New Fire Pro Wrestling Sequel Announced

[Update] An earlier version of the story stated that Suda51 was involved in the development of Fire Pro Wrestling World. It has been clarified that this is not the case and that his involvement in the announcement was a showing of support for the project.

Publisher Spike Chunsoft has announced that a new game in the Fire Pro Wrestling series called Fire Pro Wrestling World will arrive for PC on Steam Early Access later in 2017.

The announcement was made during GDC 2016 and, according to the game's Steam page, will feature the same grappling-focused fighting system as its predecessors as well as the ability to "customize every aspect of the match, from your wrestler to the ring itself." A list of features and the teaser video can be found below.

• Play online: Organize exhibition matches, tournaments, leagues, championship bouts and battle royals with players from around the world.
• Mix up the rules: Modes include Deathmatch (steel cage, barbed wire, or landmines), MMA rules and no-holds barred Gruesome Fighting.
• Unlimited customization: Create your dream wrestler from over a thousand devastating moves and even more body parts to battle for custom championship belts. Personalize the ring, mat logos and even the referee!
• Realistic simulation: Give your creations personalities with a robust CPU logic system that defines their every action. Does your wrestler play to the crowd, or play dirty? You provide actors for the ringside drama.

The announcement was made alongside a video featuring Killer7, Shadows of the Damned, and No More Heroes designer Goichi "Suda51," who offered his support to the project. The Fire Pro Wrestling series gave him his start in the industry, allowing him to work as scenario writer for Super Fire Pro Wrestling 3 Final Bout and also contribute to Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special. However, it seems Suda won't be involved in the development of Fire Pro Wrestling World.

From a gameplay standpoint, the series is known for its timing-based grapple system and deep customisation, however Super Fire Pro Wrestling is remembered for its dramatic ending.

The last Fire Pro Wrestling game was in September 2012, and allowed players to use their Avatars.