Nintendo's SNES is a legendary console that brought us countless hours of fun and entertainment with its vast library of games. One of the most iconic and unique titles among them is Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling (GBPW), also known as Pro Wrestling World Championship in some regions, specifically released in Japan for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). Developed by ADK and published by Konami, GBPW was first released in 1991. In this article, we'll dive into the world of Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling, explore its gameplay, mechanics, and features, as well as discuss its age rating.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling is a professional wrestling simulation game that combines elements of sports games with action-packed combat. Players can choose from a diverse cast of 28 wrestlers, each with their own unique appearance, moveset, and fighting style. The game features a single-player mode where players can compete in tournaments, as well as a versus mode for local multiplayer battles.

The gameplay revolves around executing a variety of grappling moves, including takedowns, throws, and pinning opponents to score points. However, the twist is that each wrestler has their own "heat" meter, which increases as they land successful attacks or execute special moves. When the heat meter is full, the player can perform a devastating finishing move known as a "Finisher," which can instantly win the match.

The game also features a unique "Fatigue Meter," which tracks the player's stamina and reduces their movements speed when it's full. Managing both the heat and fatigue meters is crucial to success in the game, making Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling a challenging and rewarding experience.

Graphics and Soundtrack

Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling boasts impressive graphics for its time, with detailed character models, arenas, and animations. The game's color palette is vibrant, with a mix of bright colors and bold patterns that add to its overall visual appeal. While the game's resolution might seem low by modern standards, it still holds up relatively well compared to other SNES titles.

The soundtrack, composed by Yasushi Yamaguchi, is catchy and energetic, perfectly capturing the spirit of professional wrestling. The music is upbeat and intense, with a focus on percussion and electronic elements that complement the game's fast-paced action.

Age Rating

Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling was initially rated "M" for Mature by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), which means it was intended for players aged 17 and above. The game's content includes violence, mild language, and suggestive themes, but these elements are handled in a way that is more cartoonish than gratuitous.

In Japan, the game received a "C" rating from the Censorship Council, indicating that it met certain standards of decency and morality. However, due to its violent and competitive nature, some parents may still want to exercise caution when allowing their children to play GBPW.

Availability

Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling was initially released in Japan for the SNES in 1991, and later re-released as part of the Super NES Classic Edition, a miniature retro console preloaded with classic SNES games. However, due to its limited availability on modern platforms, the game has become somewhat elusive for collectors and enthusiasts.

Fortunately, there are several fan-made patches and romhacks available that can improve the game's stability, balance, and overall experience. These modifications often alter the gameplay mechanics or add new features, such as improved AI opponents or new wrestler designs.

Phil's Translation (v1.0)

In 2020, Phil released a translation patch for GBPW, which brings the game to life in English. This patch addresses several issues with the original Japanese text, including grammar and spelling errors, making it easier for players to understand the game's story and dialogues.

The translated version of Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling is available for download on various online platforms, including ROMhacks websites and fan communities. While not all features have been fully localized, Phil's translation offers a more accessible experience for players who want to explore this classic SNES title in its native language.

Conclusion

Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling is an iconic SNES game that has left a lasting impression on the world of professional wrestling simulation games. Its unique blend of action and strategy makes it a challenging and rewarding experience, while its colorful graphics and catchy soundtrack add to its overall charm.

While some may find the game's competitive nature or violent themes off-putting, others will appreciate its lighthearted and humorous tone. With Phil's translation patch (v1.0), Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling is once again accessible to players who want to experience this classic title in English.

If you're a fan of SNES games, professional wrestling, or just looking for a unique gaming experience, Gekitou Burning Pro Wrestling is definitely worth checking out. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy soundtrack, it's a true gem of the SNES library that continues to entertain and challenge players to this day.