Pro Wrestling has a ton of nostalgic value for old school gamers. A pick up and play title with a small handful of memorable wrestlers to choose from, with just as small of a handful of moves for each wrestler. For an early NES release Pro Wrestling tries to push the limits of what a game could do visually, with a rather large number of people in the crowd with minuscule animations thrown in. It’s a nice touch and adds ever so slightly to the atmosphere. The ring looks appropriate, as well as the character designs, including the infamous Starman. Sound effects sound as if they were stock use for Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, with the familiar crowd roars after a match is over, as well as some of the hits. Controlling each wrestler isn’t much of a chore, although you’ll find yourself being constantly countered early in the match, until you start to methodically weaken your opponent. With just a one or two player mode, with the one player mode being nothing more than a relatively simple “career mode”, there’s not much substance to Pro Wrestling. However, for the pick up and play style of gameplay (after a match or two) as well as the time period it was released, it’s hard to fault the developers for such a light product. Although as the main precursor to the wrestling titles we’ve seen over the last 25+ years, it’s definitely a title to remember even today. If you can find this dirt cheap, give it a whirl. While you’ll no doubt be done playing within 20 minute spurts, as with Kung Fu, it’s an addicting little title you’ll come back and drop an elbow or two on from time to time.
YES!
Rating: 6.4
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