The Japanese obsession with wrestling gets a tighter hold on the PlayStation with Toukon Retsuden 3, one of the most option-laden wrestling games ever - and it's teeming with players and programmability. Though the game doesn't feature the most responsive controls, the funny hats alone make this one worth checking out.
Featuring multiple leagues, including the Japanese version of the NWO, with over 30 real-life (if that ever really applies to this sport) wrestlers available, Toukon Retsuden 3 is packed with value. Plus, there's the option to build your own wrestler, with dozens of parameters for the tweaking. Select from six basic sizes, dozens of face and hair types, and costumes ranging from simple trunks to crazy Voltron-looking full suits - all with fully customizable colors. A point-based system of stat customization (similar to that of FIFA 98) means your wrestler won't just look different, he'll play different.
Much like previous editions of Toukon Retsuden, and the American version, Power Move Pro Wrestling, control is a little difficult to pick up. A wide array of moves can be pulled off with a few simple buttons, yet as with most wrestling games, many of these are difficult to repeat, as the same sequence of buttons often yields different results. At first this feels more than a little random, and play feels haphazard, but as you get used to it you realize that it's mostly just a matter of timing. Unfortunately, even after getting your bearings, control remains somewhat lethargic. It's really difficult to recover from a failed attempt to grab the opposition. As a result, successful tactics lean heavily on feints and waiting for your opponent to blow it and leave himself open before attempting a pile driver or simple takedown. To the game's credit, like real wrestling, momentum has a tremendous effect on play, and it's easier to bust out move after move once you get the ball rolling with a couple of good throws or pins. In the punching and kicking department, hit detection is only average. Often a haymaker will be nowhere near connecting, only to mysteriously leave your opponent reeling from the blow. That said, playing the game is really fun in spite of its shortcomings. The number of wacky pins and throws, not to mention crazy signature moves - there's even green poisonous breath - make for good, goofy fun, especially against a human opponent.
Graphically, the game isn't immediately impressive. The polygonal wrestlers are all pretty solid, but certainly not beautifully rendered. They do, however, pull off dozens and dozens of moves, all well motion-captured with near-perfect physics. The sluggish pull of an enemy arm starts them running toward the ropes with all the inertia you'd expect from a 300-pound, uh... hulk. Some of the more complicated submissions have particularly stunning animations when performed with lightning quickness by some of the smaller, faster wrestlers, especially the moves that require multiple leg and arm locks before hoisting the opponent into some obscene position. Soundwise, well, if you're into Shrapnel Records and the host of Joe Satriani clones out there (and who isn't, really?), you're in luck, because that's what you'll get here: shredding lick after shredding lick. All the better to emphasize the glory of Technique with a capital "T" (if you're into that kind of thing).
Toukon Retsuden 3 is not without its shortcomings. As a fighting game, it doesn't have anywhere near the responsiveness required for true intensity of control. But as far as wrestling games go, it's rounds ahead of the competition. The awesome volume of moves and players to be had are rivaled for replay value only by the customizable wrestler options. Definitely one to check out, though with its entirely Japanese menu screens and booklet, American players may want to wait and cross their fingers for a domestic release.
