Fire Pro Wrestling Returns

"Firepro Returns Rocks"

A truly great wrestling game for the US PS2

Fire Pro Wrestling R is an English port of the game that was originally released in Japan on 9/15/2005. With full translation to the English language it marks the first Firepro to come to the States on a console. Previously US (and UK) players had to import this terrific franchise from Japan and use FAQ's and other print out to get over the language barrier, but no more. Firepro for EVERYONE!

Graphics: 9/10: Firepro boasts some beautiful 2-D graphics with smooth animation. Those people who do not think 2-D = bad graphics will really enjoy the care that was taken in creating these graphics.

Sound: 8/10: The music may get on some peoples nerves but harkens back to games of yesteryear when MIDI was where it was at. Extremely addictive you'll be hearing this music even when the game is no longer on. Weather that is a good or bad thing is entirely a matter of personal opinion/

Gameplay: 9/10: I really WANT to give the gameplay a 10/10 but have to take that point off for the poor AI in Escape Only Cage matches. In any match other than the escape only cage match the game plays terrific and is an incredibly deep experience. It may take a little time to get used to the timing base grapples that WILL punish you if you button mash, but it is worth it in the long run.

Replay Value: 10/10: This is where Firepro really shines. With the INSANE amount of customization that you have in Firepro Returns you will be playing this game for years to come and still discovering new things about it. While some people may lament the fact that there is no season mode, this game doesn't need one to get your attention and keep it for the long term. While it boasts arguably the greatest wrestling game engine ever, it also has a good MMA mode that those UFC Freaks can get into.

Overall: 9/10: While people may be having a hard time finding the game at their local stores, this first week of release, it should be easy to find starting NEXT week. A title that costs less than the average night out to the movies (MSRP for the game is $14.99) it is definitely worth getting. If you are fan of Wrestling, and not just 'Sports Entertainment <tm>" you will find this game very rewarding.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/21/07

Game Release: Fire Pro Wrestling Returns (US, 11/13/07)