Pro Wrestling (1986)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Pro Wrestling (1986): A Classic NES Grappler

Pro Wrestling is a professional wrestling video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was released in Japan in 1986 and in North America and Europe in 1987. The game is one of Nintendo’s many sports-themed games for the NES, alongside titles like Tennis, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, and Ice Hockey.

Pro Wrestling is a simple but addictive game with a variety of gameplay modes. Players can compete in one-on-one matches, tag team matches, and tournaments. There are also several different difficulty levels to choose from.

The game features a roster of eight wrestlers, each with their own unique moves and abilities. The wrestlers include:

  • Hulk Hogan: The biggest star in professional wrestling at the time, Hogan is a powerful wrestler with a variety of high-flying moves.
  • André the Giant: A legendary wrestler known for his immense size and strength, André is a formidable opponent for any wrestler.
  • “Macho Man” Randy Savage: A charismatic and flamboyant wrestler, Savage is known for his quickness and agility.
  • Junkyard Dog: A fan favorite known for his toughness and determination, the Junkyard Dog is a brawler who can take a lot of punishment.
  • King Kong Bundy: A massive wrestler with a mean streak, Bundy is a powerful opponent who can crush his opponents with ease.
  • The Iron Sheik: A former Olympian and world champion, the Iron Sheik is a technical wrestler who can outmaneuver his opponents.
  • Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat: A skilled and agile wrestler, Steamboat is known for his high-flying moves and his ability to counter his opponents’ attacks.
  • Tito Santana: A well-rounded wrestler with a variety of moves, Santana is a tough opponent for any wrestler.

Pro Wrestling’s gameplay is simple but effective. Players control their wrestler with the D-pad and use the A and B buttons to attack. Players can grapple with their opponents, perform a variety of strikes, and use special moves. The game also features a variety of weapons that players can use to attack their opponents, such as chairs, ladders, and tables.

Pro Wrestling was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, its variety of gameplay modes, and its roster of well-balanced wrestlers. The game is still considered to be one of the best wrestling games ever made.

Gameplay

Pro Wrestling is a one-on-one or tag team professional wrestling game. The player controls a wrestler and must defeat their opponent by pinfall, submission, or knockout. The game features a variety of moves, including strikes, grapples, and special moves. Players can also use weapons, such as chairs, ladders, and tables, to attack their opponents.

The game features a variety of gameplay modes, including:

  • Exhibition: A single match between two wrestlers.
  • Tag team: A match between two teams of two wrestlers.
  • Tournament: A tournament mode where players compete to become the champion.
  • Survival: A mode where players must defeat as many opponents as possible in a row.

The game also features a variety of difficulty levels, from easy to hard. This allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the game.

Graphics and sound

Pro Wrestling’s graphics are simple but effective. The wrestlers are well-animated and the backgrounds are detailed. The game’s sound effects are also well-done, and the music is catchy and exciting.

Reception

Pro Wrestling was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its addictive gameplay, its variety of gameplay modes, and its roster of well-balanced wrestlers. The game is still considered to be one of the best wrestling games ever made.

Legacy

Pro Wrestling has had a lasting impact on the wrestling video game genre. The game’s simple but effective gameplay has been imitated by many other wrestling games, and its roster of wrestlers has become iconic. The game is still played by many fans today, and it is considered to be a classic of the NES era.

Conclusion

Pro Wrestling is a classic NES game that still holds up today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, its variety of gameplay modes, and its roster of well-balanced wrestlers make it a must-play for any fan of wrestling games. If you’re looking for a great NES game to play, Pro Wrestling is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

7.5/10

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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