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MONSTER

WrestleQuest

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of WrestleQuest
Item: WrestleQuest
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Fighting, Anime and JRPG, Single Player

AvailableAug 22, 2023

PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5

DeveloperMega Cat Studios

Overview

In WrestleQuest, players assume the role of a young wrestling hopeful, on his quest to become one of the all-time greats while he powerbombs, slams, and suplexes his way to the top. Inspired by icons like the legendary "Macho Man" Randy Savage, our hero must immerse himself in the world of professional wrestling, which will not only test his athleticism but his will and conscience too.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of WrestleQuest receives praise for its nostalgic charm, character-driven narratives, and creative integration of wrestling lore. Many reviewers highlight its unique premise, such as App Trigger’s observation of two protagonists in a toy-world setting, while GameCritics and CGMagazine commend the game’s exploration of wrestling industry dynamics, including scripted fights and real-life legends. TheSixthAxis and DualShockers celebrate its homages to wrestling icons and retro aesthetics, with GameCrate emphasizing the narrative’s differentiation through dual protagonists like Randy Santos (Muchacho Man) and Brink Logan. Additionally, We Got This Covered and RPG Fan praise the emotional depth and engaging character arcs, noting that the story’s whimsical tone and humor—such as wrestling puns and chibi-like characters—create an entertaining experience. IGN and TheXboxHub also acknowledge the interweaving of protagonists’ journeys and the game’s homage to wrestling history, which resonates with fans. However, several critics point out significant flaws in the narrative structure and pacing. Cultured Vultures and GameGrin criticize the disjointed story and inconsistent character attachment, while Game Informer and Gamereactor UK describe the plot as chaotic and incoherent. Gamers’ Temple and God is a Geek label the dialogue as sleep-inducing, and GamingBolt and New Game Network highlight the narrative’s scatter-shot nature, with some reviewers like COGconnected noting that the story’s intrigue fades quickly. TheXboxHub and Digital Chumps mention choppy storytelling and lack of depth, while WellPlayed and Worth Playing critique the overly long and confusing plotlines. These issues suggest that while the game’s concept is ambitious, its execution struggles to maintain cohesion and player engagement. Overall, the critical reception of WrestleQuest’s story is mixed but leans toward appreciation for its creativity and nostalgia-driven approach. While many critics, including RPG Fan and TheXboxHub, celebrate its unique blend of wrestling history and RPG elements, others like GameGrin and Gamers’ Temple find it inconsistent and overly complex. The game’s dual protagonist structure and homage to wrestling icons are frequently cited as strengths, but the narrative’s pacing, character development, and coherence remain contentious. Despite these contradictions, WrestleQuest is generally seen as a passionate, if flawed, tribute to wrestling culture that appeals most to fans of the genre and retro gaming.

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story and narrative

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Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of WrestleQuest receives praise for its unique blend of turn-based RPG mechanics and wrestling-inspired elements, with several critics highlighting its nostalgic charm and creative systems. Reviewers like GameGrin and Game Informer note that the game draws from classic RPGs, such as the Mario RPG playbook, while incorporating wrestling gimmicks like tag-team moves and a hype meter to add strategic depth. The GamingBolt and Gamers’ Temple commend the game’s emphasis on team-based attacks and the hype system, which they describe as one of the standout features. Additionally, GameCrate and TheXboxHub appreciate the variety of gimmicks, taunts, and creative enemy designs, while But Why Tho? and GamingTrend praise the balance between input-based attacks and special moves. These elements collectively create a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and inventive for fans of retro RPGs and wrestling enthusiasts. However, several critics point to significant flaws in the gameplay’s execution, particularly its repetitive nature and pacing issues. App Trigger and GameGrin criticize the combat as lacking strategic depth, with moves feeling unimpactful or overly simplistic. The reliance on quick-time events (QTEs) is a recurring complaint, with GameSpot and God is a Geek calling them tedious and repetitive, while IGN and COGconnected note that the mechanics fail to accurately represent wrestling or suffer from inconsistent difficulty. Others, like Cultured Vultures and WellPlayed, highlight frustrating minigames, counter-intuitive systems (e.g., "losing to win"), and a lack of grinding options. Additionally, DualShockers and GamingTrend point out balancing issues and repetitive enemy encounters, which can detract from the overall experience despite the game’s ambitious design. Overall, critics are divided on WrestleQuest’s gameplay, with its turn-based mechanics and wrestling twists earning praise for creativity and nostalgia, while its repetition, pacing, and execution flaws draw criticism. GameGrin and IGN acknowledge the game’s potential but note its shortcomings in variety and polish, whereas GamingBolt and Gamers’ Temple celebrate its depth and unique systems. The consensus leans toward a mixed reception: while the gameplay offers an engaging mix of RPG and wrestling elements for fans of the genre, its repetitive mechanics and uneven design prevent it from fully realizing its potential. Critics like GameCrate and TheXboxHub suggest that the game’s charm lies in its ambition, but its flaws—particularly around QTEs and pacing—leave room for improvement.

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gameplay mechanics

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Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

37%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praise WrestleQuest’s graphics and visual design for their nostalgic, retro charm and creative execution. Many highlight the game’s 16-bit pixel art style, which evokes classic RPGs like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VI, with vibrant colors and playful aesthetics. App Trigger and GameGrin commend the "charming retro 2D pixelated overworld" and "tastefully done" character designs, while CGMagazine and IGN note how the visuals enhance nostalgia through "beautiful pixel artwork" and a "Saturday Morning cartoon style." The toybox-inspired world, with its action-figure-like characters and environments, is frequently lauded—TheXboxHub calls it "oozing with personality," and GameCritics appreciates the homage to '80s and '90s wrestling. Critics like RPG Fan and New Game Network also praise the detailed character sprites and vivid, imaginative settings that capture the whimsical essence of wrestling. However, some critiques point to technical and design shortcomings. GameCritics mention "visual quirks" and "incorrect information onscreen," while Cultured Vultures note a "lacking mini-map" and frustrating character movement. Noisy Pixel highlights reused assets in shop illustrations, causing confusion, and Digital Chumps points out "visual artifacts" and inconsistent frame rates on the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, COGconnected criticizes the lack of engaging activities in regions despite the visual appeal, and GameSpot notes that some cameos and billboards feel "out of place." While these issues are minor compared to the game’s strengths, they detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with WrestleQuest’s visuals being a standout feature. The retro pixel art, toybox aesthetic, and nostalgic nods to wrestling history resonate strongly, as noted by outlets like GameCritics, IGN, and TheXboxHub. While technical flaws and minor design issues exist—such as those mentioned by Noisy Pixel and Digital Chumps—the game’s creative charm and attention to detail in character and environment design are widely celebrated. Critics agree that the visual style effectively captures the playful, exaggerated spirit of wrestling while offering a unique, nostalgic experience for fans of 16-bit aesthetics.

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graphics and visual design

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Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of WrestleQuest received a mix of praise, with several critics highlighting its strengths. CGMagazine celebrated the "dynamite soundtrack" that complements the wrestling theme and enhances nostalgia, while RPG Fan praised the sound design as even better than the visuals, noting a varied soundtrack spanning multiple genres and improving over time. GameGrin appreciated the enjoyable music and voice lines, though they acknowledged a lack of variety in the latter. Worth Playing commended the music’s tone-appropriate fit and inclusion of famous wrestler voice clips, while KeenGamer highlighted humorous interactions and background music that support gameplay without overpowering it. These positive reviews emphasize the soundtrack’s thematic cohesion, diversity, and immersive qualities, suggesting that the audio elements effectively contribute to the game’s charm and atmosphere. However, several critics raised significant concerns about the sound design’s execution. App Trigger criticized the muddled audio, where character voices are drowned out by music and ambient noise, creating a distracting experience. Gamereactor UK and God is a Geek both found the voice lines annoying, with the latter noting they fail to match contextual cues. Noisy Pixel went further, calling the repetitive pre-recorded dialogue "the most annoying part," particularly highlighting Randy Savage’s overused lines and the absence of an option to disable voices. Hardcore Gamer praised the sound effects but called the soundtrack "weak," while New Game Network criticized the music for lacking classic wrestling themes and becoming monotonous. Gaming Nexus also noted that voice quips felt inauthentic, failing to align with on-screen action. These critiques point to issues with audio balance, voice repetition, and a disconnect between the soundtrack’s ambition and its implementation. The overall consensus among critics is divided, reflecting both appreciation for the soundtrack’s creativity and frustration with its technical shortcomings. While some reviewers, like RPG Fan and KeenGamer, lauded the music’s variety and thematic fit, others, such as App Trigger and Noisy Pixel, found the sound design poorly balanced or repetitive. The game’s audio elements seem to polarize opinions: those who value nostalgic, genre-blending scores may enjoy the soundtrack’s ambition, while players prioritizing clarity and authenticity might find it lacking. Despite mixed feedback, the recurring praise for the music’s thematic relevance and occasional standout moments suggests that WrestleQuest’s sound design has potential, even if its execution falls short for some.

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music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The initial reception of WrestleQuest’s voice acting highlights a few notable positives, particularly its creative use of pre-recorded lines and nods to wrestling lore. GameGrin praised the game’s match-specific voice lines, noting they “sound like the real Macho Man,” suggesting a level of authenticity that resonates with fans of the wrestling culture. Similarly, Hardcore Gamer acknowledged that some voice clips were tailored for legendary or legend-influenced characters, adding a layer of thematic cohesion. Worth Playing also observed that while there was no full voice-acting, the existing clips “fit the tone of the game,” indicating an effort to align audio with the game’s playful, nostalgic aesthetic. These elements suggest that WrestleQuest leverages its limited voice acting to evoke familiarity and charm, particularly for wrestling enthusiasts. However, the negatives surrounding the voice acting are more pronounced and consistent across reviews. Gamereactor UK criticized the voices as “dorky and bad,” a harsh assessment that reflects broader concerns about quality. Gaming Nexus and TheXboxHub both pointed to misalignment between voiceovers and on-screen dialogue, with the latter noting that limited voiceovers often “don’t relate to the situation at hand” and can feel intrusive. Noisy Pixel’s frustration with repetitive lines—particularly Randy Savage’s “same three sentences”—underscores a lack of variety that detracts from immersion. Additionally, App Trigger highlighted poor sound design, making it difficult to understand characters during battles. These criticisms collectively point to technical shortcomings and a failure to deliver cohesive or engaging audio experiences. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward disappointment, with most agreeing that WrestleQuest’s voice acting is underdeveloped and inconsistent. While some praise its thematic nods and occasional authenticity (as noted by GameGrin and Hardcore Gamer), these positives are overshadowed by widespread issues like poor sound quality, repetition, and a lack of full voice-acting. TheXboxHub’s observation that “limited voiceovers can be annoying” encapsulates the broader sentiment: the audio elements feel more like an afterthought than a polished component of the game. Despite its earnest attempts to capture wrestling’s spirit, WrestleQuest’s voice acting fails to meet expectations, leaving many critics unconvinced by its execution.

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voice acting

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Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

71%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of WrestleQuest varies across platforms, with some positives noted despite widespread issues. On PS5, GameCritics acknowledged that while the autosave glitch was patched, early versions had crashes and incorrect onscreen information, suggesting some improvements over time. For PC, RPG Fan highlighted that minor slowdowns in cutscenes and load times didn’t significantly detract from enjoyment, offering a rare positive note. On Xbox Series X, GameCrate mentioned technical issues like mini-map problems but didn’t explicitly praise any aspects. Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch version faced criticism for visual artifacts and crashes, though no specific positives were noted by critics like Digital Chumps or Nintendo Life. Overall, PC and PS5 received slightly more nuanced feedback, with some acknowledgment of minor fixes or tolerable performance issues. Negatives dominated across all platforms, with significant technical flaws reported. On PS5, App Trigger criticized game-breaking bugs, freezes, and a poor autosave system, while TheSixthAxis highlighted a "dodgy save system" and lengthy loading times. For PC, multiple critics like Game Informer, GameSpot, and GamingTrend raised concerns about save progress issues, auto-checkpointing flaws, and frequent crashes or stuttering (New Game Network). Combat animations were also criticized as slow by Worth Playing, and Screen Rant noted movement and collision problems in tight spaces. On Xbox Series X, GameCrate pointed to game-breaking bugs and mini-map issues, while the Switch version faced severe optimization problems, including frame skips and crashes (Digital Chumps). These issues collectively paint a picture of inconsistent technical execution across platforms. The overall consensus among critics is that WrestleQuest suffers from significant technical instability, with platform-specific challenges exacerbating the experience. While some positives emerged—such as RPG Fan’s tolerance for PC load times or GameCritics’ mention of a patched autosave issue—the majority of reviews emphasized persistent bugs, crashes, and performance hiccups. PS5 and PC versions faced similar issues like save system flaws and slowdowns, but PC critics noted more varied problems, including clunky mechanics and navigation challenges. The Switch version was particularly criticized for its lack of optimization, with Digital Chumps and Nintendo Life highlighting visual and stability issues. Despite minor fixes in some areas, the game’s technical shortcomings appear to undermine its core gameplay, leaving players frustrated across all platforms.

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technical performance

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Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

88%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The reviewers generally acknowledge aspects of WrestleQuest that could enhance its replay value, particularly its narrative depth and game design elements. Gamers’ Temple highlights the game as a “long RPG with a lot of content,” emphasizing side quests, hidden items, and main story arcs that cater to JRPG enthusiasts seeking extended engagement. We Got This Covered notes the potential for varied experiences through playing as a “Face” versus a “Heel,” suggesting narrative flexibility. Worth Playing points to diverse playable characters, combo attacks, and a morality system, while Noisy Pixel mentions choices during the main story that could lead to different outcomes, even if the reviewer didn’t pursue them. Digital Chumps also notes side quests and a karma system as potential incentives for replayability, indicating that the game’s structure offers multiple entry points for exploration. However, several critics raise concerns about factors that might deter repeated playthroughs. App Trigger criticizes the “combat and bugs” as significant barriers to enjoyment, making it hard to finish the game. Worth Playing also mentions the “slow pace of combat” as a drawback, while Twinfinite warns that some areas may feel “tedious,” which could diminish replay appeal. Noisy Pixel acknowledges there are “reasons to replay” but notes the reviewer’s lack of interest in exploring missed story branches, suggesting limited incentive for multiple playthroughs. TheGamer, though not directly addressing replayability, implies the game’s niche appeal might limit its broader replay value despite its old-school RPG and wrestling fanbase draw. The overall consensus among critics is mixed, with WrestleQuest offering potential for replay through its story-driven mechanics and content variety, but hindered by gameplay flaws. While Gamers’ Temple, We Got This Covered, and Worth Playing highlight the game’s depth and flexibility as positives, App Trigger and Twinfinite emphasize technical issues and repetitive elements that could frustrate players. TheGamer and Digital Chumps suggest the game is worth trying for specific audiences, but the lack of strong replay incentives—such as branching narratives or significant post-game content—means its longevity remains uncertain. Ultimately, WrestleQuest seems to balance ambition with execution flaws, making it a polarizing experience for those seeking long-term engagement.

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replay value

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Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall reception of WrestleQuest is largely positive, with many critics praising its nostalgic charm, creative fusion of wrestling and RPG elements, and engaging storytelling. Reviewers like We Got This Covered and RPG Fan highlight the game as a “must-play” and a “beautifully crafted” experience that successfully blends pro wrestling with classic JRPG mechanics, earning it comparisons to iconic moments in wrestling history. GameCritics and But Why Tho? commend its heartfelt homage to 1980s/1990s wrestling culture, noting the game’s “compelling characters,” “quirky writing,” and “refreshing take on the wrestling medium.” The vibrant visuals, humorous dialogue, and Easter eggs—such as those mentioned by Shacknews—are frequently lauded for their charm, while TheGamer and Twinfinite appreciate its unique personality and fan service. Many critics also emphasize the game’s potential to appeal to niche audiences, particularly wrestling enthusiasts and RPG fans seeking a nostalgic trip. However, several critics point to significant flaws that detract from the experience. Issues with combat mechanics dominate the negative feedback: App Trigger and GameSpot criticize the “repetitive gameplay” and “frustrating technical issues,” while Cultured Vultures and God is a Geek describe the systems as “undercooked” or “irritating.” DualShockers and GamingBolt highlight design shortcomings, such as lack of fast-travel, unbalanced progression, and “large empty spaces,” which disrupt immersion. GameCrate and Gaming Nexus note that the game’s “convoluted mess” and “messy combat system” prevent it from being a fully polished experience. Additionally, pacing issues are frequently mentioned—GameCritics and Screen Rant point to slow, repetitive gameplay that may alienate modern players, while Worth Playing criticizes the “slow pace and repetitive animations.” These critiques suggest that while the game’s ambition is clear, its execution falls short in key areas. Despite these criticisms, there is a general consensus that WrestleQuest is a passionate, if imperfect, labor of love. Fans of wrestling and RPGs are likely to appreciate its unique blend of nostalgia and creativity, as noted by GamingTrend and Hardcore Gamer, who call it a “fantastic pickup” for enthusiasts. However, the game’s flaws—particularly in combat, pacing, and technical polish—limit its broader appeal. While RPG Fan and We Got This Covered celebrate its originality and charm, others like GameGrin and GamingBolt acknowledge its “potential for greatness” but stress that it requires refinement. Ultimately, the critical response reflects a divide between those who prioritize nostalgia and genre fusion and those who demand tighter mechanics and smoother gameplay, leaving WrestleQuest as a polarizing yet memorable entry in both wrestling and RPG genres.

TL;DR

MONSTER

Reviews

53 reviews found

100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 5

Sep 5, 2023