Fire Pro Wrestling Review

Game Reviewed: Fire Pro Wrestling

Release Date: September 21, 2012

Developer: Spike

Publisher: Microsoft Studios

Platform: [Reviewed: Xbox 360]

Genre: Avatar-based Wrestling

Rated: T for Teen

Well look what sneaked in under the radar. Wrestling enthusiast will get a kick out of the rebirth of Fire Pro Wrestling. It’s even more of a kick that the wrestlers are none other than yours and other XBOX Live Avatars. So it’s time to suit up and see just how many fans you can get into the arena.

It’s been quite some time since IRB Gamer had some time to play around with Fire Pro Wrestling as it was to release back in 2011, only to  disappear without a trace. This isn’t a detailed, better than the rest wrestling game like the upcoming WWE ’13, but Fire Pro Wrestling definitely deserves its stars and stripes.

You have the choice of using your own avatar or creating a new persona, male or female, along with giving them an in-game name to go by. You can tweak your players down from head to toe, unlike in Bellator: MMA Onslaught, previous fighting title by Kung-Fu Factory released for arcade. You can literally change your appearance, clothes, fighting style, moves, taunts and a whole lot more. Bang for your buck!

You begin making your way down the ring with your customizable theme song and avatar prop. It’s not exactly extravagant but it does the job of setting the tone for the match. The in-ring experience is mind-blowing for an arcade release. The match itself is determined by three meters that appear on the bottom of the screen: health, soul gauge and stamina.

Considering you know how health and stamina takes effect, the soul gauge helps control the momentum. Soul Gauge is built by performing huge moves and taunts. Once you completely fill the gauge you are ready to perform your finisher. Careful though, the opponent can attack you at any time, stopping you from landing that signature finish.

Gameplay was very entertaining and left me hooked for hours. There’s no boundaries as you can take the action to the outside, perform aerials over the ropes and more. Basically, if you’ve seen it on TV, chances are it can be done here.

There’s plenty of match types in Fire Pro Wrestling to keep players compelled. Singles, tags and battle royals can take place either locally or through XBOX Live. You can also simply progress your wrestlers abilities through the campaign.

The 2^nd best thing about Fire Pro Wrestling is the camera angles. It takes the gameplay from ordinary to extraordinary. When doing certain moves and taunts, the camera pans in on you or your opponent giving a genuine television-like broadcast of the match.

The control scheme may take a bit getting used to, but nothing too vigorous.  You can jump right into the action and pick up the moves as the match goes along, or play the tutorial available in the beginning of the campaign.

Yeah, it’s a XBLA game that demands attention. If you’re uncertain about this game give the demo a try. I am sure you’ll be hooked for quite some time. If wrestling is your thing, this is the perfect layover until the release of WWE ’13 and maybe even after. You still just might like to get in the ring with those avatars.

The Scores

Gameplay: 4.25/5

Visuals: 4.5/5

Audio: 4/5

Controls: 4.25/5

Value: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.25/5