Retromania Wrestling Review: One Of The Best Wrestling Games In Recent Years! 😮

[@UniverseOfKain]

As a huge fan of the original WrestleFest, this is a perfect sequel. Yeah, it needs a little more to be a full console game, but it definitely is more than just an arcade game. They've already announced a roster expansion, which is greatness... I really hope they continue to add to this game.

[@OptimusPrimeribs]

And a year later there's maybe three extra not-well-known dlc wrestlers. What's going on Retrosoft??? Correction 9/29/22: Only one DLC guy: Chris Bey.

[@ricjeknings8050]

@@OptimusPrimeribs Didn't sell so no updates. That's how it works. Yall didn't buy so we didn't produce.

[@OptimusPrimeribs]

@@ricjeknings8050 I bought, so don't talk about me. Would have liked an option to slow the game speed down a bit. Otherwise, great job. I think the lack of well-known wrestlers was the dagger. Not much you can do without rights to others though.

[@jaytezzytv1101]

Finally dropped 2 years later 😂

[@timetostandsilent]

I think getting the Steiner Brothers, Sabu and Raven would go along way for the roster. Two legendary Tag Teams of old, plus a couple ECW Champs for the Attitude Era Fans.

[@koryandrews1665]

They need a tag team title mode along side the 10 pounds of gold mode. I think that'd be fitting.

[@Smacktalks]

That’s a great suggestion! Maybe that’s something they could add with an update

[@koryandrews1665]

@@Smacktalks i may have to suggest it, i'm a part of Retrosoft's discord.

[@koryandrews1665]

@@Smacktalks good news! The developer got back to me real quick. He says it's actually in the works!

[@austinmeyer_238]

@@koryandrews1665 as a blind person who really enjoys this game. Could you maybe suggest some accessibility features? That would be awesome. Note that this is not a make or break deal. This is just something that I do think needs to be done for the wrestling games community.

[@koryandrews1665]

@@austinmeyer_238 I'll see what I can do!

[@sethfreakinrollins9889]

The game looks sick! Can't wait to see more gameplay videos.

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

It's wack

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

@@bigdaddytrips6197 agree , this game sucks

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

It sucks

[@anthonypettus5291]

It’s a great home to me I really like it

[@jakeywakeyeggsandbakeya3122]

@@wrestlingmaniac6195 eh it’s somebody’s opinion, and you can let someone find there own you don’t like it whatever that’s fine just let someone else. also don’t read this like I’m an angry annoyed dickhead please.

[@rometime9791]

Well Let’s see how this game holds up 12 years later

[@hanssprungfeld8487]

Oh because 2k still holds up right? Nope a year later its trash

[@rometime9791]

@@hanssprungfeld8487 maybe not have you forgot about Electronic arts or Nintendo

[@juniorlifter369]

Now even 12 years. I give it 8 months. That’s only because new content being released.

[@dougjoestar1792]

@@hanssprungfeld8487 why you bringing up 2k? Lmao wtf are you talking about

[@bigdaddytrips6197]

This game won't last . It needs to have customization and create wrestlers. The roster in this game sucks .

[@robbypatterson5225]

2D greatness....I wanna see a blood weapons mode and Vince needs to hire these guys so he gets RetroMania WWE Edition Wrestling and I would buy the physical editions

[@tiphotisted]

I just want wrestling games to go back to what THQ had like in No Mercy, the Smackdown games and the SvR games. Even Rumble Roses had this system and it worked fine.

[@timetostandsilent]

The upcoming AEW game is being made by the creator of No Mercy. I am beyond ready

[@kroser1983]

your wish starts tomorrow. aew is what you're looking for

[@SalvadorSalcido]

Add online play and Create-A-Wrestler, and this would be the perfect game for me.

[@adampizarro2954]

Love the game I feel if we continue to support it and give more feedback to retrosoft they seemed to listen so with suggestions

[@stevieboyXI]

Some more content and this game will be a made man.

[@SenatorPartySocks]

eh i’m not really sure it had the makings of a varsity athlete

[@xaviersmith4965]

A create wrestlers feature is really needed to make this game a classic.

[@rubenberrios6777]

They are adding more to it soon.

[@swisherlife]

@@rubenberrios6777 yeaaa….

[@Tooloud4Public]

Not Enough Legends!

[@samuelquintanilla6338]

Wrestlefest was my jam when I was a kid.

[@IshScout]

I haven't had the chance to play it yet (waiting on Playstation) but based on everything I'm hearing seems to be off to a great start. I think having finishers listed in the pause menu (as well as maybe a bit of extra tutorial) would help solve a few of the smaller issues. I think the major thing that is missing is online play & even though I don't play online much it's something that should be one of the first things they push for post launch. I feel like with that, continued additions to the roster (including women's stars), match types & maybe a simplified CAW it's a game that could be a solid favorite & have a long shelf life.

[@Smacktalks]

Totally agree with all of these points 👌🏻

[@thenateallen1513]

Also wating on playstation

With community creations, online modes, a sandbox career mode and more DLC wrestlers (which they already announced) this game would be even better.

[@Kskillz2]

Better than 2k20 and 2k battleground That’s a fact!

[@paluxyl.8682]

2k20 is actually a good game .

[@RNCV-uf7wu]

Love how you say "retro" Great vid, games looks so nostalgic and fun

[@NoDQCreations]

I throughly enjoyed this game

[@Mr_Leo_DS]

I still think the game is too expensive, at least here in Brazil, I will need to wait for a sale

[@Kskillz2]

I’m surprised that Morrison is in the game

[@Smacktalks]

I think it’s because he signed before returning to WWE, otherwise they’d have probably pulled him

[@walcodebruyn2135]

@@Smacktalks this is exactly why, I've been following this game since the start. It's made by real wrestling fans for wrestling fans please everyone follow their youtube Channel. Let's support them they are honestly an amazing Company. Btw it's really nice that one of my favorite wrestling game youtubers covered this game!

[@capsortee]

@@walcodebruyn2135 if RGT85 is involved, I aint supporting nothing!

WWE, AEW, Impact and NJPW stars joined the game before they signed contracts.

[@thenateallen1513]

@@walcodebruyn2135 I wish I could but it's not out for ps4

[@Guy-mx4fb]

if it let you add custom characters this would rock

[@kenthegamer]

The game is addicting

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

Game is boring

[@RoyStantz]

Mike Hermann, the creator and architect of RetroMania Wrestling, seems to have bitten off *WAY* more than he can chew. He's made a shitload of promises but has only delivered on a couple. RMW was released on April 1st 2021, which should have been an obvious indication of things to come (or not come). Yes, the game was released on April Fool's Day, and we the fans are the ones who have been made the fools for believing Mike could deliver on the content that he had promised us. We were originally promised three wrestlers - Chris Bey, James Storm, and Mr. Hughes. In nearly three years since the game's release we have received one wrestler, Chris Bey. We've also gotten a championship belt that can be used and fought for in exhibition, which is where fans are going to spend the majority of their time. We have also gotten a couple of new arenas, but none of them affect gameplay, so it's just whatever is aesthetically pleasing to the player. Mike seems to want to spend most of his time and effort creating and writing the story mode, which I think is the weakest part of the game. You have to play as Johnny Retro, so you can't play through the mode as the wrestler of your choice (unless, of course, you *WANT* to be Johnny Retro). The story is pretty straight forward. Every once in a while there are optional responses to questions you are asked, but your choices don't seem to affect the overall outcome. The fans just want what was promised - the remaining two wrestlers in James Storm and Mr. Hughes. On April 3rd 2023, Mike released a video on KZbin teasing the update and it was captioned with "update coming soon". I know soon is a relative term, but it is now December 16th; we are eight months into this update debacle. The way Mike made it sound we were going to get the update within a month, maybe two months; but here we are eight goddamn months later and still no update. Mike has also stopped responding to direct questions from fans - especially questions pertaining to the update. To me, eight months is *NOT* soon. Soon lies somewhere between the next day and maybe two or three months; *NOT EIGHT MONTHS!* I was patient for a long time, giving Mike and his very small team of devs and artists the benefit of the doubt. But at this point, I feel like this update is going to end up becoming vaporware. Why not just release the parts that are finished? Please give us James Storm and Mr. Hughes already. Surely they're finished. The second part of story mode can wait. Just release the parts that are finished. As far as new arenas go, they don't add a whole lot to the game for me. There are already around 20 different arenas to choose from. If you insist on adding new arenas, I would 100% prefer them to be fictional locations like Warhorse's arena. I would like one in like a spaceship or space station with aliens and robots making up the majority of the crowd... maybe having a window in the middle of the background showing black space with stars sprinkled on the black canvas. I have very little interest in real-life arenas. For the love of god, the fans are sick and tired of being jerked around with this update bullshit. Where is the update, Mike? Just tell us why it's taking so goddamn long. Did your devs and/or artists quit on you? You used to upload videos on KZbin fairly frequently, teasing the new additions included in the update. Just let us know why we still don't have it. Stop hiding from your responsibilities as the head of your company. You used to do developer diary videos during the game's development; why can't you make some for this update? Please, just talk to us, Mike. We are begging you. The RetroMania Wrestling community just wants the truth.

[@regul8r]

The roster isn't the greatest but if they add a caw mode that would help. With that said I'm all for promoting and helping other wrestlers games but have to wait for a physical release on ps4 before I buy.

[@ramialejel]

I'm gonna be honest Retromania is not my style of games but it actually does look pretty cool and fun ! Thanks for the overview 🙌

[@Anthony-Testicali]

Yes thank you for that. Have a nice day buddy

[@seanohagan1712]

I have RetroMania Wrestling on my Nintendo Switch it is so much fun to me (I got it for my 31st birthday) I like playing Road Warrior Animal, Big Blue Meanie, Colt Cabana, Tommy Dreamer, and Road Warrior Hawk I pick Verses mode and then choose 1 on 1, Triple Threat, Fatal 4 Way it's fun

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

That's because you have the brain 🧠 of a 6 year old

[@seanohagan1712]

@@wrestlingmaniac6195 I'm 31

[@carlodurant87]

like the bwo, tommy dreamer and road warriors in there. should replace the new wrestlers with wrestling legends from the 80s and 90s

[@Unchainedful]

2023, game is dead. No more new content and from the 2 years the roster from my knowledge only received one extra new wrestler. They ignored all community suggestions such as CAW. They refuse to open source their game to allow true modding in the game. As of today the developers no longer responses to the community any more. The game haven’t received an update in nearly a year the updates were simple minor bug fixes. It’s a fun game, but with the content it has its more of a 20 minute play through before you get bored. Cheers from 2023!

[@RT-bt5ql]

Update coming

[@richfranklin9270]

Update dropped today

[@nocrot1]

The gameplay looks solid. I loved Raw is War way back on the Genesis. But the names/wrestlers they choose to be in this could have been better. I know it's all about who you can get etc. Hawk, Animal, Dreamer really belong. But I would have loved to see more recognizable faces from the 90's than current stars.

[@Rocket1377]

Most of those wrestlers are exclusively signed to WWE or AEW, including the legends. I would love to have big names like Demolition, Jake Roberts, etc as part of the game, but it's highly unlikely to happen.

[@dogs8278]

Nice video!

[@Smacktalks]

Thanks man!

[@rossmathias5675]

This looks like a good game for those players who enjoyed late 80s to early 90s wrestling games.

[@rubenberrios6777]

That is why, I like it.

[@SmellTheCanvis]

This does look like a fun game, but the first thing people will want to know is how to perform finishers and reversals. I can see why that would be frustrating during gameplay. Quite the oversight from the dev team.

[@hanssprungfeld8487]

Its the easiest game I've ever played most finishers are a combination of strong grapple and right button

[@SmellTheCanvis]

@@hanssprungfeld8487 Easiest game ever? I thought it was designed to be a bit challenging. I think it's fine to have a combination for a finish, but we're accustomed now to a "one button" conditional finisher. So, it's a bit much to ask people to search for which way to perform the finishes if there is no indicator. Maybe I'm being too picky, and maybe they were just paying homage to the arcade style games, but wrestling gameplay has evolved quite a bit and these smalls details can make or break the game, especially for casuals who just want an arcade experience

[@keith4968]

Wrestle fest is my all time favourite wrestling game, I played it to death in my younger years.I think a bigger roster and creation mode is standard for every wrestling game these days and some more classic wrestlers be cool too

[@ced214]

When they add create a wrestler I will buy it that same day!!

[@cyberchaos69]

I think this comes down to if you are looking for the next No Mercy or Smackdown Here Comes The Pain or even a modern 2K offering you will think this sucks. But if you were someone who grew up playing Wrestlefest in the arcade or Royal Rumble on the SNES or hell even Pro Wrestling on the original NES this offering is definetly worth checking out

[@OptimusPrimeribs]

Just looking for more popular wrestlers on the roster, but a year after your comment, no progress.

[@jasonwohlers6151]

2 to 3 years after launch and all buyers got was extra arenas, 1 of 3 promised dlc, and an unpolished storyline.

[@nickgeorgiou123]

Few more legends and this is the perfect wrestling game

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

Needs more than that .

[@RockstardollsLLC]

Only thing missing is ability to create own character and make custom move set

[@aust100]

Game is fun yes it needs more Content more wrestlers more arena and more modes I think to be a completed game it’s fun as hell though and hard when you turn up the difficulty. Great review more wrestlers have been added and they are going to keep updating it.

[@spino-tinodon1146]

The game looks cool but I am very disappointed with the roster. If they had only added more wrestlers from the 80's and 90's such as Ultimate Warrior, Bret Hart, Hulk Hogan, Earthquake, Undertaker, Mr. Perfect, Big Daddy Cool Dissel, Razor Ramon, Yokozuna, Kane, British Bulldog, Jake the Snake or The Rockers I would have bought the game in a heartbeat.

[@kaisersoza5464]

Could have been perfect if only they had same wrestlers from wrestle fest ☹️ and it wasn’t so fast

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

Jobber fest 2021

[@Ser_IanSheepington]

Question: Is the Roster going to expand by time?

[@ThePhoenix24]

Yeah they have DLC coming in such as Chris bey james storm and Mr Hughes And alot of other tag teams not mentioned yet

[@PoonamSharma-ov9oq]

I love Wrestling Empire ❤️ more than retromania

[@sylvangroot310]

Great

[@dabonnie8356]

Congrats you are 1st

[@FanDethklok]

Can't wait for the Playstation release

[@JayCord00]

Gonna stick to Fire Pro Wrestling , great review tho .

[@robertdalton9050]

I bought Retromania and I'm not a big fan of the "FPW control style", I am so happy I did,it is totally worth it,I've spent more on DLC for other games. Buy this game if you love Wrestlefest

[@BRIANDFULLER17]

Game got boring real quick

[@The80sWolf_]

Warhorses walk to the ring is the best ever

[@animal1nstinct394]

would you review Fire Pro World for PS4 or steam?

[@mark0fthew0lves]

I was looking forward to getting it on PS4, though with how unprepared the company seemed with getting target release dates and then saying PS4 would launch at $25 bucks but instead it launched at $30, I'm kinda soured towards getting it. It looks pretty good, but it feels like it's lacking something whether it's features, maybe another mode, match type, idk. The roster could use a little more star power but I understand thats a difficult task for a small studio. Stinks I can't play with my buddies online either. Maybe I'll get it down the line, we'll see.

[@7thirtyakathamortician993]

I really wasn't impressed with this game. Not worth 30 bucks, They could have put more wrestlers and more moves.its very repetitive after awhile. I wish someone would remaster those wrestling games that were on 64 now those were the shit.

[@thewelshdrummer]

Hi, how are you, nice video 😁

[@Smacktalks]

Thanks Red! I’m doing well, hope you are too!

[@elijahvelez1488]

@@Smacktalks I have a question when will the ps4 version come out

[@andrewmcintyre9279]

I love the game!

[@ROIDEDCAPS7868]

1:55 MATT CARDONA HAS THE NWA TEN POUNDS OF GOLD BELT AROUND HIS WAIST WAY BEFORE HE ACTUALLY WON IT!

[@mutechannel13]

I love the look and control engine of the game but I wish it wwf and wcw wrestler stopped at year 2000. Most of the people in the game dont know. I just downloaded the rom on my pc

[@lagubrok92]

There is a similar looking wrestling pc game like this back in the early 2000ish-late 1990ish. That wresling game has exactly similar graphics like retromania. The characters in the game has no relations with any wrestlers in wwe ecw irl. In that game, you will sometime miss your punch on your opponent because of the graphics. The characters in the match has health bar right beside them and not on top both sides of the screen like retromania. The characters will hold both of its hands to its own chest and walks very very slowly when it gets injured. That old game also has similar spectators iron fence like in retromania and you can even use the fence against your opponent other than desk, ladder, sledgehammer, barbwire club, and thumbtacks. I forgot the game's title. I've been searching for it so long. Does anyone here knows about that game's title?

[@michaelimoekor7025]

Loved the video smacktalks

[@greenarcherlom]

Way better than the supposedly sequel on the xbox.

[@dcagegaming3025]

One question I have is how do you have a title match in expedition mode? Only thing I haven’t figured out

[@VikingWarlord]

Whichever wrestler you take through 10 pounds of gold, will then be champ. Then in exhibition mode they come out with belt in entrance. But it doesn't announce them as champ its just visual. If you then do a 1v1 with the champ the belt will go to the winner and you can just keep doing that. So to summarize ALL 1v1 exhibitions are title matches if the champ is in it.

[@HeroQuestFans]

cool, but needs more stars... or at least a create-a-wrestler option for multiplayer!

[@travishunstable5283]

So in your opinion which is better this or fire pro wrestling world.

[@crdude806]

bring back that WWF game from SNES...witha all the hall of fames bros..brett hart ,owen , bam bam biggalo , undertaker...ya know what im saying !

[@jamesmilford6051]

Just add make your own character creation and it would be good

[@grgmj1980]

“Who these fucken guys?”

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

Jobbers

[@djwithattitude8032]

Is it on ps4 yet or when it’s coming out

[@kylemccoy7912]

The story mode afterwards says to be continued. Does that mean they’re Gonna add more chapters?

[@Smacktalks]

Ive asked the developers about this but so far I’ve had no response

[@kylemccoy7912]

Oh ok

[@justixevu2177]

If you check the files you can see some characters' renders for Story modes that never appear in current patch, which means new chapters are coming soon

[@kylemccoy7912]

Thx Hoang

[@thenateallen1513]

Can we get the ps4 version 1st so we all can enjoy

[@iio58]

13 arenas? There were 17 on the select screen. 4x4 + 1.

[@vincenzovieri3743]

my god the roster sucks! i grew up with warrior, macho man, crush, mr. perfect, bret hart, texas tornado, psycho sid, razer ramon, diesel, shawn michaels, so looking at this roster is like watching 5th division football. these are a bunch of nobodies other than hawk and animal. come on, get some of these great wrestlers on this game. heck get brutus the barber beef cake or rick the model martel.

[@catdaddy5472]

Reminds me of arcade wrestling game with royal rumble and tag team but there was far more characters shame nobody has done a similar version for ps I won't be paying £25 for it

[@CodyRayy119]

Is this game digital only or will they release a physical copy which I prefer instead of digital

[@UomonelPallone2013]

The game characters have single different attributes like Strenght, Stamina, Endurance ecc?

[@DoomSlayerEythyn]

It does look good and I think it's a nice difference, however I think wrestling empire on switch is better... this could be a really good game but it lacks content and creativity, but in turn it works out well being that it's meant to be a simple wrestling game from back in the day.

[@theguy1233]

Are there going to be more wrestlers I prefer it to have over 30 so the game does not get boring

[@user-qc7hr4my7r]

If they get in with wwe and get permission to pull some of the greats this game would be on point.

[@stealthattack2209]

Wrestlefest still looks better.

[@arcaderacer586]

Mine seems to play faster than I would like. It seems to move much quicker than the other old school games its suppose to be modeled after. Anyone else think its too fast?

[@troywright359]

Yes it's a bit faster, and if you directly compare it, i think the wrestlefest moves took slightly longer and the screen shook to show more of an impact. Also doesn't seem to be any punching or kicking in the grappling tieup. And the ring seems smaller than Wrestlefest, but maybe that's due to the view? Plus no basic commentary like wrestlefest had

[@MrBumlicker]

It's a bit of a disappointment the roster is small

[@chriswinspear5728]

They missed the boat with the roster like.

[@MrJavier316]

Is it available for the PS5 I’m hype for the game to.

[@Smacktalks]

It’s still awaiting a release date for PlayStation but it shouldnt be too much longer. It’s already available for Steam, Xbox and Switch.

[@MrJavier316]

@@Smacktalks I have the switch should I get it or on Xbox I think the switch is more better and graphics to.

[@DoomSlayerEythyn]

@@MrJavier316 the graphics for the switch version of this game are literally exactly the same so go for it bro

[@domingomacedo2494]

The Best retro wrestling game we needed since wwe 2k20 and 2k battlegrounds was a complete mess but a game that has Aew wwe ECW nwa and Japan superstars and areas in one with royal rumble like controls from Sega days wrestling game of the year so far

[@wigg1yscott554]

Look forward to buying this next month. I'm curious though, how do they get to use all these trademarks?

[@Rocket1377]

Most of these wrestlers are independent, or own the rights to their gimmicks. That's why you won't see any WWE or AEW wrestlers in the roster, since those companies are developing their own videogames, and want their wrestlers to be exclusive to those.

[@Rocket1377]

John Morrison is an exception, because he signed on to be part of this game prior to his return to WWE. Notice that they did not use his WWE name in this game.

[@whynotrashid]

Great review

[@vincentebaez2574]

This game is never on sale.

[@MrBumlicker]

You could play as legion of doom using a cheat in wrestlefest

[@luccirobbins6675]

If they get more wrestlers and a GM mode, I’d definitely check it out.

[@bigballerju07]

Yup this game is great and fun on XBOX. 2k should be ashamed.

[@dragonballtalk8527]

I like rikabani

[@jameshill7729]

shame cause of legal rights they couldn't have guys like ric flair hulk hogan and the macho man in this game that goes for classic tag teams too

[@elijahvelez1488]

When will the ps4 version come out

[@kbtken]

Can you create your own wrestlers?

[@JuvPrimervago]

still waiting for it to hit the ps4

[@GamingSaturnMoonManBoy]

There’s no create a character

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

Yeah that's why I won't get this game . Can't believe they didn't add that .

[@DarrenH001]

Somehow the graphics are inferior to Wrestlefest's. Why are the sprites so small? Looks more like WWF Superstars, the predecessor to Wrestlefest. The Road Warriors should be far more muscular too.

[@coates27]

Still no DLC

[@trza49er]

New Japan is an indy fed now?

[@thenateallen1513]

Where's the ps4 version

[@adny02]

Add "The Rock" and you've got my $30.

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

It's gonna need more than that you jobber

[@RedStickAtheist]

So how is this compared to Firepro world, and when will it come out on PS4?

[@anthonylewis4278]

Nowhere near as good, there's only about 20 wrestlers and no caws

Fire Pro Wrestling World is a god tier wrestling game, Retromania is too basic comparable to FPWW.

[@hanssprungfeld8487]

Its way better in terms of collision detection and bigger roster and more modes are coming

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

Fire pro is way better than this shit

[@wrestlingmaniac6195]

@@hanssprungfeld8487 you must be high . Fire pro wrestling is waaay better

[@MS_718]

Johny Drip Drip

[@TheCubicleReview2]

This game literally copies the gameplay mechanics of firepro wrestling. The best wrestling game franchise bar none.