Monster Puroresu (Japan)
Inside Monster Puroresu (Japan)
Monster Puroresu is a Japan-exclusive wrestling game for the NEC TurboGrafx-16, also known as the PC Engine in its home market. While the exact release year and developer aren't widely documented, it stands as one of the more unusual sports titles on the platform - pitting grotesque monster characters against each other in a pro wrestling setting. The game arrived during the early 1990s when the PC Engine was thriving with diverse arcade ports and original creations, and Monster Puroresu carved out a niche for itself among fans of offbeat fighting games.
The core gameplay revolves around one-on-one wrestling matches between monster wrestlers. Players engage in grappling, striking, and pinning attempts to defeat their opponent. The controls follow standard wrestling game conventions: you can move around the ring, execute holds, and build up to special moves or finishers. Matches are timed, and the goal is to either pin the opponent for a three-count or force a submission. The game likely includes multiple monster characters, each with unique appearances and move sets, though specific roster details are scarce from preserved records.
For retro gaming enthusiasts, Monster Puroresu offers a quirky glimpse into Japan's arcade-style wrestling scene on home consoles. Compared to more polished wrestling titles of the era like Fire Pro Wrestling, this game leans into a cartoonish, monster-themed presentation rather than simulation. It's a niche title that appeals to collectors of PC Engine imports and anyone curious about how Japanese developers combined monster motifs with sports gameplay. While not a technical powerhouse, its rarity and unusual concept make it a conversation piece in any TurboGrafx-16 collection.
How to Play Monster Puroresu (Japan) Online
Getting Started
Monster Puroresu is a Japanese-only title, so the menus and text are entirely in Japanese. When you boot the game, you'll likely see a title screen with options like versus mode, single-player, and maybe a character select. Use the D-Pad to navigate and the A button (X key) to confirm. If you can't read Japanese, trial and error works - highlight each option and see what happens. The character select screen usually shows portraits of the monster wrestlers; pick one you like.
Once a match starts, you control your monster in a wrestling ring. The core loop is simple: approach your opponent and use the B button (S key) for strikes or grapples. Combine D-Pad directions with buttons to perform different moves. When you've worn down your foe, try to pin them by pressing the right button near their body. Matches are timed, so you need to be aggressive. The A button (X key) might be used for jumping or special actions, but experiment.
If you're new to wrestling games on the PC Engine, expect a learning curve with the grapple timing. Use the D-Pad to move around the ring and avoid getting cornered. Practice the basic attack and grab sequences in a single-player match before trying versus mode. The game doesn't have a tutorial, so patience and experimentation are your best tools.
Monster Puroresu (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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