Summary
- Release Year: 1986
- Genres: Sport
- Platforms: Apple II, Atari ST/STE, Commodore 16, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Epyx
- Publishers: U.S. Gold
Championship Wrestling (1986): A Retrospective
Released in 1986 for the Commodore 64, Championship Wrestling was one of the earliest wrestling games to feature a roster of unique wrestlers, each with their own moves and abilities. The game was a critical and commercial success, and is still enjoyed by retro gamers today.
Gameplay
Championship Wrestling is a one-on-one wrestling game where the player controls one of eight wrestlers. The wrestlers are all unique, with their own strengths and weaknesses. For example, K.C. Colossus is a powerful wrestler with a devastating “trash computer” move, while Prince Vicious is a more agile wrestler who gets a crush on every opponent.
The gameplay is simple but addictive. Players can use a variety of moves to attack their opponents, including leg drops, spin kicks, body slams, and suplexes. Players can also use the ropes to bounce off of and perform aerial attacks.
The goal of the game is to defeat your opponent by pinfall, submission, or knockout. Players can also win by disqualification if their opponent uses illegal moves.
Wrestlers
Championship Wrestling features a roster of eight unique wrestlers:
- K.C. Colossus: A powerful wrestler with a devastating “trash computer” move.
- Prince Vicious: A more agile wrestler who gets a crush on every opponent.
- Masked Mystery: A mysterious wrestler who wears a mask and uses dirty tactics.
- The Missing Link: A large and powerful wrestler who is missing a link in his brain.
- Superfly Jimmy Snuka: A high-flying wrestler who is known for his aerial attacks.
- Rowdy Roddy Piper: A loud and boisterous wrestler who is known for his brawling style.
- Hulk Hogan: The biggest star in wrestling at the time, Hogan is a powerful wrestler with a signature leg drop.
- Andre the Giant: The largest wrestler in the world, Andre is a slow but powerful wrestler.
Graphics and Sound
For its time, Championship Wrestling had impressive graphics and sound. The wrestlers are all well-animated, and the backgrounds are detailed and colorful. The game’s music is also catchy and gets you pumped up for the action.
Legacy
Championship Wrestling was a major influence on later wrestling games, such as the WWF WrestleMania series and the WWE SmackDown! series. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay and roster of unique wrestlers have made it a classic among retro gamers.
Conclusion
Championship Wrestling (1986) is a classic wrestling game that is still enjoyed by retro gamers today. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, roster of unique wrestlers, and impressive graphics and sound make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7/10
