Tag Team Match: M.U.S.C.L.E. (NES) Playthrough
4Playthrough of Bandai's 1986 wrestling game for the NES, Tag Team Match: M.U.S.C.L.E.
Tag Team Match: M.U.S.C.L.E. for the Nintendo Entertainment System, released in 1985, brings the wild and exaggerated world of Japanese wrestling to the gaming screen with vibrant characters and straightforward mechanics. Developed by Bandai and based on the popular Kinnikuman manga and anime series, the game is packed with high-energy characters, each with their unique flair and outrageous personalities, blending comedy and action. The game’s visuals, while simple, use vivid colors to make each wrestler distinct, capturing the essence of the original series’ lighthearted but intense feel. The sprites for each character have been crafted to show off their exaggerated muscles and quirky costumes, adding a cartoonish charm to the action.
The gameplay centers on 2v2 tag-team wrestling, where players control one of eight bizarre fighters, each with their own unique style and signature move. Matches are set up to allow quick tagging, letting players switch characters mid-fight to avoid taking too much damage or capitalize on special attacks. In the ring, combat consists of a mix of punches, kicks, and grapples, with each character’s special move being the star attraction. These moves add a strategic layer, requiring players to time their attacks and manage their health to make the most of their wrestler’s power. The controls are simple, mapped mainly to two buttons for basic attacks and movement, which makes the game accessible while allowing for some fun strategies during matches.
One of the standout elements is the power-up system, where a glowing orb occasionally appears in the ring, transforming the pace of combat. Players who manage to grab it gain an advantage, temporarily powering up their wrestler and enabling their character’s super move, a flashy and often humorous attack that can change the match's outcome. This element introduces a thrilling and unpredictable twist to each battle, as both players scramble to grab the orb and launch an attack. The addition of this power-up dynamic keeps the matches lively, breaking up the otherwise simple combat and adding a chance for quick comebacks and reversals.
Though Tag Team Match: M.U.S.C.L.E. lacks the depth and complexity seen in later wrestling games, its charm lies in its simplicity and the humor of its character designs and moves. The gameplay is repetitive by modern standards, but the novelty of playing as bizarre and exaggerated fighters keeps it entertaining for short play sessions. The limited move set and simple graphics mean that each match plays similarly, but for fans of the Kinnikuman series or classic wrestling games, this title has a nostalgic appeal. Overall, Tag Team Match: M.U.S.C.L.E. is a fun, quirky game that offers a nostalgic look at early wrestling games on the NES, capturing the spirit of a classic series with its goofy humor and colorful cast of characters.