Introduction

Welcome to the wacky world of All Star Pro-Wrestling III, where the only thing more exaggerated than the moves is the size of the wrestlers' muscles! If you ever wanted to grapple with giants, toss opponents around like a salad, and listen to the sweet sound of a Virtual Ref counting to three, then buckle up. This game is ready to welcome you to the ring!

Gameplay

Let's dive into the gameplay, shall we? The game offers a few modes to keep your fist-pumping wrestling fantasies alive! You can choose from exhibition matches, championships, tournaments, or leagues sorted by weight classes. Showcasing 26 real-life wrestlers who can do a little more than just flex their muscles, it's your chance to play as the likes of Jyushin Thunder Liger or Antonio Inoki - legends in their own right. The controls are where things get a bit... interesting. You have two options: an analog stick method that feels like trying to use spaghetti for a joystick, and a button configuration that's familiar if you've played other fighting games. The default stick option must've been designed during a pizza party because it's more of a thumb twister than a wrestling game! Pins require you to flick both sticks up like you're juggling in a circus! The Type B controls are easier - unless you happen to push too hard on those buttons, and then you're just left hoping the opponent doesn't see you cringing. Every match starts with an entrance sequence that could give any pop star a run for their money! You can save replays, instant snips of glory, or even full matches to relive your finest moments - or your most hilarious flops. Just don't be surprised if your wrestler starts to mimic their real-life counterparts by getting increasingly frustrated with their AI opponents, who might just go full Houdini on you! The good news is: after each match, your wrestler returns to full health! It's like wrestling with a fairy godmother - you fight hard, but the second it's over, it's as if you were just taking a leisurely walk in a park.

Graphics

Let's talk about the elephant in the wrestling ring - the graphics! All Star Pro-Wrestling III made a solid effort to portray realistic muscle physics that would leave even the rock-hard bodybuilders green with envy (and probably a bit jealous). The wrestler designs are spot on, and you can see the effort put into capturing each fighter's spirit. However, don't get too excited about the background. While the wrestlers are polished like fresh apples, the arenas and crowds look like they were drawn with a crayon set from the '90s-blocky and generic! The crowd in particular looks like it's been cribbing style tips from Lego - very little variety indeed. If you happen to spot life-sized people in the crowd, you'd probably understand why they seem so underwhelmed by the whole spectacle. The sound of *crickets* fills the air more often than not, oddly juxtaposed with the very accurate sounds of body slams.

Conclusion

In conclusion, All Star Pro-Wrestling III is a fun little distraction for wrestling fans and probably a heart-thumping experience for those seeking thrills. It has its quirks, from control schemes that seem rigged to challenge your sanity, to graphics that seem to be stuck in a time capsule. However, the charm of real wrestlers and their extravagant persona still manage to keep the show rolling. With a solid rate of 6 out of 10, it's not going to set the world on fire. It's more like a loaf of bread you forgot in the corner of your kitchen - it might not be the hottest or freshest, but at least you're not going to starve. So, if you ever feel the need to throw someone into a wrestling ring - figuratively speaking, of course - grab a copy of this game, throw a few punches, and don't forget to put on your best wrestler voice while doing it! You might just find a guilty pleasure lurking within those pixelated rings.

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