Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan (Japan): A Deep Dive into One of the Best Wrestling Games on the SNES
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is known for its impressive library of classic games, and one genre that has always been well-represented on the system is sports games. In particular, wrestling games were quite popular on the SNES, and one title that stands out as one of the best is Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan (Japan). This game, developed by Yuke's and released in 1995, is a notable entry in the world of wrestling video games for its depth, replayability, and overall fun factor. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the world of Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan, exploring its gameplay mechanics, roster, and overall impact on the wrestling game genre.
A Brief History
Before we delve into the specifics of the game, it's important to provide some context about the wrestling game scene in the mid-1990s. At this time, wrestling was experiencing a surge in popularity, with larger-than-life characters like Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, and Bret Hart captivating audiences around the world. Wrestling video games, too, were gaining traction, with developers attempting to capture the excitement and drama of the sport in digital form.
Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan was released in Japan in 1995, and it was part of a series of wrestling games developed by Yuke's. The game was exclusive to the Japanese market, meaning that Western audiences had to rely on imports or emulation to experience its unique brand of wrestling action. While the game's lack of availability outside of Japan may have limited its global impact, it was widely regarded as one of the best wrestling games on the SNES in its time.
Gameplay Mechanics
At its core, Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan is a 2D wrestling game that offers a variety of game modes and match types. The game features a roster of over thirty unique wrestlers, each with their own distinct movesets and special abilities. Players can choose from a range of match types, including singles matches, tag team matches, and battle royales, each with their own set of rules and strategies.
One of the defining features of Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan is its intuitive and responsive controls. Players can execute a wide array of grappling, striking, and aerial moves with relative ease, allowing for fluid and dynamic matches. The game's controls are designed to make it easy for players to string together impressive combinations and perform devastating finishing moves, capturing the over-the-top spectacle of professional wrestling.
Roster
The roster of Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan is perhaps one of its most impressive aspects. The game features over thirty playable wrestlers, including well-known stars from the world of Japanese wrestling as well as fictional characters created specifically for the game. Each wrestler has their own unique moveset and abilities, ensuring that no two matches ever play out the same way.
The game's roster includes legends of Japanese wrestling such as Jushin Thunder Liger, Keiji Mutoh, and Riki Choshu, as well as lesser-known but equally talented wrestlers like Super Strong Machine and Kuniaki Kobayashi. In addition to these real-life wrestlers, Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan also features a number of original characters, each with their own distinctive look and in-ring style.
The diverse and expansive roster of Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan was a major draw for fans of the game, as it allowed them to pit their favorite wrestlers against each other in dream matches that were previously impossible in the real world.
Replayability
One of the hallmarks of a great video game is its ability to keep players coming back for more, and Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan excels in this regard. The game offers a wide range of match types, each with its own unique challenges and strategies, ensuring that no two matches ever feel the same. Whether playing in singles matches, tag team matches, or the chaotic battle royale mode, players will find themselves constantly discovering new ways to approach the game and master its mechanics.
In addition to the diverse match types, Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan also includes a number of unlockable features that incentivize players to keep coming back. From hidden wrestlers to special match types and arenas, the game offers plenty of content for players to uncover, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience.
Impact on the Genre
Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan may not have achieved the same level of recognition as some of its Western counterparts, but it nonetheless left a lasting impact on the wrestling game genre. The game was praised for its intuitive controls, deep roster, and high level of replayability, setting a standard for what a top-tier wrestling game could be.
The game's emphasis on Japanese wrestling also helped to introduce Western audiences to a style of wrestling that was less familiar to them, showcasing the unique moves and personalities of Japan's wrestling scene. In doing so, Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan helped to broaden the horizons of wrestling fans and inspire a new generation of games that would continue to explore the rich diversity of professional wrestling.
In conclusion, Zen-Nihon Pro Wrestling 2 - 3-4 Budoukan (Japan) stands as a remarkable example of a high-quality wrestling game on the SNES, offering deep gameplay mechanics, an expansive roster, and a high degree of replayability. While the game may not have achieved the same level of mainstream recognition as some of its counterparts, it nonetheless left an indelible mark on the wrestling game genre and continues to be remembered fondly by fans who experienced its unique brand of wrestling action.
