Fire Pro Wrestling - Combination Tag (Japan)
Inside Fire Pro Wrestling - Combination Tag (Japan)
Fire Pro Wrestling - Combination Tag is the very first entry in the legendary Fire Pro Wrestling series, released exclusively in Japan for the PC Engine (NEC TurboGrafx-16) in 1991. Human Entertainment, the developer and publisher behind this title, laid the groundwork for a franchise that would become famous for its deep, simulation-style wrestling gameplay. This is a straight-up commercial release, not a hack or translation, and it arrived during a time when wrestling games on home consoles were still finding their feet.
You control a team of two wrestlers in tag team bouts, with the goal being to pin or submit your opponents. The gameplay revolves around a unique timing-based grapple system - you don't simply mash buttons; instead, you need to match a moving cursor or hit a specific rhythm to execute moves like suplexes, strikes, and holds. Tagging your partner in and out, managing stamina, and working as a team are key to victory. The wrestlers are all fictional but clearly inspired by real-world stars, and each has distinct stats and move sets.
What makes this game worth revisiting today is its role as the foundation of a beloved wrestling simulation series. Compared to flashier arcade wrestling games of the time, Fire Pro's deliberate, almost puzzle-like combat was ahead of its curve. It's not an easy pick-up-and-play brawler - it demands patience and practice. If you're curious about where the Fire Pro lineage began, this is a fascinating historical piece, even if it feels rough around the edges by modern standards. The Japanese menus mean some guesswork is involved for non-readers, but the core gameplay is rewarding once you crack the timing.
How to Play Fire Pro Wrestling - Combination Tag (Japan) Online
Getting Started
Start by selecting a game mode from the Japanese menu. The main mode is a standard tag match, likely listed at the top. Use the D-Pad to highlight an option and press X to confirm. You'll then select your team of two wrestlers from a roster - each has a name in katakana, but you can experiment to find different styles. After choosing, you control one wrestler while your partner AI or a second human player (if playing multiplayer) handles the other.
The core loop is simple: wrestle your opponents to wear them down, then attempt a pinfall or submission. Grappling is triggered by pressing a button when close, then timing a follow-up input to execute a move. The running and strike buttons let you charge, hit, or break holds. Tagging is done by moving near your corner and pressing a specific button (often the shoulder button). Keep an eye on your stamina gauge - if it runs low, your wrestler will be sluggish and easier to pin.
Since the menus are entirely in Japanese, expect some trial and error. The first option in the main menu is almost certainly the start of a match. If you get stuck, pressing V (Select) often backs out of submenus. Learning the grapple timing is the biggest hurdle, but once it clicks, you'll appreciate the depth. There's no tutorial, so watching a few practice matches against the AI is a good way to get the feel for controls.
Fire Pro Wrestling - Combination Tag (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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