Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Fighting, Sport
- Platforms: Nintendo 64
- Developers: Yuke’s
- Publishers: Hudson Soft
Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Toukon Road – Brave Spirits (1997)
The King of Pro Wrestling Makes Its 3D Debut
Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Toukon Road – Brave Spirits, released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation, was a groundbreaking wrestling game that brought the intense action of New Japan Pro Wrestling to life in stunning 3D graphics. With its intuitive control system and deep roster of wrestlers, Toukon Road quickly became a fan favorite and is still considered one of the best wrestling games ever made.
Gameplay
Toukon Road’s gameplay is simple to learn but difficult to master. The game uses a three-button control scheme, with one button for strikes, one for grapples, and one for reversals. Players can string together combos of strikes and grapples to create devastating attacks, and they can also use the environment to their advantage, such as by throwing opponents into the ring ropes or using the turnbuckle to perform high-flying maneuvers.
One of the most innovative aspects of Toukon Road’s gameplay is its “Brave System.” When a wrestler’s Brave meter is full, they can enter “Brave Mode,” which gives them a temporary boost to their strength, speed, and stamina. Brave Mode can be used to turn the tide of a match, but it also comes with a risk: if the wrestler’s Brave meter is depleted, they will become exhausted and vulnerable to attack.
Roster
Toukon Road features a roster of over 30 wrestlers, including some of the biggest names in New Japan Pro Wrestling history, such as Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuyuki Fujita, and Shinya Hashimoto. Each wrestler has their own unique moveset and abilities, and they all play differently. This makes for a lot of variety in matches, and it ensures that players can find a wrestler that suits their own playstyle.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Toukon Road’s graphics were absolutely stunning. The wrestlers are rendered in 3D with a high level of detail, and the animations are fluid and realistic. The game’s environments are also well-designed, and they create a sense of atmosphere that is unmatched by other wrestling games of the era.
The game’s sound is also top-notch. The crowd noise is realistic and immersive, and the commentary is informative and exciting. The game’s music is also excellent, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Legacy
Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Toukon Road – Brave Spirits was a critical and commercial success, and it is still considered one of the best wrestling games ever made. The game’s innovative gameplay, deep roster of wrestlers, and stunning graphics set a new standard for wrestling games, and it has influenced the development of the genre ever since.
If you are a fan of wrestling games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Shin Nippon Pro Wrestling: Toukon Road – Brave Spirits. It is a classic game that still holds up today, and it is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
10/10
Review Score
8.5/10
