WrestleQuest

WrestleQuest takes the classic idea of a video game based on pro-wrestling and flips it on its head, giving us an RPG instead of the typical fighting game.

WrestleQuest is such a wonderful love letter to both wrestling and classic role-playing games. It’s hard to come away from WrestleQuest with anything but a deeper respect for wrestling as a whole and a new love for slamming your enemies into the floor.

It’s well worth a look for any wrestling or JRPG fan. With WWE and AEW mostly focusing on making simulation and sports-based titles, WrestleQuest has the kind of creativity and innovation that makes the wrestling world so special, and we desperately need more of it.

Not without its frustrating moments, WrestleQuest feels like a refreshing alternative to the usual yearly simulations. A game for wrestling fans first and foremost, but not only for them. Through all its winks and nods and underneath all the nitty-gritty, it is a game that reminds us all of the foundations of our fandom. Despite how silly things get, professional wrestling thrives when we all have the ability to lean into a character’s authenticity — no matter how over the top.

WrestleQuest is a charming, cute and heartfelt game that is laser-targeted at a very specific group. It's not even so much wrestling fans as those who grew up playing with wrestling toys in some fashion. That isn't to say it's inaccessible outside of that demographic, but it's dedicated in its purpose and does it well. It's far too slow for its own good, and a lot of the charm and fun can wear out their welcome after you watch the same lengthy animation for the umpteenth time. If you're a '90s kid or a fan of wrestling or unique RPGs, WrestleQuest is probably worth a look.

This game is not going to top of the RPG giants, it still has some work to do to earn that title match, but WrestleQuest is definitely a scrappy up-and-comer with plenty to be excited about.

WrestleQuest is an easy recommendation to any professional wrestling fan, or RPG fan, and may be the champion of bridges between the two.

WrestleQuest is definitely the most unique game of the year for me. But I would also like to highlight it a little extra because it succeeds so well in everything it does. In true role-playing spirit, there is a lot to see and discover, and in true wrestling spirit, you take what happens in and outside the ring and make it feel like a natural part of the experience. There is certainly no shortage of well-crafted indie games, and even if WrestleQuest doesn't quite measure up to the very best, its humour, charm and above all unique concept is something that should really be rewarded.

WrestleQuest does an excellent job at combining pro wrestling legends with a turn-based combat system that takes the best kind of cues from Nintendo’s more-interactive Mario RPGs over the years. Having so much real-time interactivity during battles makes them more engaging and fun, and while the game does suffer from small sprites and a soundtrack that’s weak given the legendary cast, what’s here is done well. This is a fantastic pickup for any pro wrestling fans looking to get into JRPGs or for JRPG fans looking for an excuse to play something involving pro wrestlers.

It's clear that the devs at Mega Cat love RPGs, and they might love wrestling even more. This could easily have been a cheap cash-in, a generic RPG with a lazy wrestling facade. The truth is the opposite, and I implore fans of old-school RPGs to check it out whether you like wrestling or not. If you're a wrestling fan, then everything gets even better. You'll get all the references, enjoy the niche moves, and enjoy one of the best wrestling games in years.