When I first heard about “WrestleQuest,” I was taken aback by its unexpected fusion of pro-wrestling and JRPG elements. Developed by Mega Cat Studios and published by Skybound Games, the game promised a unique experience that I couldn’t resist jumping off the ropes for. As I stepped into the pixelated realm of “WrestleQuest,” I was greeted by a captivating blend of wrestling personas and Japanese RPG storytelling. The world seemed to encapsulate the essence of action figures brought to life in a fantastical setting entirely dedicated to wrestling. It was like reliving my childhood days of playing with action figures, only this time, I was controlling Muchacho Man Savage (not to be confused with Randy Savage of course) on a quest to climb the ranks and showcase my wrestling prowess. The narrative also intertwined with the journey of Brink Logan, offering a dynamic perspective shift between the two characters.
While the wrestlers I faced were essentially toy versions rather than iconic figures from my past, they carried the spirit of the wrestlers from the 1980s that I admired. Surprisingly, the gameplay departed from the frenetic action I expected from a wrestling game, adopting a turn-based battle system akin to traditional JRPGs. The matches, accompanied by a hype meter at the bottom of the screen, demanded a strategic approach beyond mere health management. This system felt especially engaging in tag team matches, where selecting each character’s move on my team played a pivotal role. I won’t lie though; I couldn’t help but miss the kinetic energy that typically emanates from traditional wrestling games. That feeling washed away rather quickly, as I eventually got more adjusted with what this game was really trying to be… different.
Indeed, it is very different, and the longer time I spent in this world the more I could tell how much love and thought was put into every single aspect. The game ingeniously incorporated an overworld map reminiscent of classic video games, guiding me through various towns brimming with charm and packed with wrestling-themed Easter eggs. The pixelated graphics held a modern twist through its level of detail and even lighting, which very much evoked a nostalgic trip back into the Super Nintendo (SNES) era.
Although the battles themselves didn’t prove excessively challenging, the inclusion of buffs and items during matches seemed underwhelming, contrary to the game’s emphasis, I often feel like I didn’t need them. Maneuvering across maps occasionally felt sluggish, leaving me yearning for a much more kinetic pace as I explored the game’s universe. Navigating through quests often resembled traversing dungeons, as a multitude of adversaries lengthened the gameplay more than necessary. Despite these minor setbacks, “WrestleQuest” didn’t fail to deliver a hefty dose of fan service. The game’s plethora of quests intricately wove together entertaining narratives that shed light on the wrestling industry and its multifaceted business nature. “Incredible” might be a stretch, but “WrestleQuest” certainly captivated me with its unprecedented mashup of genres that ultimately worked and is clearly the most unique wrestling game on the market. It’s a realm where action figures come alive, and while it might not fully replicate the raw excitement of the wrestling ring, it succeeds in crafting an engaging experience that fans of the industry will rightfully-so gush over.
8.5/10
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Related: Nick Navarro Reviews
Gaming since I was given an original Nintendo as a kid. I love great storytelling and unique ingenuity. When both collide in a single game, I'm a happy gamer. Twitter/IG @NickNavarro87
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