WWE’s WrestleFest Arcade Game Being Re-Released For Your Home
The legendary WWF WrestleFest is officially making its comeback, now under the banner of WWE WrestleFest, thanks to Basic Fun! and their Retro Replay line.
For those who have fond memories of the arcade scene, WrestleFest often stands out.Originally unleashed in 1991 by the legendary Technōs Japan, the masterminds behind Double Dragon, this game captured the larger-than-life energy of the World Wrestling Federation at its peak. I certainly recall spending a significant portion of my allowance attempting to progress through the game. My preferred character was usually the Ultimate Warrior, and when playing with friends, we often teamed up as Demolition.
According to a press release from Basic Fun!, they are expanding their home arcade offerings, with WrestleFest being a key part of this initiative. The article indicates that Basic Fun! is "reimagining some of the most iconic arcade games in a new, 2/3-scale format that can be played on a tabletop or mounted to a wall." This smaller scale seems practical for home use.
A crucial detail for purists is the commitment to authenticity in gameplay. Basic Fun! has confirmed that these machines will feature the arcade game's original ROMs. This is a significant assurance, promising that the core gameplay – the moves, the AI, the very feel of the matches, will be the real deal, a faithful recreation of what made the game a quarter-munching legend. The cabinet itself is being constructed from "a mix of molded plastic and wood hybrids," aiming for durability and a classic aesthetic. It will also feature "true micro-switch joysticks" for that authentic arcade responsiveness, "backlit marquees" to capture the arcade ambiance, and "high-resolution screens" for crisp visuals.
The aim is to provide "an authentic arcade experience at home" with "genuine gameplay, and nostalgic 디자인 (designs)." The new Retro Replay arcades will feature "real arcade controls and buttons," which should contribute to a more accurate feel.
The roster remains as iconic as ever, featuring a lineup of wrestling titans from the era. Players can once again step into the digital boots of Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, the "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, Big Boss Man, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Earthquake, Mr. Perfect, and Sgt. Slaughter. And, of course, the formidable tag team Demolition, represented by Smash and Crush in this iteration, are ready for action. Rounding out the cast are the non-playable boss tag team, The Legion of Doom (Hawk and Animal).
One detail worth noting is the replacement of the classic "WWF" logo with the retro "WWE" logo. While understandable due to branding updates, it's a visual difference that might take some getting used to for those familiar with the original game. You can compare the differences in the above teaser with the below video of gameplay from the original version.
Despite this visual update, the rerelease offers an opportunity to revisit a well-regarded wrestling arcade game. It also presents a chance for those unfamiliar with the original to experience it in a home setting.
The press release mentions that Basic Fun!'s new home arcade line is scheduled to "hit retail this fall," though a specific release date or price for WrestleFest was not provided. Those interested in reliving or discovering this classic game should keep an eye out for further announcements.
Ultimately, the return of WWE WrestleFest offers a nostalgic experience for longtime fans and a new gaming option for others. It will be interesting to see the final product and how it compares to the original arcade experience.