people have been able to create with this game. I highly suggest that you look up other youtube vids on this game to see the scope of what I'm talking about. Not only can you pretty much create every wrestler who ever lived, you can also customize the ring. I truly encourage you guys to just go and look up the vids showing the customization capabilities of this game. Some of the stuff people have created is so good that you'll think they modded an rom of the game.
It's just one of those things that you have to see to believe. I've seen ECW, WWE, and even Mario vs Luigi. It's crazy what people have been able to create in the game.
I wish my vid could go a little more in-depth on this game's customization, but I just got it today, and am only just showing you basic gameplay here to get you interested.
The wrestling system is sound. It's a little confusing to get the hang of at first. In fact I actually had to read the manual for this one (but there's always Gamefaqs for those without). Once you get it down, it's not a problem.
You will even have to hold a button to regain you stamina from time to time (I noticed that SvR recently stole that one).
In all honesty, I really haven't played a pro wrestling game that I could get into in years. I don't like the SvR series, and the TNA game was OK, but nothing special. This game takes me bact two console generations to the original Smackdown, and WWF Wrestlemania 2000/No Mercy.
The game also offers it's fair share of modes to play. Most notable to me is the eight man battle royal. I haven't seen that many wreslters in the ring for a battle royal since the 16-bit days. What makes it even more awesome to me is the fact that this game supports the use of two multi-taps for 1-8 human players. That's insane for a wrestling game. Imagine that battle royal, except, instead of it being me (I'm the guy in the mask who's spitting the green stuff at everyone) vs seven computer controlled opponents, it's me vs seven other people.
The only complaints I have about the game, is that fact that it has a very steep learning curve that may discourage a lot of newcomers (I'm a newcomer myself, but I'm far from discouraged).At first the collision detection with some of the striking moves feels off, but they actually require perfect timing and distance to connect which means patience for the one trying to learn the game. Also, the customization is amazing, but the in-game menus are rather confusing to use at first. I had to read the book in order to figure out how to create a character from scratch.
The default cast of wrestlers, though massive, come off as generic, and there's no story mode of any sort, but who needs it when the game is this customizable?
Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is only available on the PS2.
Note: I actually just got this game today, so I'm not showing a masterful performance here. I'm just trying to show off the gameplay to get others interested.
Here's a link to an informative beginners guide on Gamefaqs that will come in handy for some:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/file/927675/39079