Rating: ★★★★☆
As a long-time fan of retro-style RPGs and (once upon a time) pro wrestling, I’ve been eagerly awaiting a game that brings me back in time to the old 16bit RPG classics, WrestleQuest not only gives me those fond memories but adds elements I did’t know I wanted. The game’s attention to detail on both the pro wrestling and RPG sides is commendable, offering a fantastic cast of characters and an intuitive moveset system. However, this blend has some of the better moments I’ve played in awhile in this style but some things hold it up from being perfect.
WrestleQuest’s world is a vibrant and imaginative one, with action figures coming to life in a toy box. The presentation is a highlight, featuring colorful art, quirky character designs, and impressive animations that suit the zany wrestling theme. The game is filled with references for wrestling enthusiasts, including appearances by real-life wrestling legends.
You’ll play as Randy “Muchacho Man” Santos, an aspiring wrestler on a quest to become the biggest star in the toy box. While the premise is engaging, the game’s narrative jumps between multiple story threads and characters, which can be a bit confusing at times but overall can draw you into wanting to experience the different story lines that are happening.
The gameplay shines through feeling very familiar to some offering a turn-based system inspired by classics like Super Mario RPG and Chrono Trigger. The game incorporates timed button presses and QTE-style mechanics, making battles engaging and skill-based. The introduction of “Hype” adds an interesting dynamic, with the crowd’s excitement affecting your performance in matches. There are definitely a few battles that even exceed the toughness level of what the rest of the game has to offer so be wise to watch out for those.
One unique aspect of the game is the need to sometimes “lose” aspects in matches intentionally, following the scripted nature of pro wrestling. They can lead to other rewards for making things more exciting for the viewers. Exploration is enjoyable and is pretty wide in size, and while the save system is endearing from classics with only three slots should have more in that area, especially wanting to save in various scenarios and in challenging situations.
WrestleQuest’s 40+ hour adventure offers an entertaining and creative experience. There’s a few things we wish they did better but this is a love letter I didn’t see coming. The game’s world and characters are full of surprises, and the unique take on pro wrestling is a fresh spin on traditional RPG mechanics. The visuals are stunning, with expressive sprites and vivid environments, while the soundtrack enhances the experience. Overall, WrestleQuest may not be a perfect slam, but it’s a worthwhile journey for fans of retro RPGs and pro wrestling.
