Links

CRITIK

WrestleQuest

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

2023

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

AvailableAug 22, 2023

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

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

55%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of WrestleQuest are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as App Trigger and But Why Tho??, appreciate the cute and endearing tale of WrestleQuest, with engaging characters and a focus on the dreams and aspirations of the protagonists. The inclusion of famous real-life wrestlers adds to the authenticity and charm of the story, as mentioned by But Why Tho?? and GameCrate. The story also explores the nature of the pro-wrestling business, questioning the line between "real" and "fake" wrestling, as noted by GamingBolt. RPG Fan praises the epic and surprising nature of the story, with well-developed side characters and perspective switches between the two protagonists. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the Story of WrestleQuest. Cultured Vultures and Game Informer criticize the dual protagonist narrative, finding it disjointed and lacking attachment to the characters. The narrative is described as flat, chaotic, and haphazardly paced by Game Informer, while Gamers' Temple and GameSpot mention pacing issues and a lack of cohesion in the storytelling. Gamereactor UK and WellPlayed express indifference towards the story and characters, respectively. The dense story scenes and excessive dialogue are mentioned as potential drawbacks by Noisy Pixel and Gamers' Temple. Overall, the critics' opinions on the Story of WrestleQuest are mixed. While some appreciate the engaging characters, nostalgic references, and exploration of the wrestling industry, others find the storytelling disjointed, lacking attachment, and suffering from pacing issues. The positive aspects of the story, such as the endearing characters and the exploration of wrestling tropes, are countered by the negative aspects of disjointed storytelling and excessive dialogue. It is evident that the Story of WrestleQuest has its strengths and weaknesses, leaving the overall consensus of the critics divided.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the Story of WrestleQuest. Some praise its engaging characters, authentic wrestling elements, and exploration of dreams, while others criticize its disjointed storytelling, lack of attachment, and pacing issues. Overall, the game's strengths like endearing characters and wrestling tropes are offset by weaknesses in storytelling and excessive dialogue, leading to a divided consensus among critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

47%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

13%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of WrestleQuest are varied, with both positive and negative aspects being highlighted. Several critics, such as GamingBolt and GamingTrend, praise the turn-based combat system, describing it as fun, satisfying, and well-balanced. They appreciate the inclusion of input-based attacks, tag team moves, and special moves, which add depth and strategy to the gameplay. The ability to taunt opponents and the inclusion of a hype meter are also mentioned as positive aspects that enhance the overall experience. Additionally, the incorporation of wrestling gimmicks and the charm and entertainment value of the gameplay mechanics are commended by Gamereactor UK. On the other hand, some critics express negative opinions about the gameplay of WrestleQuest. App Trigger and GameSpot criticize the combat system for being repetitive and lacking depth. They mention that quick-time events (QTEs) become tedious and the combat mechanics lack variety. Cultured Vultures and Noisy Pixel highlight issues with the combat minigames, describing them as flimsy and counter-intuitive. They also mention frustrations with the slow-paced nature of the combat and the lack of balance in certain aspects. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there are positive aspects mentioned by several critics, such as the fun and interactive gameplay loop mentioned by Hardcore Gamer and the inventive and strategic combat system mentioned by Shacknews, there are also negative aspects highlighted by others. The lack of depth and variety in combat mechanics, the repetitive nature of certain elements, and balancing issues are some of the drawbacks mentioned by critics like GameSpot and COGconnected. It is clear that WrestleQuest has its strengths in terms of turn-based combat, tag team moves, and the incorporation of wrestling gimmicks, but it also has areas that could be improved upon to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on WrestleQuest's gameplay. Some praise the turn-based combat system, tag team moves, and strategic elements, while others criticize it for being repetitive and lacking depth. Positive aspects like wrestling gimmicks and charm are noted, but issues with combat minigames and balance are also highlighted. Overall, WrestleQuest's gameplay has strengths like fun combat but could improve in terms of variety and depth.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

64%

Mixed (50-79)

36%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of WrestleQuest are generally positive. Many critics praise the pixel art style, describing it as tastefully done, capturing the look of real-life wrestlers and action figures. The visuals are often described as colorful, bright, and vivid, with attention to detail in character designs and animations. Critics like App Trigger, Game Informer, and GameGrin appreciate the 16-bit throwback sprites and the cozy lighting effects. The pixel graphics are also commended for their ability to capture the exaggerated musculature of '80s and '90s toys and wrestlers, as noted by DualShockers. The design of the environments is also praised, with Cultured Vultures, Gamereactor UK, and GamingTrend highlighting the detailed and immersive locations. The visuals successfully pay homage to the wrestling scene of the '80s and '90s, creating a visually appealing world that showcases the developer's love for wrestling, as mentioned by WellPlayed. However, there are some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of WrestleQuest. Some critics, such as GameCritics and Cultured Vultures, mention visual quirks and incorrect information onscreen that can detract from the overall experience. The mini-map is also criticized for being lacking, as noted by Cultured Vultures, and the character movement can be frustrating, according to the same critic. Game Informer points out that some cameos and in-game billboards feel out of place and clash with the overall atmosphere. Noisy Pixel mentions that some assets are reused, causing confusion, particularly in the illustrations for shops on the map. COGconnected mentions that the toy-themed NPCs take away from the overall theme, which can be seen as a negative aspect of the visual design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that WrestleQuest's Graphics and Visual Design are a strong aspect of the game. The pixel art style, with its attention to detail and ability to capture the essence of wrestling toys and action figures, is widely praised. The bright and colorful visuals, along with the detailed character designs and animations, contribute to the game's fun personality and charm. The design of the environments, filled with nostalgic and playful elements, adds to the overall appeal. While there are some minor criticisms regarding visual quirks, incorrect information, and reused assets, these do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the Graphics and Visual Design. The majority of critics appreciate the homage to classic wrestling and the successful execution of the toy box world aesthetic.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about WrestleQuest's pixel art style, praising its homage to wrestling toys and action figures. The visuals are described as colorful, detailed, and immersive, capturing the '80s and '90s wrestling scene. While some critics mention minor issues like visual quirks and reused assets, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the game's fun personality and charm.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

10%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of WrestleQuest are quite varied. There are some positive aspects mentioned by several critics. RPG Fan praises the sound design, stating that it is even better than the visuals. They specifically mention the excellent soundtrack, which includes various music genres and steadily improves as the game progresses. They also highlight the sound effects, such as the bell after each match and unique footstep sounds for some characters. GameGrin also mentions that the soundtrack is enjoyable and there are voice lines during matches, although they lack variety. Worth Playing adds that the music fits the tone well and there are voice clips, including some from famous wrestlers, that fit the game's atmosphere. However, there are also several negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of WrestleQuest. App Trigger criticizes the sound design, stating that it is muddled and makes it difficult to hear character voices over the music and ambient noises. Gamereactor UK describes the voices and expressions as annoying. God is a Geek mentions that the voice lines are annoying and the soundbites don't match the context. Hardcore Gamer, on the other hand, praises the sound effects but criticizes the weak soundtrack. Gaming Nexus also mentions that the music in the game is not the best and suggests that the voiceovers do not feel authentic. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the sound design and music of WrestleQuest, others have significant issues with it. The positive aspects mentioned include the enjoyable soundtrack, unique sound effects, and fitting music that improves as the game progresses. However, the negative aspects mentioned include muddled sound design, annoying voices and expressions, soundbites that don't match the context, and a weak soundtrack. It is clear that the sound design and music of WrestleQuest have both strengths and weaknesses, leading to a divided opinion among the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics' opinions on WrestleQuest's Sound Design and Music are split. Some praise the enjoyable soundtrack and unique sound effects, while others criticize the muddled sound design and annoying voices. Overall, the game's audio has strengths like fitting music that evolves with the game, but also weaknesses such as mismatched soundbites and a weak soundtrack. The consensus is mixed, with both positive and negative points highlighted by different critics.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

75%

Negative (0-49)

25%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in WrestleQuest are quite varied. Some critics, such as GameGrin and Worth Playing, appreciate the use of voice clips and lines that fit the tone of the game. GameGrin specifically mentions that the voice lines during matches sound like the real Macho Man, which adds a sense of authenticity to the game. This positive aspect of the voice acting helps to create a more immersive experience for the players. However, there are several negative opinions regarding the voice acting in WrestleQuest. Critics like App Trigger and Noisy Pixel express concerns about the sound design and repetition of voice lines. App Trigger mentions that the sound design makes it hard to understand what the characters are saying during battles, which can be frustrating for players. Noisy Pixel further adds that the repetition of the same three sentences and Randy Savage's voice becoming old quickly can be annoying. These criticisms highlight the lack of variety and potentially repetitive nature of the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in WrestleQuest has its flaws. While there are some positive aspects, such as the voice lines that fit the tone of the game, the negative opinions regarding the sound design, lack of variety, and mismatch with on-screen dialogue cannot be ignored. Critics like Gamereactor UK, Hardcore Gamer, and Gaming Nexus express disappointment with the voices being described as dorky, bad, and not feeling authentic. These negative opinions contribute to the overall sentiment that the voice acting in WrestleQuest falls short of expectations and may detract from the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in WrestleQuest. Some praise its authenticity and immersive experience, while others criticize the sound design, repetition of voice lines, and lack of variety. Positive aspects like fitting voice lines are overshadowed by concerns about unclear dialogue during battles and annoyingly repetitive voice clips. Overall, critics express disappointment with the voices being described as dorky, bad, and not feeling authentic, leading to a consensus that the voice acting falls short of expectations and may impact the game's enjoyment.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

33%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of WrestleQuest vary across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, on the PC platform, RPG Fan mentions mild slowdown in visually busy cutscenes and load times but states that they didn't hamper enjoyment in any way. This suggests that the game runs relatively smoothly on PC, with only minor technical issues that do not significantly impact the overall experience. Additionally, Game Informer notes that the game's auto-checkpointing and limited save slots can lead to frustrating situations, but does not mention any major technical performance issues on PC. Moving on to the negatives, on the PS5 platform, App Trigger, GameCritics, and TheSixthAxis all highlight technical issues such as game-breaking bugs, freezes, crashes, incorrect information onscreen, and dodgy save systems. These criticisms indicate that the technical performance of WrestleQuest on PS5 is subpar, with various technical issues affecting the gameplay experience. Similarly, on the PC platform, GameSpot mentions encountering technical issues during their review, including a bug that required reloading a previous save state, while GamingTrend mentions a save progress issue that affected their experience. New Game Network and Screen Rant also point out issues such as frequent load times, occasional stuttering, collision issues, and getting stuck in the environment. Worth Playing criticizes the slow combat animations, suggesting that the pace needs improvement. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of WrestleQuest is lacking, particularly on the PS5 and PC platforms. The PS5 version is plagued by game-breaking bugs, freezes, crashes, and dodgy save systems, which significantly impact the gameplay experience. On the PC platform, technical issues such as bugs, save progress problems, frequent load times, and collision issues are mentioned by multiple critics. However, it is worth noting that RPG Fan's review suggests that the technical issues on PC are relatively minor and do not hamper enjoyment. While some critics mention specific technical issues, others do not highlight any major problems, indicating that the technical performance may vary depending on the individual's experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics' opinions on WrestleQuest's technical performance vary across platforms. PC version runs smoothly with minor issues, while PS5 version is plagued by game-breaking bugs and crashes, impacting gameplay. Some reviewers on PC encountered bugs and save problems, with slow combat animations criticized. Overall, consensus is that technical performance is lacking, especially on PS5 and PC, with issues like crashes, freezes, and save system problems. The experience may vary depending on individual encounters.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

83%

Negative (0-49)

17%

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

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of WrestleQuest, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics highlight the positive aspects of the game that contribute to its replayability. Gamers' Temple mentions that WrestleQuest is a long RPG with a plethora of content, including side quests, main quests, and hidden items. This abundance of content provides players with the opportunity to explore different paths and experiences, making it worth a try for fans of JRPGs who enjoy a lengthy gameplay experience. Worth Playing also emphasizes the variety of playable characters, combo attacks, and a morality mechanic, as well as scripted battles with special rewards. These features add depth and diversity to the gameplay, potentially enticing players to replay the game to explore different character options and outcomes. However, there are also negative aspects that may hinder the replay value of WrestleQuest. App Trigger mentions that the game's combat and bugs make it challenging to stick through to the end, despite the presence of a good story. This suggests that the gameplay mechanics and technical issues may detract from the overall enjoyment and motivation to replay the game. Additionally, Noisy Pixel states that while there are choices that can be made during the main story, the reviewer did not feel compelled to explore the missed story branches. This lack of desire to uncover different narrative paths may indicate a lack of significant replay value for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is somewhat mixed regarding the replay value of WrestleQuest. While Gamers' Temple and Worth Playing highlight the game's extensive content and variety of gameplay features that contribute to its replayability, App Trigger and Noisy Pixel express concerns about the combat mechanics, bugs, and lack of motivation to explore different story branches. TheGamer does not specifically mention replayability but suggests that fans of old-school RPGs and wrestling will enjoy the game, which implies a potential appeal for replaying. Considering these opinions, it can be concluded that WrestleQuest offers some replay value through its content and gameplay features, but certain aspects may limit its overall replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed views on WrestleQuest's replay value. Positive aspects like diverse content and gameplay features enhance replayability, but issues with combat, bugs, and lack of narrative motivation may deter players from replaying. Overall, the game offers some replay potential for fans of JRPGs and wrestling, but certain drawbacks may limit its overall replayability.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

56%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of the various critics, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the overall verdict of WrestleQuest. The positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the well-written story, nostalgic visuals, compelling characters, and the game's ability to capture the charm and appeal of wrestling. Critics such as We Got This Covered, But Why Tho??, and GamingBolt praise the game for its deep gameplay, fun surprises, and refreshing take on the wrestling medium. The game is also commended for its unique and entertaining nature, with Gamereactor UK even considering it the most unique game of the year. On the other hand, the negative aspects mentioned by the critics include combat and technical issues, slow pacing, frustrating elements, balancing issues, and repetitive gameplay. App Trigger, GameSpot, and God is a Geek all mention flaws in combat, pacing, and technical performance, which hinder the overall experience. Cultured Vultures and Worth Playing express that while the game has charm and appeal, it falls short of being a main event game due to passable gameplay and repetitive animations. DualShockers and COGconnected mention balancing issues and design decisions that impact the gameplay negatively. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that WrestleQuest has potential but falls short of reaching its full potential. While some critics, such as TheSixthAxis and GamingTrend, find the game to be joyous, fun, and entertaining, others, like Game Informer and Gaming Nexus, feel that it lacks refinement and needs improvement in certain systems. The game is recommended for fans of wrestling and classic RPGs, with Hardcore Gamer and GameCrate praising it as a fantastic pickup for pro wrestling fans or JRPG fans. However, the slow pacing, technical issues, and repetitive gameplay are mentioned as factors that may limit its appeal to a broader audience. Despite the mixed opinions, the game is generally regarded as a faithful homage to wrestling and a labor of love, with positive elements that resonate with fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on WrestleQuest. Positive aspects praised include a well-written story, nostalgic visuals, and compelling characters, with some calling it the most unique game of the year. However, negative feedback focuses on combat issues, slow pacing, and repetitive gameplay. While some find it joyous and fun, others feel it lacks refinement. Recommended for wrestling and RPG fans, but may not appeal to a broader audience due to its flaws. Overall, WrestleQuest is seen as a faithful homage to wrestling with room for improvement.

CRITIK

Reviews

52 reviews found

100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 5

Sep 5, 2023