Nintendo NES is a legendary console that brought us countless hours of entertainment, and one of the most iconic games for this system is Super Star Pro Wrestling. Released in Japan in 1991, this game is often referred to as "Super Star Pro-Wrestling" or simply "SSPW" by fans and enthusiasts.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Super Star Pro Wrestling, exploring its gameplay, features, and the age rating it carries. We'll also take a look at how the game holds up today, and what makes it a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.

Gameplay and Features

Super Star Pro Wrestling is a professional wrestling game that was developed by Techno-Soft, a Japanese video game developer. The game features 19 wrestlers, each with their own unique moveset and appearance. Players can choose from various wrestlers to compete in one-on-one matches, tag team matches, or even wrestle in a tournament-style competition.

One of the standout features of Super Star Pro Wrestling is its use of the NES's sound chip to create an authentic wrestling atmosphere. The game's soundtrack, composed by Noriaki Okamura, perfectly captures the intensity and excitement of professional wrestling. The sound effects, including grunting, slamming, and crowd cheers, also add to the overall immersive experience.

Gameplay-wise, Super Star Pro Wrestling is a 2D side-scrolling beat 'em up. Players control their chosen wrestler as they navigate through the ring, dodging opponents' attacks and landing devastating blows to take them down. The game's physics engine allows for some impressive-looking moves, such as wrestlers slamming into the turnbuckles or doing backflips off the top rope.

Age Rating

Super Star Pro Wrestling carries an age rating of CERO B (Cyber Score Board) in Japan, which translates to "Violent" in English. However, upon reviewing the game's content, it becomes clear that while the game does feature some violence and mature themes, they are largely limited to the wrestling matches themselves.

The game also includes some suggestive content, such as wrestler costumes and lingerie-themed entrance outfits. However, these elements are relatively mild and do not detract from the overall gaming experience.

Age Rating Breakdown

In terms of age rating breakdown, Super Star Pro Wrestling falls under the following categories:

• Violence: 7/10 (while the game does feature violence, it is largely limited to the wrestling matches themselves)
• Suggestive Content: 6/10 (some suggestive content, such as wrestler costumes and lingerie-themed outfits)
• Mature Themes: 5/10 (mature themes are present, but they are relatively mild)

Age Recommendation

Based on its content, we would recommend Super Star Pro Wrestling for players aged 13+. While the game does contain some violence and mature themes, these elements are largely limited to the wrestling matches themselves. However, younger players may still find the game's action-packed gameplay and colorful characters appealing.

Legacy and Impact

Super Star Pro Wrestling has left a lasting impact on the world of professional wrestling games. Its innovative use of sound effects, combined with its addictive gameplay and colorful characters, helped establish it as a beloved classic among retro gaming enthusiasts.

The game's influence can also be seen in later wrestling games, such as WWF Super WrestleMania II and WCW World Championship Wrestling. These games built upon the foundation laid by Super Star Pro Wrestling, incorporating new features and gameplay mechanics to create a more immersive experience for players.

Preservation and Availability

Super Star Pro Wrestling is now considered a classic game, and its preservation is of great importance to retro gaming enthusiasts. The game has been re-released on several occasions, including as part of the Super NES Classic Edition and the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console service in Japan.

In addition, there have been numerous fan-made translations and patches created for the game, allowing players outside of Japan to experience its unique gameplay and features.

Conclusion

Super Star Pro Wrestling is a beloved classic that has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling games. Its innovative use of sound effects, combined with its addictive gameplay and colorful characters, makes it a must-play for retro gaming enthusiasts. While its content may be considered mature by some standards, we believe that Super Star Pro Wrestling can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

In terms of age rating, we would recommend this game for players aged 13+. However, younger players who are interested in the world of professional wrestling games should be aware of the game's content and ensure that they are mature enough to handle it.