PS2 Fire Pro Wrestling Returns - New Import

Never say never to Fire Pro Wrestling. After nonchalantly declaring Fire Pro Wrestling Z the last game in the series, clamoring fans have forced Spike's hand in creating a another one aptly titled "Fire Pro Wrestling Returns." A few years in the future, when Spike declares another swansong to the series, gamers may look forward to "Fire Pro Wrestling Resurrection" or "Fire Pro Wrestling: They're Back." You can't kill off a series that's ingrained into the hearts and minds of so many.    PLAY: The cheer of the crowd erupts and the bell dings to start the match where mass bruisers enter the ring like they owned the joint while spectacular light shows flash throughout the arena. Like a rock concert. Instead of musical instruments however, the wrestlers strut their bodies and muscle their way into the ring with arms swinging and attitude permeating.    A total of 327 built-in wrestlers are included who wield a total of 1649 moves, slaps, and techniques. Those 327 gargantuans not enough for you? Make your own. The "Create A Wrestler" feature allows for different body styles, heads, and abilities. Choose from bare chests or adorn a wrestler with a shaggy rug which he will wear like a big game hunter. There's also a chest style with a black bikini for transgender wrestlers... Facial structures may also be chosen and one may wear a mask if so inclined.    The action runs fast with the wrestlers running around in rapid action and slapping each other in stilted motion. When a wrestler performs a drop kick, the target will ricochet off the ropes and thud downwards for somewhat realistic physics modeling. Game Notes * The short intro to the game shows silhouettes of wrestlers grappling and groping. * Load times are fairly quick and unobtrusive. * We played the game on a HD widescreen today and the wrestlers appear massive. The moves are relatively fluid but the sheer amount of grapples and attacks is impressive. When a wrestler becomes tired, he'll huff and puff with shoulders slumped over. When knocked to the ground, the breathing pattern of a wrestler may be seen as his chest heaves up and down. There are little touches like that here and there that we noticed during our quick play through.