Thunder Pro Wrestling Retsuden (Japan)
Getting to Know Thunder Pro Wrestling Retsuden (Japan)
Thunder Pro Wrestling Retsuden is a Japan-exclusive professional wrestling game for the Sega Mega Drive, released in 1992. It stands out as the only title in the Fire Pro Wrestling series to appear on that console, developed and published by Human. This is a simulation-style wrestling game, not an arcade brawler, known for its deep mechanics and customization options.
Matches play out with a focus on grappling and positioning. You choose from a roster of wrestlers, each with unique stats and move sets, then enter the ring to wear down your opponent. The core loop involves locking up, executing holds, strikes, and throws, building up damage to set up a pin or submission. Managing stamina and using the right moves at the right time matters more than button-mashing.
For wrestling fans, this is a must-try because it captures the simulation depth of the Fire Pro series on a platform that rarely saw such titles. The Japanese menus can be a hurdle, but the gameplay holds up well today. It is a niche but rewarding experience that stands alongside the SNES Fire Pro games as a high point of 16-bit wrestling.
How to Play Thunder Pro Wrestling Retsuden (Japan) Online
Before starting, note that all menus are in Japanese. The title screen likely offers options for single match, versus, and possibly tournament modes. Use the D-Pad to highlight selections and the A button (X key) to confirm.
Once in a match, approach your opponent and press the B button (S key) to grapple. From there, you can input directional commands to execute different moves. The goal is to deplete your opponent's health and pin them for a three-count. Experiment with the controls to learn grapples and strikes.
Thunder Pro Wrestling Retsuden (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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