Bop'n Wrestle for AtariAtari 8-bit computers | Review
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In "Bop'n Wrestle" (Mindscape, 1986), we play Gorgeous Greg, who must defeatA dozen of the toughest representatives of wrestling
Yes, 10 fighters! Something unheard of for 8-bit computers: the roaster includes profiles as diverse as an Arab sheik, a policeman, a punk woman, an Apache chief and a masked vigilante, as well as various low-level bad guys.
We would like to point out that the authors have put a legitimate arsenal of movements at our disposal: we have 24 different ways to inflict damage on the enemy and crown ourselves - or rather, crown Gorgeous Greg - as the champion of the tournament.
"Bop'n Wrestle" has as its strong point its extensive repertoire of attacks, composed of punches, kicks, headbutts; and, in particular, lethal grabs and locks, which are even executed in chained combinations until leaving our opponent on duty lying on the canvas. Combos can be achieved that -with the obvious distances- bring to mind those moves with the famous King of the Tekken saga.
In terms of graphics, the game is detailed enough to recognize all ten fighters, although, truth be told, the variety of the fighters is limited to a change in their heads and details in their clothing.
Even though the palette is limited to white, black, magenta and electric blue - a major disadvantage compared to the colourful C64 version, by the way - it is enough to distinguish the multiple postures and evolutions of the characters, who move around the ring with relative fluidity. However, we must also admit that, at times, the pixels of both rivals get confused - as in the victory pose, where one usually overlaps the other.
Unfortunately, all of the above is overshadowed - or rather, ruined - by the incredibly frustrating controls. Even though we've extensively reviewed the available literature - including instructions for the game itself on other platforms - and spent hours trying to get the hang of the fighting techniques, we were able to confirm that it doesn't matter if you memorize the patterns to perform a devastating suplex, an annihilating pile driver or the lethal (and flashy) superultrahyperarchimegaturbo Turnbuckle Fly: most of the time, your grabs and holds will remain mere failed attempts, which the computer will instead take advantage of to counterattack and give you a taste of your own medicine.
Some might blame us for our lack of skill in handling the joystick, but we promise that we have no similar problems with other titles that allow you to perform various movements using only the stick and the trigger button. For example, the impeccable World Karate Championship (Epyx, 1986).
Finally, there are no major surprises in the sound department. The action is accompanied by a single melody that, obviously, becomes repetitive after the first few fights. While the effects are limited to certain hits and a digitalized voice that pronounces the three digits of the countdown - which you will hear until you get bored given the treacherous artificial intelligence with which the game was programmed.
EVALUATION
"Bop'n Wrestle" is definitely one of those titles that you can't forget, but not because of its quality or how much fun it was to play at the time. Nor because of any anecdote or as a reference for the many heirs of the fighting genre. In all honesty, it is remembered -instead- for the mixed feelings that come from picking up the joystick with the vain intention of having a good time with it.
CARD: BOP'N WRESTLE
Posted by: Mindscape, 1986.Gender: Sports, wrestling.
Extra: 1 and 2 players, joystick or keyboard.
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