Wrestle Kingdom (2005)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) is a professional wrestling video game released by Yuke’s and published by Spike for the PlayStation 2. It was released in Japan on December 15, 2004, and in North America on February 22, 2005. The game is based on the Japanese professional wrestling promotion New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) is the first game in the Wrestle Kingdom series, and it features a number of new features and improvements over previous NJPW games. These include a new graphics engine, a new create-a-wrestler mode, and a new online multiplayer mode.

The game’s roster features over 50 wrestlers from NJPW, including Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Kazuchika Okada. The game also features a number of unlockable wrestlers, including Jushin Thunder Liger, Masahiro Chono, and Riki Choshu.

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) received generally positive reviews from critics. IGN praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and roster, but criticized the game’s lack of innovation. GameSpot praised the game’s create-a-wrestler mode and online multiplayer mode, but criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay.

Gameplay

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) is a professional wrestling game that features a variety of gameplay modes, including:

  • Exhibition mode: In this mode, players can choose two wrestlers to compete against each other in a one-on-one match.
  • Tournament mode: In this mode, players can compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine the winner.
  • Career mode: In this mode, players can create their own wrestler and compete in a series of matches to earn experience and improve their skills.
  • Create-a-wrestler mode: In this mode, players can create their own custom wrestler with their own unique appearance, moveset, and entrance music.
  • Online multiplayer mode: In this mode, players can compete against each other online in one-on-one or tag team matches.

Features

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) features a number of new features and improvements over previous NJPW games, including:

  • New graphics engine: The game features a new graphics engine that provides more realistic character models and environments.
  • New create-a-wrestler mode: The create-a-wrestler mode has been expanded to allow players to create more detailed and customized wrestlers.
  • New online multiplayer mode: The game features a new online multiplayer mode that allows players to compete against each other online in one-on-one or tag team matches.

Reception

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) received generally positive reviews from critics. IGN praised the game’s graphics, gameplay, and roster, but criticized the game’s lack of innovation. GameSpot praised the game’s create-a-wrestler mode and online multiplayer mode, but criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay.

The game was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide. It was followed by a sequel, Wrestle Kingdom 2, which was released in 2006.

Legacy

Wrestle Kingdom (2005) is considered to be one of the best professional wrestling games of all time. It is known for its innovative gameplay, deep create-a-wrestler mode, and robust online multiplayer mode. The game has had a lasting impact on the professional wrestling video game genre, and it is still played by fans today.

Additional information

  • Wrestle Kingdom (2005) is the first game in the Wrestle Kingdom series.
  • The game was developed by Yuke’s and published by Spike.
  • The game was released in Japan on December 15, 2004, and in North America on February 22, 2005.
  • The game features a roster of over 50 wrestlers from NJPW.
  • The game features a number of new features and improvements over previous NJPW games, including a new graphics engine, a new create-a-wrestler mode, and a new online multiplayer mode.
  • The game received generally positive reviews from critics.
  • The game was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
  • The game was followed by a sequel, Wrestle Kingdom 2, which was released in 2006.

Review Score

8/10

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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