Fire Pro Wrestling Returns
 

So yeah, while in the States we only have the Smackdown! series, overseas they have quite a number of options. One of those, which is the most popular, is Fire Pro Wrestling Returns.

Some of you might remember this series as being one of the launch titles for GBA. Of course, there was a sequel (albeit a watered-down version that didn't have what is the equivalent of a GM mode) for GBA, and then nothing else.

You might also remember it having a totally different look and engine from Smackdown! No longer does bashing buttons work, but rather you have to time things correctly. It also, even in these days of 3-D galore, is still show in 2-D just like it's predecessors.

Of course, there are some other things as well including various types of matches not currently in the Smackdown! series, and has a roster size that seriously drawfs just about any WWE game up to the current Smackdown!.

Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is probably the most popular. In fact, it is really the only fire pro wrestling game (save for Fire Pro Wrestling X Premiun for SNES) to have some sort of a decent partial translation (which will keep going I might add).

The game itself was not in English for the longest time (the translation is, as I just said, not complete), but now will be released in the States for 15 bucks (w00t!). Perhaps a last hurrah, wrestling-wise for the PS2 (which it may have not gotten with the last Smackdown! game).

I, for one, am looking forward to this game. Fun stuff to say the least. Thoughts, comments?

I have been raving about this series for years. The roster, move list, character creation options (minus the actual looks) are quite insane. The fact that you can not only make a wrestling style character, but make a MMA character and fight with MMA rules is awesome. You can make ANY move your finisher/trademark move. The whole chance of getting a critical on your opponent with any move is also awesome. The fact that you can set a voice to your character and choose which move/taunt you want him to grunt/scream out a catch phrase on. This game is just all kinds of awesome!

EDIT: Here's a pretty good match: YouTube - Fire Pro R: AJ Styles vs. Milano Collection AT vs. KENTA
You can see that AJ Styles lands a critical on KENTA with the Styles Clash and it's pretty much over for him after that. Just wish he would've landed at least one Go 2 Sleep.

EDIT 2: And here's the awesome trailer: YouTube - Fire Pro Returns USA Trailer