Skybound Games is working on a turn-based wrestling game called WrestleQuest, and a new video shows off “cage match” action that will arise during the hero’s quest. After all, no wrestling history would be complete without the occasional cage bout, and WrestleQuest appears to offer enough of such footage.
WrestleQuest takes a turn-based approach to the wrestling industry and pays homage to more than 30 icons throughout its history, including long-time favourites like Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Andre the Giant. It was developed by Mega Cat Studios, the team behind recent indie game hits with a retro touch such as Coffee Crisis and Little Medusa. Wrestling fans, gamers, and the musclebound athletes themselves all have a lot in common (Kenny Omega recently even sported a Sephiroth-themed entrance to a match against Will Ospreay).
A new video showcases a cage match event similar to those found in WrestleQuest. Randy Santos is seen walking to various bars around the ring’s perimeter. His ally, The Brooter, chooses from a set of alternative manoeuvres, each with its own AP cost. He chooses “Brooter Boot,” a devastating skill that he uses against the pair’s opponents. The rivals continue to trade punches as Randy scales the wall before being yanked off by one of his opponents. Everything goes a little crazy after that, but that’s wrestling.
While the game was revealed about a year ago, the release date for WrestleQuest was finally confirmed in November during a Nintendo Independent World Showcase event. The game will be available on platforms other than the Nintendo Switch in the coming months, with appearances planned for all major hardware. Even in a computer game made by a smaller team, wrestling is plainly too huge to be limited by more traditional constraints.
Most wrestling games, understandably, emphasise high-action brawls in and around the ring. Few wrestling games attempt their hand at something significantly new, the way WrestleQuest is trying with its turn-based approach. While the RPG may not appear to be an obvious choice, devoted fans of the genre have been making their presence known for years. Last year, a wrestling fan used a sign that emerged at AEW Rampage to defend the plot of Kingdom Hearts. That event continues a pattern in which fans hold up placards to debate the quality of other popular JRPGs. Such enthusiasts may find a few more of their favourite things in one easy package with WrestleQuest. If nothing else, the game’s release may be a memorable occasion.
