Fire Pro Wrestling Returns review

Casual grapplers need not apply; hardcore wrestling nuts, step right up

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By published

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

  • +

    The editing options

  • +

    The huge roster

  • +

    The strategy

Cons

  • -

    The precision

  • -

    The perspective

  • -

    Ambiguous editing

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Nov 21, 2007

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is quite different from the average bear hug. For starters, the graphics are seriously old-school. But those shallow graphics mask an almost stupidly deep game. Japan's virtual grappling sensation offers over a dozen unique rosters comprising more than 300 wrestlers ready to gouge, suplex and lock up with the competition. Most wrestlers will be instantly recognizable to hardcore fans despite their name changes. Blood Love? Bret Hart's doppelganger. Kerry? That's Terry Funk, to you.

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If the world's most robust roster isn't enticing enough, FPW Returns features editing options to create wrestlers, title belts, federations, referees and more. Players belonging to their own wrestling league can even design their own ring from scratch, from the logo and apron all the way to turnbuckle pads. Unfortunately, despite FPWR's seemingly limitless options, most menus offer no hints as to their purpose, so it will take most players some time to figure out how to bring their creations to life.