RetroMania Wrestling is a professional wrestling video game by RetroSoft Studios. The game was released on April 1, 2021. The game was created as an homage to classic WWF arcade games WWF Superstars and WWF WrestleFest.
Gameplay
RetroMania Wrestling simulates professional wrestling matches. Multiple game modes are included. In the 'Story Mode', the players can play as Johnny Retro (aka John Morrison). Branching dialogue trees gives the players choices of whom to befriend and whom to backstab. The story mode concludes with 'to be continued' and as of October 2023 no second part has been released. 10 Pounds of Gold' is a standard tournament where the players must compete in various match types to reach and challenge Nick Aldis for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. A Royal Rumble-style match is included as 'Retro Rumble', where 16 men compete. As well as a Versus mode with a match customization, the game includes tag team and cage match.
RetroMania's grappling system is timing-based, similar to that of the Fire Pro Wrestling series. The game features a light, medium, and heavy grapple moves. Strong grapple moves can only be completed after your character's momentum bar fills. Each wrestler also possesses standing strikes, running attacks, running counterattacks, ground attacks, and moves from the top turnbuckle.
Characters
The game features a mixture of 17 wrestlers from different promotions, including New Japan Pro Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and the independent circuit. The playable characters include Zack Sabre Jr., Jeff Cobb, Tommy Dreamer, Colt Cabana, Nick Aldis, Matt Cardona, Brian Myers, and John Morrison, as well as groups like the Blue World Order and the Road Warriors. RetroSoft Studios has promised additional characters will be added through DLC, including James Storm, Mr. Hughes and Chris Bey. As of October 2023 only Chris Bey has been released.
Reception
RetroMania is faithful to its inspiration, with the right kind of modern updates needed to bring it up to modern gaming standards, according to Paste. NintendoLife claims that the game will get a cult following, but feels like a prototype. They also criticized the length of the story, claiming it was too short.