Fans of wrestling games have long reminisced about the golden era of wrestling games on the N64, with titles like WWF No Mercy taking center stage. However, developers in recent times have failed to capture that same magic and nostalgia. Could all of that be about to change? Introducing Ultra Pro Wrestling, an upcoming indie game that promises to reignite the fervor of the N64 era and finally give wrestling game enthusiasts the experience they’ve been yearning for.
The name Ultra Pro Wrestling pays homage to the Nintendo 64’s ‘Ultra 64’ codename, immediately evoking a sense of familiarity and excitement in long-time fans. But it’s not just the name that conjures up feelings of nostalgia; the gameplay footage itself transports players back in time. Moves reminiscent of the N64 classics are visibly incorporated into Ultra Pro Wrestling, effortlessly capturing the essence of the in-ring action in No Mercy. If that isn’t enough to get you excited, the developers have made it clear that they aim to include every single move from the AKI games, along with more modern moves like the Canadian Destroyer.
An Eventful Journey
The origins of Ultra Pro Wrestling trace back to its conception as a tie-in for a small Scottish wrestling promotion. However, as is often the case with such projects, backstage drama ensued, causing the promoters to request changes to the game’s roster. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the project did not falter. Lead developer Sam Vallely made the decision to take the game fully independent, allowing the vision for Ultra Pro Wrestling to remain intact.
The Best of Both Worlds
While Ultra Pro Wrestling features a roster of fictional wrestlers, there is an exciting twist. The game also includes real-life wrestlers through its Free Agent DLC. Notably, the developers have adopted a “unique payment model” for the DLC, ensuring that the funds go directly to the wrestlers the players choose to support. The DLC encompasses a wide range of names, from modern indie favorites like Matt Cardona and Warhorse, to legendary figures like Arn Anderson, Bull Nakano, and Jake “the Snake” Roberts. Additionally, fans of the ’90s wrestling scene will be pleased to find kitschy names such as Gangrel, Sandman, and Glacier among the roster.
While Ultra Pro Wrestling has been in development for some time now, a newly released showcase video has reignited anticipation for its release. One standout feature of the game showcased in the video is the robust create-a-wrestler mode. Players will have extensive options to customize their characters’ physical appearance, allowing for a truly unique and personal wrestling experience. It is worth noting that, although the game may still have some rough edges, it is difficult to envision anything else matching the No Mercy vibes with such authenticity and dedication.
Ultra Pro Wrestling is currently on schedule to launch in late 2024, with the initial release planned for PC. However, the developers have not forgotten console players and have confirmed that the game will eventually make its way to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. Fans across platforms can look forward to a new era of wrestling games and the return of the nostalgic glory days that have long been yearned for.
Ultra Pro Wrestling holds the promise of resurrecting the magic of the N64 wrestling games that fans have long argued to be the pinnacle of the genre. With a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity, along with a dedicated development team, this indie game has the potential to revolutionize wrestling games as we know them. So gear up and prepare for an unforgettable journey back to the glory days of wrestling, where the roar of the crowd and the power of the ring await.
Leave a Reply