Wrestling fans have only had one option for a long time when it comes to video games and that has been the the games based on WWE. There have been other games over the years, but rarely have they released in North America. This is one reason that Fire Pro Wrestling received a lot of attention when it was announced. The series is well regarded, and when the announcement came that the game would feature a license based on New Japan Pro Wrestling, many were ecstatic. New Japan Pro Wrestling has risen to prominence in recent years and the chance to play as the wrestlers has been welcomed with open arms. But how is the game?
Fire Pro Wrestling World plays from an isometric viewpoint and uses a very arcade-like style of gameplay. It is easy to pick up and learn how to pull off moves, but the joy comes from just seeing how crazy you can get with the Japanese strong style of wrestling. I admit that I spent my time playing the game only using the New Japan Pro Wrestling content, but that was enough for me. The best known wrestlers are here, such as Okada, Naito, and Kenny Omega, as well as others such as TAKA Michinoku ( one of my all time favourite wrestlers since the 90’s), and getting to play as them in matches against my friends was excellent.
Where the game came up short for me was the glitches. Most have been fixed it seems, such as the constant crashing, but there are still audio issues that became annoying. There is also some lag issues as well that have proven very frustrating when occurring.
Playing the game was different from a WWE wrestling game for a few reasons. While it is more arcade like, there is also a sense of realism at the same time. Wrestlers tiring out, or cheating (either behind the ref’s back or right in front of him) and more will occur in ways that WWE games will not go, and this gives Fire Pro Wrestling World a more unique identity. You will need to adjust your style to how Fire Pro Wrestling World works as well as to how the isometric camera works, but then you will be fine.
Fire Pro Wrestling World is definitely not a wrestling game most will be used to, but that is a good thing. It is a welcome difference to what we have become accustomed to, and stands equal to the best put out by all others. I recommend it.
Disclaimer: A review code was provided