Summary
- Release Year: 2000
- Genres: Fighting, Sport
- Platforms: Nintendo 64
- Developers: AKI Corporation, Asmik Ace Entertainment
- Publishers: Asmik Ace Entertainment
Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: Oudou Keishou (2000)
Virtual Pro Wrestling 2: Oudou Keishou is the sequel to Virtual Pro Wrestling 64, and was released exclusively in Japan in 2000. The title translates to Royal Road Succession, which is the name of the game’s career mode. It is the fifth wrestling game developed by AKI Corporation, and contains many improvements from previous titles that would be featured in AKI’s final Nintendo 64 wrestling game, WWF No Mercy. However, some features, such as creating masks in edit mode and the MMA-style grappling system, would not be carried over to WWF No Mercy.
Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 features the All Japan Pro Wrestling license, and includes 21 wrestlers from that promotion. The rest of the characters in the game are based on other real promotions and wrestlers, but due to copyright have fake names and appearances. This is common among other Japanese wrestling games. However, you can identify who the other wrestlers are by their unique moves and taunts, and the edit mode contains each piece of ring attire you would need to recreate their actual likeness.
In total, there are 98 wrestlers in the game, 23 of which have to be unlocked. There are also 16 original character slots you can use to edit and create your own wrestlers, bringing the potential total of wrestlers in the game to 114. This gives Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 the largest roster of any AKI wrestling game. In comparison, WWF No Mercy has 64 wrestlers available.
The gameplay in Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 is very similar to previous AKI wrestling games. The controls are simple and easy to learn, but the game has a deep and complex grappling system that allows for a wide variety of moves. The game also features a variety of match types, including singles matches, tag team matches, and battle royals.
One of the most unique features of Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 is its Royal Road Succession career mode. In this mode, you create a wrestler and take them through a series of matches against increasingly difficult opponents. As you win matches, you will earn points that can be used to upgrade your wrestler’s stats and abilities. You will also unlock new moves and abilities as you progress through the mode.
The Royal Road Succession mode is very challenging, but it is also very rewarding. It is a great way to learn the game’s mechanics and to develop your own unique wrestling style.
Graphics and sound
The graphics in Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 are very good for a Nintendo 64 game. The character models are well-detailed and the animations are fluid. The game also features a variety of different arenas, each with its own unique look and feel.
The sound in Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 is also very good. The music is catchy and the sound effects are realistic. The game also features a variety of voice clips from the All Japan Pro Wrestling wrestlers.
Overall
Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 is an excellent wrestling game. It has a large roster of wrestlers, deep gameplay, and a variety of match types. The Royal Road Succession career mode is also a great way to learn the game’s mechanics and to develop your own unique wrestling style. If you are a fan of wrestling games, then you should definitely check out Virtual Pro Wrestling 2.
Pros:
- Large roster of wrestlers
- Deep and complex gameplay
- Variety of match types
- Challenging and rewarding career mode
- Good graphics and sound
Cons:
- Only available in Japanese
- Some features from previous AKI games were not carried over
Review Score
9/10
