Utterly Dreadful Computer Wrestling Games | Kim Justice

[@melasnexperience]

I appreciate that Popeye 3: Wrestle Crazy predicted Handsome Squidward with one of its opponents. I kinda like IRS as a wrestler, if only cuz (a) he's surprisingly nimble for a big guy and (b) as someone whose job is to run compliance interference between federal agencies & my company, the urge to be able to get away with demanding "follow the freaking regs or get a piledriver" is sometimes overwhelming, so he's a bit of wish fulfillment.

[@quasiotter]

1. The ref in Wrestling Superstars is really cute! 2. I love the non-human characters in Popeye 3 & Intergalactic Cage Match. They're giving me idea for character designs. 3. Your voice and delivery is incredible; that's the main hook for watching your videos.

[@42PalaceOfWisdom42]

18:30 Holy crap, it's Popeye vs. Handsome Squidward!!!

[@KingofPotatoPeople]

Oh my....so much of this video strikes a chord with me. They are like shit wallpaper I vaguely remember. I have very specific memories about a few of these on the 64 - and this may be my only opportunity to share.....Rock ‘n’ Wrestle’s music still goes through my head....I liked the pace of the game and I remember reincarnating some of the fighters as create a wrestler in Smackdown years later....Championship Wrestling’s victory theme we would sing ‘please will you adjust my jockstrap’ to as it fit perfectly, broke a joystick or two on WWF, didn’t buy European Rampage because of the crap reviews....Popeye 3’s final wrestler’s name haunts my memory to this day ‘The Plasmatic Shadow Man’, got Intergalactic Cage Match from a second hand shop and oh....you took me right back with that godawful music......I hadn’t realised just how many wrestling games I’d played back in the day!

[@napalmhardcore]

I played a few of these back in the day. Ocean's WWF WrestleMania was one of the first games I played on the Amiga. I remember throwing a tantrum in which, through my violent expressing of my anger, I jumped in the air and kneed myself in the face (and bled quite a lot). I also remember being giddy with excitement the morning European Rampage arrived in the post. I remember the crushing disappointment like it was yesterday. After playing Wrestlefest at the arcade, none of the home releases really scratched that itch. It wasn't until the PS1 that we got some reasonably decent wrestling games at home and the N64 games remain my favourite to this day. I've been seriously disappointed with the lack of progress in the wrestling game genre. Smackdown came out 20 years ago and I stopped buying them around 06 or 07 because I felt like I was playing essentially the same game year after year (and that looks to have continued in the years after). They still had animations from the first Smackdown game alongside the newer, more elaborate (and sometimes over the top) animations added in later games well into the PS2's life. This gave the games a really inconsistent feeling quality-wise. New elements just felt tacked on. RAW and it's sequel as well as WrestleMania 21 on the XBOX, while not particularly great games, at least served as a distraction from the games Yuke's churned out year after year. My priorities when it comes to wrestling games differ from some peoples. Animation in a wrestling game, to me, is almost as important as gameplay itself (although good gameplay is obviously desired). Most wrestling games fail to convey a sense of weight or the slowing of pace as a match progresses (something the N64 games excelled at). With today's technology, I would have liked to see more development of dynamic animations and perhaps even some utilisation of physics rather than canned animations. I'm beginning to doubt the kind of wrestling game I'd like to play will ever be produced.

[@MattyStoked]

Absolutely brilliant. Who knew we needed a rundown of wrasslin' games on micros? :-D

[@jgfear]

One of my early favorites was “ Pro Wrestling “ for the NES and Tecmo World Wrestling . I also love the Super Fire Pro Series.

[@Halbared]

I liked both those games, thought Tecmo was the best. I've not heard of Super Fire pro.

[@jgfear]

Phil Chadwick The Super Fire Pro series is great. The most recent release is Super Fire Pro World . U should give it try.

[@MiTBender]

Fighter Hayabusa FTW

[@michaelstone6617]

Love the OSW reference! Happy days are here again!

[@IsoEsa66]

+1

[@stufaman]

I was the same. A fellow Britt who watched WWF in 1990. Searched for a decent wrestling game and cried. I gave up and joined a wrestling company.

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

i played rock n wrestle on the spectrum to death - it only had 4 opponents compared to the 8 on the c64 and the graphics were awful but it was all we had to therefore essential for fans, to win it's all about timing rather than button bashing.

[@SameNameDifferentGame]

And I thought we the NES faithful had it bad with WWF Wrestlemania! At least that one had a fantastic David Wise soundtrack!

[@michaellee8816]

I've never got over them making IRS bald in European Rampage on the C64

[@craigcharlesworth1538]

I'm constantly amazed that there was still commercial software being released by major publishers for the Speccy within 12 months of the PlayStation's Japanese launch.

[@KuraIthys]

It's pretty crazy looking at how long some systems were still being supported. Equally bizarre, but for different reasons is that the Wii is still getting new releases. Not many, but would you expect it to be getting ANY at this point? It's 14 years old!

[@mr.x9566]

Don't quote me on this but I'm sure Master System games are still being produced in Brazil. Brazil continues to produce Master Systems.

[@craigcharlesworth1538]

@@mr.x9566 I don't think they're still being produced now but new games were indeed still being made in Brazil for years after everywhere else abandoned it, and new hardware kept being released for absolutely ages. The last few versions were cheap things with built in games but no physical cart slot, if I recall.

[@Halbared]

@@KuraIthys Wow, I'll have to reconnect it.

[@KuraIthys]

@@Halbared You probably wouldn't want them, to be honest. The main thing still going on the wii is the 'just dance' series. I didn't say what was being released was interesting... XD Also the online services for wii were fully discontinued last year. What's left is physical disc releases which take some digging to find.

[@pmc8451]

Surely that’s Billy Jack Haynes in the silly hat in Rock ’n’ Wrestling

[@CyberSlunk]

Thanks for this Kim, your videos are keeping me entertained admirably during these crazy times! Much love to you!

[@bt3779]

Seconded, thank you.

[@SuaveCerealKiller]

Yes indeed...love your work!

[@BlackburnBigdragon]

The big thing that really ticked me off about 90% of wrestling games back then was that for ages, they were obsessed with using carpal tunnel generating, joystick wiggling for everything. It was a mechanic that I absolutely HATED in wrestling games from that era. It was always, put a hold on the guy, then wiggle that joystick back and forth or push that button as fast as you can. Then pin the person, or be pinned and wiggle that joystick again. I couldn't play these games more than a round or so because my damn wrists and arms would end up hurting so much. It took decades for them to realize that no one liked this mechanic and for us to stop seeing it in all the wrestling games.

[@grotgrusson5124]

@01:29 Lino vs Men at Arms @01:46 Beavis vs a Scare crow (from Wizard of Oz?)

[@mikemayberry7121]

I really enjoy the content on this channel. I grew up in the US so I didn't know about most of the games covered here. It's fascinating, and it's presented in a very funny and engaging way. Keep doing these theme videos with multiple reviews. Good stuff!

[@pnvgordinho]

I love the sound of the Amiga drive spinning. Brings back memories, good ones. Its so cool that even the emulators have it.

[@97channel]

5:00 Pretty sure those SFX are also in Winter Games, on the C64. Wrestling Superstars using that time honoured legal loophole. If it ain't got a moustache, it ain't Hulk Hogan.

[@russelltaysom145]

All my favourite things in one vid! Thank you Kim, although I'm slightly bitter you had Sky!

[@KasumiRINA]

YES! Horrible wrestling games are the best!.. xD I'd love more reviews of any bad wrestling in general, your Agony and Ecstasy Heroes of Wrestling documentary was brilliant, sad and hilarious at the same time.

[@dcflake5645]

Getting triggers from seeing Intergalactic Cage Match again. One thing to to note, European rampage had actual samples of the wrestlers themes. Quite unique for sampled music to be in Amiga game. Probably my first time hearing Real American too.

[@1984Brandon]

Bliss Island on the Playstation Portable was made by the same Codemasters that made a wrestling game? Mindblowing

[@stevenhibbard4421]

Thanks for reminding me of Top Wrestling (Bulk Dogan still makes me laugh), had it as a kid and couldn't remember the name of it until now

[@TheAuthorizedJay]

Lovely video. Can you cover the All-Star Pro Wrestling series? It's probably the most realistic Japanese wrestling game series that I've ever seen.

[@SpockvsEgon]

I'd be interested in your take on Adam Ryland's wrestling booker simulators like Extreme Warfare Revenge or Total Extreme Warfare.

[@Liquidcadmus]

as a 9 year old, Sgt. Slaughter on the C64 was a lot of fun, although it was very limited, it had a lot of potential. of course looking at it now.. mmhh yeah, it's kind of a mess

[@Robin-ie3ns]

My spectrum version of Rock N Wrestle was damaged and I would sometimes spend an entire day trying to load it!! Mental.

[@BanditTheCat2017]

Always wondered what the hulkster would look like without the ‘stache

[@sargonsblackgrandfather2072]

Kim we need you to get us through this lockdown. Keep the videos coming.

[@mr.x9566]

Is that The Immoral Hall Korgan in the thumbnail? I love the slight alterations in the artwork.

[@terriblecoughing4767]

Just what I needed. Thank you ever so much, Kim.

[@stevieboyXI]

I loved Microleague Wrestling as a kid. ESWF was a good spiritual successor.

[@SuperNitroZ64]

ESWF?

[@stevieboyXI]

@@SuperNitroZ64 Edge of Survival Wrestling Federation. Not sure if it's still available online.

[@CDFamously]

Kim, have you ever considered streaming TEW, or for a throwback, perhaps some EWR? (Or have you already, and like a complete bloody idiot, I missed it?!) Would love to watch you book a real world mod, something like ooooh err, WWF in 1991. :)

[@backwoodsbillycreeks2174]

Bop n wrestle in USA? I tranced out to this game like an hour at a time, played it so much, top rope dives are gravity

[@bw-414]

my friend and i played rock'n wrestle a lot in the '80s.

[@Seanbyford]

I love your content - but today has to be the best video title I’ve ever read....thank you!

[@TenchiJeff]

I always feel like I should watch your videos at 10pm on Saturdays.

[@mdj2010]

My first wrestling experience in video gaming were the Ocean games on Atari ST. Even as a youngster with little awareness of a quality, I knew I was not enjoying myself playing these games.

[@freakishuproar1168]

I think the term "generic crapness" should be in common usage. In order to distinguish the mundane from the bizarre and obscure crapness that weirdos like us enjoy. EDIT: Now whilst I'm at work, I can imagine Popeye taking out Dutch's team like the predator, rather than fixating on my crippling coronavirus anxiety. Thank you Kim! :D

[@tamhaswoods9056]

Anyone else clock that the ref seen at the top of the page at 14:29 is modelled on the short arsed personal trainer from Daley Thompson's olympic challenge?

[@PressStartGamingYT]

Yes! Another wrestling game video from you! I love your content!

[@PaulEMoz]

Rock 'n Wrestle came out quite a long time before the ports of Tag Team Wrestling. The reviews weren't great but as a two-player games especially, it was a lot of fun and the amount of moves they crammed into a one-button joystick setup was really impressive.

[@InTheRedCornerBFC]

I was a wrestler in the UK for 7 years ... Good review as always, and I remember inter galantic wrestling ,I actually bought it for my spectrum when I was a kid and hated it!

[@bombjack1984]

Glad you didn't bury Rock n Wrestle too much, it had its merits at the time and I spent many hours as a kid watching the demo mode.

[@retrorambles517]

Love this Kim Hope to see more I pre ordered retro mania wrestling for the switch The official sequel to wrestlefest

[@Halbared]

A tactical wrestling game? WOw. THey should make one today!

[@Asobitech]

A wonderful look at some terrible games there. I remember getting Rock n Wrestle on the ZX Spectrum and trying to love it so much. Fooling myself into thinking it was better than it was. All because I was totally into the WWF and British Wrestling and the time.

[@stickershock66]

I loved Championship Wrestling! The audience would boo if you didn't fight each other, and you could throw people out of the ring.

[@ziggypop79]

First wrestling game I had was Wrestlewar for the megadrive.

[@skijumpnose]

I see Popeye 3, I couldn't beat the first alien in that game, Controls seemed unresponsive! Hope you are staying safe Kim

[@stirlock]

*watches* *immediately goes to play fire pro world* Thank you for making things like this in these trying times. It's definitely apreciated.

[@steuph1976]

The CPC version of Rock'n'Wrestle has probably the worst colour choices I've ever seen on the platform. My only guess is that they developed it for the green screen only. It's a really good game if, as you said, you play to have fun and do cool moves. The gameplay is actually quite good and based on what you want to do with your opponent. I really loved it despite the atrocious graphics.

[@Halbared]

NIce vid. Lover of old timey wrestling and games here, a great combo....brutha

[@Monkey_SK]

No Gameboy games, were any of those good? Or is the average list too big to be a video in its self. Great video once again Kim.

[@ivanmcgann1989]

Thought with the thumbnail you were going to put yourself through that Hulk Hogan kinect game

[@twilliamspro]

5:42 Deptford Crematorium? WWF Putting on a show in a Crem just after Doris' Funeral?

[@RJRC_105]

Was the premium rate hint line the loot box of the 1980s?

[@gmonkman]

great as always, i'll check out your last wrestling one as well - wrestling not my thing, but terrible games are!

[@cugan83]

Thanks again Kim for keeping us entertained in these shit times.

[@NewportBox100s]

Love your videos, Kim! 🦄🦄🦄

[@rossblood5015]

Brilliant..popeye 3 made me laugh alot😀thank u for makin such great videos.i always look out for a new one

[@Fústarman]

Great fun, Kim. Thanks!

[@gabealexander8878]

17:29 How the hell is Popeye only 158 pounds? That's the same as David Arquette and in no way, shape, or form should Popeye have anything in common with David Arquette!

[@mr_beezlebub3985]

Good morning from the USA. I hope your day is going well

[@KasumiRINA]

It's slightly past noon in Europe :p

[@mikekaraoke]

When you said about this game coming out in 1985, And is the one with the best graphics etc I spat out my drink and laughed my ass off-There were plenty of other games that were either better or much better in graphics/Gameplay for wrestling games some you mentioned on this list So for me some of these are not utterly dreadful but some are

[@vixtwenty8312]

Loved Rock n wrestle played it sooo much much..great video

[@BIGGIEDEVIL]

I dont care about you being a transgender your content is very good and always entertaining to watch, very happy to have found your channel years ago, keep the videos coming your production level and editing has come a long way big thumbs up !!

[@pnvgordinho]

9:48 " Terminator character stick". I had one one those. It was the head of T2. Rubbish of course. :)

[@russelltaysom145]

I really wanted the Alien one! It looked rad, apparently it's famously shit so I'm kinda glad I never lived that disapointment

[@pnvgordinho]

@@russelltaysom145 Those joysticks were not meant for playing. And you are right, they sucked but it was more of a collector item. I had many joysticks that were crap like that. To compensate, I had a quickshot maverick one. Best arcade stick of all time.

[@pnvgordinho]

@@russelltaysom145 My friend had the alien one and a Bart Simpson.

[@MiTBender]

18:51 I love that Popeye theme rendition

[@torhansen8570]

God, me and my brother spent so many hours on Rock'n Wrestle.

[@z0rrer0]

WWF Wrestlemania on PC was pretty decent

[@theforthdoctor7872]

I can't believe you are still getting away using the old BBC VHS intro

[@KadeemG61]

Whatever happened to the New Japan videos you made?

[@Flow-J.Simpson]

no way that micro wwf game was 87, it's got savage with sherri, that wasn't until 89.

[@jamesaitchison9478]

Nostalgic fun, good times, great video.

[@jorgeng7251]

Just What i needed in the Corona hysteria..thanks!

[@MrChuckGrape]

It amazes me that we as a society don't talk more about the fact that there's a game in which Popeye wrestles a xenomorph.

[@UntaintedSKS]

There's a muscle game that I think should have been on this list

[@THENAMEISQUICKMAN]

Here I was hoping there'd be some really bizzare Japanese game for... I don't know, the MSX or something. Hah. Gotta love European Rampage, though...

[@Feenix102]

The music for intergalactic cage match sounds similar to a REALLY shit version of Cars by Gary Numan!

[@thatpart]

If the channel’s opening bumper has been active for a while, forgive the late comment - nonetheless, it rules all that is everything.

[@pal-of-pals]

I'm a simple person, I see a Kim Justice wrestling video and I click.

[@JMFSpike]

You're a little too late. I'm afraid that joke has run it's course and is no longer funny.

[@JMFSpike]

@broootal Was I speaking to you, dip shit?

[@jamesfx2]

No-one noticed budget Amiga games and their copyright violations? The Great Giana Sisters send their regards.

[@JadeStarr]

Rock n Wrestle was the shit. Also I had championship Wrestling on cassette it was so painful to load each match but it was all we had back then

[@davidmreyes77]

Ocean’s Wrestlemania looked (at least better ports with more colors) more like Superstars the Arcade Game but it just had poor play mechanics and kind of suuucked.

[@jonnyspeed8974]

I wondered why I'd never played wrestling games. Because Way of The Exploding Fist.

[@slamfreepoetry1845]

Love that extended Sintro....

[@gwmerryweather]

I bought european rampage on the Atari ST. one of the most dissapointing purchases ever.

[@jonhufford6980]

State of your boys stable,mate! Sags, typhoon,i.r.s and that grappler...animal!

[@SuaveCerealKiller]

I'm dying here! Various visually displeasing characters....

[@alkohallick2901]

I had Microleague Wrestling too!!! Lol

[@grotgrusson5124]

The best wrestlig game of all time has to be NES Pro Wrestling. I always used Star Man, or that green monster dude. Never owned the game (or a NES for that fact) my self, but my classmate did, and I swept his sorry ass every time 😁

[@lmcgregoruk]

A winner is you.

[@grotgrusson5124]

@@lmcgregoruk Ha ha! Good one 😁

[@lexnoil]

Wow, those games was (dare i say it) pretty dreadful. 🤣🤣

[@yeoedwin1619]

Even WWE Raw in PC was a disaster.

[@Grzegorz54321]

"WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game" the best wrestling game.

[@yeoedwin1619]

But will be worn out after playing for some time.

[@mr.x9566]

@@yeoedwin1619 Your wallet will be worn out after a few minutes.

[@heyhonpuds]

C’MON CALL CHATBACK!!!

[@jordza2k11]

It’ll be the best Hulk Hogan wrestling matches since he was in Japan

[@jonigazeboize_ziri6737]

Let's hit the notification bell three to four times.