Fire Pro Wrestling Returns

"A "Return" to Glory"

Fire ProWrestling. The very mention of the name inspires visions of epic matches, heated debates and long-running in-jokes amongst its devoted fanbase.

Just a few scant months ago, the English-speaking Fire Pro scene was all but extinct, relegated to a past era of game history like so many sprite-worshipping dinosaurs. Some moved on to other interests, while the few remaining diehards stuck it out, content with the knowledge that while their own personal slice of wrestling game heaven may have already seen its brightest days, it was still leaps and bounds better than anything the suits on their side of the Pacific were cramming down people's throats.

The series had apparently ended on a somewhat unremarkable note in 2003 with Fire Pro Z, a game that was by no means awful, yet by the same token seemed little more than a step sideways from its landmark predecessor, Fire Pro D. But since creator Spike had already labeled Fire Pro Z the series' swan song, longtime fans were helpless to do anything but imagine what could have been had Spike put a little more time and effort into what would be the last-ever Fire Pro title.

Which brings us to the present, and Fire Pro Returns. The title pretty much gives it away; like many real-life professional wrestlers, the word "retirement" apparently means nada in Fire Pro-speak. But was it worth the effort? Is it a grand return to form, or simply another feeble attempt to cash in on a once-mighty gaming franchise?

The good news is that Fire Pro R represents a serious effort by Spike to not only return Fire Pro to its glory days of yesteryear, but also to improve upon the series in ways never before imagined. As a result, the standards set by this classic wrestling series have now been upped to a whole new level. The in-game roster, already at a mind-blowing 327 wrestlers, is complemented by the fact that you can now add an additional 500 (!) wrestler creations, bringing the potential roster up to an previously-unimagined 827. Factions (or stables, however you prefer) can now exist within promotions, and of course, you can create and customize promotions, factions, and even promotion logos as necessary.

But that's not all. This time around, Spike has included the option to create your own ring, down to the individual rope colors and mat logo. Visual wrestler creation has been expanded upon greatly by including the much-needed ability to layer masks and hair onto existing wrestler heads, as well as the ability to create "giant-sized" grapplers. You can even create custom managers to accompany you to the ring. Indeed, the focus on expansion, organization and customization -- which were already defining features of previous Fire Pro games -- has improved by leaps and bounds in FPR.

The game's dated-yet-enduring graphical approach (yes, it's still a 2D game) had actually taken a step back in FPZ, but has been returned to its former FPD splendor, and then some. The "compressed" look of FPZ is nowhere to be found, and in its place are large and crisp-looking wrestler sprites. Not high-res, but detailed nonetheless. In terms of animation, newer moves such as the Canadian Destroyer and the Styles Clash feature a decided attention to detail, while some older moves such as the Emerald Flowsion have been completely reanimated. And while the menus have been generally cleaned up, losing some of the "clunkiness" of previous games, the new "CRITICAL!" graphic is strictly a-love-it-or-hate-it affair. In any case, there is no question that Fire Pro R is hands down the best looking game in the series. Then again, most Fire Pro fans will admit that graphics were never the focus to begin with.

Perhaps the most major downgrade in FPZ was the irritating sound quality, which may have actually set a new standard for modern video game audio presentation (and not in a good way). Thankfully, most (but not all) of these issues have been addressed. For example, while the crowd loop isn't nearly as grating as it was in FPZ, there are still moments where you'll want to hit the Mute button and turn the stereo volume up. On the upside, some of the crowd reactions to certain moves and poses are terrific, and the new music themes -- including a dead ringer for Kurt Angle's entrance music -- are a joy to hear for the first time.

But what about gameplay? Isn't that what Fire Pro is all about? It hasn't changed much; grappling is grappling, striking is striking... you probably either love it or hate it by now. The good news is that if you're in the former group, there's only more stuff to love in FPR. The newer moves and wrestlers add to what is already the biggest wrestling game out there, and the new deathmatch types -- such as the "Electrified Barbed Wire Ropes Exploding Deathmatch" (say that ten times fast) -- are an absolute thrill to play. And finally, the long-awaited inclusion of a traditional steel cage match is a most welcome addition.

So what's the bad news? Well, to be honest, it's mostly issues that longtime fans have always had with the series, oversights that probably should have been corrected sometime in the last millennium. For example, it's annoying to find out that the "Pick Up Weapon" command STILL shares a button with the "Run" command, while the L2/R2 buttons remain completely useless. The north and south turnbuckles still cannot be used as effectively as the east and west, which only adds to the dated feel of the game (this is partially understandable, given the amount of animation it would require to make this happen). And Tests of Strength? Does anyone even bother anymore?

Also, having features such as the ability to track Player Records and the old "Electrified Steel Cage Exploding Deathmatch" go conspicuously M.I.A. only makes one wonder what Spike was thinking by ditching them in the first place. (Although truthfully, that deathmatch is still there, albeit in a slightly modified form.)

But despite it faults, when it's all said and done, the bottom line is that Fire Pro Returns is the deepest and definitely the most enjoyable to Fire ProWrestling game to date. And if you're one of those who think the American wrestling games are catching up to their Japanese counterparts on a yearly basis, Fire Pro Returns is your wake-up call. Wake up and smell the Lariat-Os.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/21/05