Fire Pro Wrestling World PS4 Review: 5 Ups & 2 Downs

by Andy H Murray

1. Undeniable Charm

Fire Pro Wrestling World
Spike Chunsoft

Above all else, Fire Pro Wrestling World's undeniable charm shines brightly as the game's biggest selling point. You'll feel the sheer love Spike Chunsoft put into this creation with every second you play, and it leaks from every single pixel, in every little thing you do, from creating your own wacky characters to blowing opponents up with landmines.

Aesthetically, Fire Pro is unpolished. That's kind of the point, though. This isn't your big budget triple A production, but a weird, kooky, rough-around-the-edges niche product. It looks remarkably similar to the series' first incarnation, which came out all the way back in 1989, and it's hard not to fall in love with it.

This game isn't going to appeal to everybody. It's not particularly accessible, and Spike Chunsoft clearly prioritised appeasing old fans over attracting new players, delivering a true, hardcore Fire Pro experience. All of this is fine. It's not trying to be WWE 2K19, and the things that make this a niche product are also the game's biggest strengths.

Fire Pro Wrestling World is a rich, reward, deep, but minimal experience with a signature visual style, endless customisation, and awesome match mechanics. It is very much the New Japan to 2K's WWE. Conquer the learning curve, and you'll have hours of fun with it.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.