Pro Wrestling (1987-)

• Developer: Nintendo

• Publisher: Nintendo

• Genre: Sports

Pro Wrestling for the NES was developed by Nintendo and released in 1987, with Nintendo also serving as the publisher. The game is a professional wrestling simulation that allows players to control a roster of wrestlers in one-on-one matches, emphasizing both strategy and timing. It was exclusive to the NES and became one of the earliest wrestling games to gain popularity on a home console. There were no prequels, and the title stands as a foundational entry in Nintendo’s early sports and fighting game catalog.

In Pro Wrestling, players select from a roster of six wrestlers, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and signature moves. The game draws inspiration from the theatrics and spectacle of professional wrestling, focusing on the combination of offensive and defensive techniques required to defeat opponents. Matches occur in standard ring environments, and the objective is to wear down the opponent using grapples, strikes, and signature finishers until a pinfall or submission is achieved. The game emphasizes strategy in move selection and timing to counter opponents effectively.

Gameplay involves a mix of grappling moves, strikes, throws, and special attacks. Players can execute a variety of maneuvers, such as body slams, suplexes, and piledrivers, as well as unique finishing moves that differ depending on the wrestler. Timing and positioning are critical, as certain moves can only be executed under specific conditions. Matches are designed to be both challenging and engaging, encouraging players to master each wrestler’s abilities and develop tactics to overcome increasingly skilled opponents.

The soundtrack features energetic and memorable music that plays during matches, while sound effects accentuate impacts, slams, and crowd reactions. Pro Wrestling did not receive a direct NES sequel, but it influenced later wrestling games and became a reference point for the genre. Promotion emphasized the game’s roster of distinct wrestlers, strategic gameplay, and the thrill of recreating professional wrestling matches at home. Reception was largely positive, with critics praising the depth of the moveset, replayability, and accessible yet challenging gameplay, though some noted that the graphics and sound were limited by the NES hardware.

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