thatdemoguy

Graphically, the game is presented in a 3/4ths isometric view, using sprites that harken back to a simpler time. They are very reminiscent of the sprites from older arcade beat 'em ups. Even given that these aren't the photo-realistic graphics that many expect nowadays, the sprites all evoke a certain level of charm/personality and each character has their signature mannerisms and taunts.  Despite the admittedly simplistic look, which unfortunately will be the main detractor and turn-off for a portion of the audience, this is without a doubt the deepest and most robust wrestling simulation you can play. There is a natural ebb and flow to the matches. It plays out like an actual wrestling match that you would watch on television. As in, unlike the more arcade-centric titles, this is not about picking the highest rated character and taking advantage of the system to win as quickly and easily as possible. This game is more about working the match, actually wearing the opponent down, and then finishing in a natural manner. Or conversely, losing with a level of dignity that still gets you a high match evaluation. Yes, even losing in this game is rewarded. To go along with the simple look, there are very simple controls. You only have a light, medium, and a hard attack, your run button, your breathing button, and a dedicated PIN button. But once again, hidden within those simple controls, is an extremely deep level of gameplay nuance. Each of those attacks, has multiple uses via contextual modifiers.  Let's just use your light attack button for example, if pressed it by itself, it will be your characters light attack (of course), be that a jab, chop, or kick. Press it with a direction, it's a different light attack, that is unique to your character's playstyle. In a grappling situation, this also applies. Press it by itself, it's one attack or throw. Press it with a direction (be it up, down, or left/right) and it's a different attack or throw. Press it at a downed opponent's head and it will pick them up, press it at their midsection and it rolls them to their back or belly respectively, press it at their seat/legs while on their back and it picks them up for rear grapples. And that's just the light attack button. Now apply this to each of the other buttons. At first it seems like a lot of information to process, but this is what allows for there to be every conceivable scenario you would think in a wrestling match. This gives you the specialized chain wrestling and multiple reversals, which are timing based, along with fleshing out the actual grappling mechanics, considering there is no grapple button.

To initiate a grapple, you just move your character into the opponent. From there the two characters lock up, and you have the choice to make between all your various moves.  You can work a technical style and use moves that affect the head, neck, back, body, or limbs, to attempt a pinfall or submission.  You can go for a pure striking style, trying to go for the KO.  Or you CAN go right for your finisher from the start, and you could actually land it. But doing this works against you, not only because heavy attacks are easily countered so early in the match, but because those attacks also tire you out faster, and they run the risk of actually making your opponent stronger via the hidden criteria in the game, being spirit. There is no HUD as you play. As such, there is no visual indicator of your own or your opponent's health other than how you each look visually. You will gradually see your sprite look progressively more "gassed" or tired throughout the match. This happens by going for too many big moves at once or throwing everything you have into a single offensive sequence. To mitigate this you have to use the breathing button to rejuvenate your stamina slowly. Though it may seem like it would slow the matches down artificially, it actually doesn't, it contributes to the natural flow. This is accentuated by the aforementioned spirit mechanic. While you use moves that run the risk of tiring you out, some of those very moves may also contribute to your own spirit, which unlike previous wrestling games, is NOT your ability to do your finish, but rather your character's ability to persevere during the adverse moments during a match. But here's the rub, some of your offensive moves, may also give your opponent spirit. So while you are landing your big attacks, you could be empowering them to land a crucial reversal into a miraculous comeback. Spirit then further can be buffed when you add in the bleeding mechanic. Some characters actually get stronger or more aggressive when you make them bleed. And all the while you have to manage how the crowd is reacting as well. There is definitely a very sweet science to playing this game effectively that once you start to learn, and eventually master, you may never want to go back. Each match will play out completely differently, even when playing the same characters.