WrestleQuest

WrestleQuest is a one-of-a-kind experience that takes the wrestling and fantasy JRPG genres to places neither of them have gone before. Its clever writing and humorous cast puts the smackdown on the player to deliver a piledriver to others who try to compete. While some systems and design choices weigh on the experience, a ton of charm is packed in this adventure to bring this game home. And that’s the bottom line because Noisy Pixel said so.

With intuitive combat, a mostly endearing story, and enough Easter eggs to fill the Gobbledy Gooker's nest, WrestleQuest is a must-play for fans of this great pseudo-sport. For everyone else, think of this RPG as a fine form of entertainment, much like professional wrestling itself.

Even with the insanely boring story and dialogue, this game has some pretty good gameplay. If you can reach the point (around 2-3 hours) where the game actually starts to allow you to venture out on your own, the game gets much better, but before that time, it really drags heavily. If you can get adjusted to the quick QTEs and having to waste turns on pinning, the combat system is actually quite good. The hype system is one of the best parts of the combat system. If you can gain enough hype to build the meter all the way, each battle becomes much more fun. Boss battles are also a lot of fun and a good challenge as well. WrestleQuest is definitely a long RPG with a lot of content (side quests, main quests, hidden items). WrestleQuest is worth a try for fans of JRPGs if you’re in it for the long run. If you’re expecting quick amusement however, this game really takes a while to get good.

All in all, the mechanical issues—particularly being forced to walk through empty dungeons over and over again—really killed the hype I was feeling at the start of this game, which is a shame, because there are some great moments here. Toss in a world map, a minimap, and most importantly, a fast-travel feature, and this game would be leaps and bounds ahead of what it is. Still, if you don't mind the monotony and you've got a nostalgic love for Golden Era wrestling, WrestleQuest might be worth a look.

WrestleQuest has just enough charm and personality to make up for its more distracting problems. The constant references to the world of wrestling and fun appearances by legends make the stories of Muchacho Man and Brink worth following, but the gameplay could have used some additional refinement.

A cute novelty which plays heavily into its professional wrestling influence at the cost of lasting gameplay. Although not a bad title itself, there’s potential greatness bubbling just below the surface, struggling to break through and catch a breath.

There’s charm and appeal to be found in WrestleQuest, but this old school RPG doesn’t have enough to stay in the main event.

For being the first attempt at telling a pro wrestling tale in such a story-forward medium, WrestleQuest is championship material – but maybe just a mid-card title.

I was ready to love WrestleQuest, and some enjoyment can be found for those with the patience and fandom to fireman carry them along. But the imaginative ideas die by a thousand cuts that hold Muchacho Man and his friends back from world title contention. The game has cool ideas; it just needs more refinement and a serious reexamination of certain systems before it’s ready for the big time

Putting wrestling and turn-based RPGs in a can they co-exist tag team style was an excitingly bold move that unfortunately ends in a heel turn and a crowd leaving early to beat the traffic.