Wrestling Empire
- July 2, 2021
- MDickie
- 17h median play time
Let's take it outside...
Reviews
- Wrestling Empire offers a unique and chaotic wrestling experience reminiscent of classic N64 titles, with a fun and engaging career mode.
- The game features extensive customization options for characters, moves, and match types, allowing players to create their own wrestling stories.
- Despite its janky graphics and controls, the game is filled with humor and unpredictability, making it a hilarious and enjoyable experience.
- The controls can be clunky and unintuitive, leading to frustrating gameplay moments, especially during grappling and submission sequences.
- The AI can behave erratically, often leading to unfair match outcomes and making it difficult to predict how a match will unfold.
- The game lacks polish in certain areas, such as camera control and overall presentation, which may deter players looking for a more refined experience.
- gameplay120 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this wrestling game is a mix of chaotic fun and deep mechanics, drawing inspiration from classic titles while offering extensive customization options and a robust career mode. While some players appreciate the engaging and humorous elements, others criticize the outdated graphics, clunky controls, and reliance on RNG, leading to a divide in opinions on its overall enjoyment. Despite its flaws, many find the gameplay entertaining and recommend it for those who prioritize fun over visual fidelity.
“Slapstick humor, a career mode adorned with crazy storylines, gameplay inspired by classic N64 wrestling titles, and a hefty roster filled to the brim with hundreds of recognizable faces.”
“Very fun gameplay with funny characters and endless possibilities with huge customization options; I created my own wrestling universe and just watching the chaos break out is so worth it.”
“What a wrestling game should be: chaotic fun, easy to learn, hard to master, and surprisingly deep with hidden mechanics.”
“First and foremost, the graphics and gameplay mechanics in Wrestling Empire are painfully outdated.”
“The lack of innovation, outdated graphics, and repetitive gameplay make it difficult to recommend this title to anyone seeking a fresh and engaging wrestling experience.”
“I'm convinced that 80% of this game is purely RNG-based, considering the developer refuses to explain half of the mechanics, and the other mechanics that he does explain in the tutorial and manual do not function.”
- graphics97 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated, often compared to titles from the PS1 and N64 era, with many users describing them as "low-budget" or "crude." Despite this, players appreciate the nostalgic charm and fun gameplay, suggesting that the visuals do not detract from the overall experience. While some find the graphics laughable, others argue that the game's depth and creativity more than compensate for its visual shortcomings.
“The graphics are very reminiscent of the N64/PSX era, and it does create some nostalgia for the wrestling games of that time.”
“Sure, the graphics are a little rough around the edges, but who needs photorealistic visuals when you can German suplex a clown while dressed as a giant chicken?”
“The beauty of this game is that it doesn't need realistic graphics or top-notch graphics to be awesome.”
“First and foremost, the graphics and gameplay mechanics in Wrestling Empire are painfully outdated.”
“The graphics are legitimately terrible in a lot of ways, looking like a glossy PS1/N64 tier game.”
“With its crude graphics and clunky animations, this game is silly to the point of parody and often genuinely hilarious.”
- humor97 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in this wrestling game is widely praised for its absurdity and unpredictability, with players enjoying the hilarious character customization and chaotic gameplay. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to create memorable and funny moments, often stemming from its janky physics and over-the-top scenarios. Overall, it is considered a uniquely entertaining experience that stands out in the wrestling genre for its comedic value.
“This game is very funny on the absurd stuff that can happen and the character customization is unironically good, so I say this is a good use of $20.”
“With hilariously absurd character customization, over-the-top finishing moves, and the ability to hit your opponent with anything from a steel chair to a banana peel, this game is a total blast.”
“Genuinely one of the most replayable and hilarious games I have ever seen in my entire life.”
- story55 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is characterized by a mix of slapstick humor and chaotic narratives, offering a plethora of unique and replayable storylines within its career mode. While some players appreciate the depth and randomness of the storytelling, others find it lacks meaningful progression and can feel repetitive. Overall, the game serves as a fun sandbox for creating and experiencing outrageous wrestling tales, though it may not satisfy those seeking a more structured narrative.
“There is not just one story; there are so many stories, providing maximum replayability.”
“The story arcs in this are just completely insane and amazing.”
“The fluid controls, the absurdity and twists and turns of the story mode, and the jazz-like improvisational jank of the gameplay create something greater than the sum of its parts.”
“I bought this in hopes of playing a career mode that sprawled into organic stories, but there's no storytelling to be found.”
“When you finish a match, you go to another match, and besides the random events and gimmicks, you go into another match. It made me a bit sad that there is nothing 'new' in Wrestling Empire compared to Wrestling Mpire; they are sort of the same game with not many changes. Maybe instead of solely focusing on wrestling, they could add in more story-based events or just have longer bits of story dialogue with other characters to build relationships.”
“It's hard to shake the feeling of déjà vu when playing, as the core gameplay, character customization, and story mode seem to be lifted directly from his older titles.”
- music22 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players enjoying the corny 2000s metal and rock tracks, while others criticize the limited and repetitive soundtrack, particularly the main menu music, which many find obnoxious. Users express a strong desire for more music tracks and the ability to customize the soundtrack, highlighting the game's potential for modding to enhance the audio experience. Overall, while the music can be energizing, it often feels outdated and insufficient for long-term enjoyment.
“Also, the main menu music gets you amped as hell.”
“The music is suitably corny 2000s metal & rock.”
“This game has a ton of variety in moves and gestures as well as walk-out music and clothing for your wrestler, and the career mode is super unpredictable.”
“Music is horrible, unchangeable.”
“It's clunky, it's ugly, and the menu music is genuinely the most obnoxious sound I've ever heard in my life (two rap songs on constant repeat, neither of them are good).”
“Also, the game has exactly 3 songs on its soundtrack (excluding the thrown-together in five minutes entrance themes), and good lord, they're generic and horrible after several hours of hearing them.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with numerous bugs and glitches reported that can detract from immersion, though many players find them amusing. While it runs well on lower-end systems and is less buggy than some AAA titles, issues like camera problems and certain match types not functioning properly persist. Overall, despite its flaws, the game offers enjoyable mechanics that may appeal to fans willing to overlook its instability.
“£19.99 is a bit of a steep asking price for what is essentially buggy jank masquerading as a wrestling game.”
“Great game, unfortunately lacking some features compared to WR3D and even WR2D, but the ones here are much improved; the game runs on a potato and as such you're in luck if you can't run the new WWE games. However, bugs and glitches are everywhere, and while 90% of the time they are funny and add to the game, it does reduce how much you can get immersed in the game.”
“It's a little buggy and messy, and first blood matches don't seem to work, but if you overlook the flaws you'll remember that the game we enjoyed back then was flawed as well.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, featuring a multitude of stories, deep customization options, and a variety of wacky characters and interactions. Players appreciate the developer's dedication to continually enhancing the game, which contributes to its lasting appeal and hours of entertainment. Overall, it is regarded as one of the most replayable and enjoyable games available.
“There is not just one story; there are so many stories, providing maximum replayability.”
“Nigh-on infinite replayability, deep customization, wacky characters and interactions, and most importantly, an extremely dedicated developer who never stops polishing the game.”
“Genuinely one of the most replayable and hilarious games I have ever seen in my entire life.”
“The replayability of this game makes up for the graphics.”
“More soul and passion than 2K could ever put out, and the replayability and customization keep you going for hours.”
“All the creative power, replay value, and stories are here.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
While the game may lack advanced graphics and a deeply engaging narrative, players find unexpected emotional depth in their experiences, particularly through character creation and personal connections. Longtime fans express a sense of nostalgia and warmth towards the developer's growth, highlighting the joy and wholesome interactions that can emerge from gameplay.
“I was not emotionally prepared for Wrestling Empire.”
“I've been a fan of mdickie games ever since the Hard Time days, and to see him come so far is just heartwarming.”
“Let's just say I make them very wholesome, and no one would be offended in the slightest.”
- grinding5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious and frustrating, often feeling out of control during combat and facing random events that can derail progress. Many report spending significant time, upwards of 20 hours, in career mode just to advance, indicating that the grind can feel overwhelming and unbalanced.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The random events can be tedious and career-destroying at times, and when you're grappled, there isn't really anything you can do except mash and hope that RNG is in your favor.”
“This game is tedious beyond belief. The game barely teaches you anything, and when it does, it's through dialog that can't be skipped (which also locks the camera). It feels like the game has some sort of bias against you when fighting; when you put someone in a chokehold, they can break out, but when they do, you can't. Your team doesn't help you that much, and it never feels like you have control.”
“I've already spent 20+ hours in career mode grinding my way to the top.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is generally viewed positively, as it features no microtransactions and offers a rich gameplay experience with extensive content. However, some users feel that the game is designed primarily to capitalize on YouTube advertising rather than prioritizing player enjoyment. Overall, it strikes a balance between engaging gameplay and a lack of intrusive monetization strategies.
“Finally, a wrestling game without microtransactions, featuring in-depth gameplay and a ton of extra content.”
“It's clear this was made to cash in on YouTuber advertisements rather than creating an enjoyable experience.”
“My closest allies disowned me because I wouldn't stop taking advertising deals.”
“No microtransactions, an ever-changing storyline, and a variety of match types.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the optimization of stats and performance elements to be complex and obscure, leading to the formation of dedicated communities focused on deciphering these intricate mechanics.
“The relationship between stats and different elements of player performance is so esoteric that entire secret societies have been known to spontaneously form around discussions of the topic.”
“The relationship between stats and different elements of player performance is so esoteric that entire secret societies have been known to spontaneously form around discussion of the topic.”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is criticized for being frustrating, as players feel compelled to engage in unwanted tasks and experience a lack of control over their character design, which can be reset multiple times.
“The career mode is just frustrating, being forced to do things you don't want to do, or having the character design you created wiped away, forcing you to redo it several times.”
“Character development feels shallow and uninspired, making it hard to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.”
“The lack of meaningful choices in character progression makes the experience feel linear and unengaging.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is characterized by a unique blend of lightheartedness and dark undertones, reflecting mdickie's signature style that combines an exaggerated tone with a gritty, hidden depth. This duality creates an engaging and distinctive environment that captivates players.
“The tone, the atmosphere, the over-the-top nature in front of the camera, and the dark underbelly behind the curtain, all done with a light-hearted twist that has become mdickie's brand.”
“The tone and atmosphere feel inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the game world.”
“While the game attempts to create a unique atmosphere, it often falls flat and feels disjointed.”
“The overall ambiance lacks depth, leaving the player feeling disconnected from the experience.”