8. Tecmo World Wrestling (NES, 1990, Tecmo)
In the realm of retro button-mashing wrestling titles, Tecmo World Wrestling (known as Gekitou Pro Wrestling!! Toukon Densetsu in Japan) for the NES released in 1990 stood out mainly because of its play-by-play text commentary by the animated Tom Talker. As you executed moves with your chosen wrestler – just to name a few, A. Dragon, J. Flacon., J. Kee, and E. Tigre (with the Engrish Northern “Right” Suplex) – Tom would announce moves faster than a soccer commentator on Univision: Brain Buster! Figure Four! Shoulder Throw! A Sudden Turnaround!
Moreover, it had a bevy of moves for its time including ground attacks, aerial attacks, and running attacks off the ropes, and some finisher moves that would end with a close-up cut-scene of an action replay. Winning the match can be done by three-count pinfall, count-out, or submission, all of which were made easier if you knocked your opponent’s health bar lower. Between bouts, you can even upgrade your wrestler’s power in training sessions with sit-ups, squats, and a sumo on your back as you do push-ups. Not only impressive for the NES, Tecmo World Wrestling was ahead of its time.
