Introduction

Welcome to the bicep-toting, spandex-wearing madness of All Star Pro-Wrestling II, where the mat becomes your canvas and suplexes are the brush strokes of destiny! Released for the PlayStation 2 in 2001, this game was Square's flamboyant attempt to wrestle a place in the hearts of gamers with a spicy concoction of flashy graphics and their unique spin on wrestling gameplay. So, lace up your boots, hurl down your opponent, and let's dive into the ring with all the flair of a wrestling superstar.

Gameplay

The game offers a variety of match types that go beyond your basic one-on-one throws, including tournaments and leagues, allowing players to really immerse themselves in the chaotic splendor of Japanese wrestling. There are a whopping 26 wrestlers to start with, many of whom are beloved icons like Jyushin Thunder Liger and Antonio Inoki. Each wrestler has their own entrance sequence, which adds a touch of showmanship and is enough to get your adrenaline pumping as you prepare for the ultimate grapple. As for controls, All Star Pro-Wrestling II gives you two options: the standard DualShock controls where you juggle the left analog for movement and right analog for attacks, or the relic known as "Type B" which resembles more traditional button mashing typical in fighting games. With Type B, you pin your opponent by tapping a triangle button and can throw punches using the cross button. There's even a tension meter that charges as you battle - talk about elevating the stakes! Unfortunately, relying on the analog sticks might cause a few fumbles, reminiscent of fumbling an actual wrestling match - it can be challenging and intuitive doesn't come to mind when wrestling at breakneck speed. Health resets after each match (the magic of video gaming, right?) but progress can be saved onto your memory card. Let's not forget the collectibles, like those ever-elusive autograph pictures and female wrestler unlockables that would have made any teenage boy blush in the early 2000s.

Graphics

Visually, All Star Pro-Wrestling II struts its stuff confidently. The graphics were a step up for wrestling games at the time, boasting character models that mirror their real-life counterparts in gruesome detail, from muscle physics to facial expressions. Sure, the outdoor arenas might leave you wondering if they were plucked right off a Sega Saturn game, but when the wrestlers hit the ring, it's a spectacle. The entrances are flashy enough to outshine a New Year's Eve party, and there's a certain charm in the over-the-top blood splatter that offers a nice, albeit cartoonish, hint of realism. The soundtrack, a wild mix of rock music from notable composers like Tsuyoshi Sekito, helps amp up the adrenaline during matches, creating a feeling akin to being a live spectator at a wrestling show.

Conclusion

All Star Pro-Wrestling II is perhaps not the towering champion of wrestling video games, but it's an entertaining contender that showcases creativity, style, and a certain degree of fun that can easily nab the attention of wrestling fans and casual gamers alike. The controls may throw some players out of the squared circle, leaving them in disarray while trying to execute their favorite moves, but when you finally get the hang of it, it will leave you grinning like a kid in a candy store. Just don't expect a no-holds-barred, fully-featured wrestling simulation; this is more like a flashy title that enjoys a lighter, more arcade feel. In the end, wrestling fans will find some enjoyment here and appreciate the nostalgia, while newcomers might be left scratching their heads and muttering, 'What did I just witness?' Grab your controller, gather your friends, and prepare to hit the virtual ring - there's some pinning to do!

See Prices for All Star Pro-Wrestling II on PS2 on Ebay

See Latest Prices for All Star Pro-Wrestling II on PS2 on Amazon