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Post by patmanqc on Mar 22, 2024 14:00:47 GMT
This morning a hacker and I discovered a mysterious character hidden in the code of the original Fire Pro-Wrestling Combination Tag.
 The unnamed Wrestler has no character portrait; just a pause icon symbol.  The character uses the same sprite and moveset as Star Bison (Stan Hansen).   One of Hansen's secret moves in Combination Tag is an Argentine Backbreaker (Up + Button I + Button II - front grapple); much the same as one of Hulk Hogan's secret moves being a similar-looking Canadian Backbreaker (Down + Button I + II - front grapple) in the followup title Fire Pro-Wrestling 2nd Bout.
My theory is that the mysterious character was an unfinished Hulk Hogan. With similar looks and movesets, plus with Hogan being as popular as he was in the 1980's, it's not a far stretch to imagine HUMAN wanting
to put the Immortal One in the original Fire Pro.
In Combination Tag's character address, the mysterious Wrestler is listed after hidden boss characters RJ Phaze (Lou Thesz) and Carlos Krauzer (Karl Gotch). To access the character using the Magic Engine emulator, input the code: F820BD18While I can't say for sure why the mystery character was omitted; my best guess is that HUMAN either ran out of time or space to add an 18th character to Combination Tag's roster.
That is awesome, what a fantastic find |
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 22, 2024 19:11:08 GMT
A longtime reader of this thread sent me an email with another obscure Wrestler appearance from the 1990's. In the 1993 SEGA CD game Panic (known as 'Switch' in Japan), there is an enemy that looks just like the love child of the Road Warriors and Abdullah The Butcher. Instead of Abby's famous head scars, this character has a stomach scar.    Maybe it's just me, but I also see a little bit of Giant Kimala (Benjamin Peacock), who was Abdullah's tag partner during All Japan's 93 and 94 tag leagues. |
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 23, 2024 20:19:44 GMT
Did you know that Hulk Hogan appeared in an obscure 1980's boxing/beat 'em up hybrid on the PC Engine? Below is a title very few gamers know about. Let alone, a game you won't find on any other Wrestling list: Bullfight - Ring no Hasha
Released only in Japan, Bullfight - Ring no Hasha (translated as 'Champion of the Ring'), is a PC Engine boxing
title that made it's way to the PC Enginein 1989.
The cover artwork contains an illustration of wo boxers. Is that Mike Tyson or 'Smokin'' Joe Frazier on the cover?
 The game's manual features eight selectable boxers and trainers. Right off the bat, I noticed a Hulk Hogan clone in the top right corner; which inspired me to take a closer look at the rest of the roster. Feel free to jump in with your own corrections if I missed something.  1. George - His in-game nickname is 'Fireball Boy'. A boxer that can adapt to any style. While he looks nothing like the real-life Boxing legend, is George named after George Foreman?
2. Kuron - Known as the Demon of East Asia, this monk-like Boxer is said to have impressive upper body strength.
Kuron may be based on Krillin or Tien from the Dragon Ball series.
3. Kaizer - Renown for his brilliant footwork, this German-esque competitor may be inspired by Karateka Joe Lewis.
4. Duggan - Dogan's name is the 'Iron Mountain of Muscles'. This Boxer actually predates Fire Pro's Ax Duggan by
about three years. Obviously based on Hulk Hogan's appearance as 'Thunderlips' in the Rocky franchise.
5. Bryan - Known as the nobleman of Germany, the manual says Bryan's success as a Boxer will only continue to
rise as he grows up. Could be the protagonist from 70's Boxing manga Ashita no Joe.
6. Falco - Dead ringer for Ivan Drago from Rocky IV.
7. Takeru - This Japanese boxer is said to be another rising star. Though, I'm pretty sure, appearance-wise, Takeru
is based on Rocky Balboa.
8. Norton - Looks like a dead ringer for Mike Tyson. The name 'Norton' sounds close to Tyson, anyway.
 The player must also select their trainer. There are again eight to choose from.
 I'm told most of the trainers are based on characters from Japanese manga Ashita no Joe. While I'm not familiar with the manga myself, some of the characters certainly look similar.
 Screenshots credit: NEKOFAN I'm certainly picking up Double Dragon vibes from the beat 'em up minigame. |
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 24, 2024 9:56:25 GMT
80's Mania Wrestling Returns attempts to Catch 'em all with their March update: Returning character Spunky Sparks has a new alternate outfit; this time, based on Ash Ketchum from Pokemon.  |
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 24, 2024 11:19:20 GMT
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Post by cobrettie on Mar 25, 2024 1:47:16 GMT
From the Pesona series (3 and 4 for sure), the Gigas shadows have a striking resemblance to the Hulkster. I don't think this has been included yet. Plus the Beastly Gigas has some Jushin Thunder Liger vibes   |
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 25, 2024 14:22:09 GMT
Graphic Artist Bryan Mackrell has painstakingly recreated thousands of Wrestler likenesses into retro-styled video game sprites.  On Bryan's website bryanmackrell.com/micro_low.html, just about every Wrestling legend you can think of has been 'chibified' into video game format. As a small example, here's some of Bryan's creations:  Just by looking at Bryan's work, it's clear that these sprites were made by a Wrestling fan.  Even iconic promo, interview and ringside segments have been lovingly recreated. As encyclopedic as Bryan's creations are, the likenesses don't stop at just Wrestling personalities. Bryan has also created retro homages to the Masters of The Universe, 80's Mania Wrestling Returns, and Pittsburgh Steelers universes.
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Post by Just A Survivor on Mar 25, 2024 21:36:23 GMT
The link you posted doesn't work, it just sends me to the post it was in
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 26, 2024 6:32:20 GMT
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 26, 2024 11:00:31 GMT
While certain retro gaming sites and Youtube playthroughs have talked about this next title in one form or another, no one has really examined the cast of Wrestlers themselves.  Monster Wrestling was released exclusively on the Japanese PC Engine in 1991. The game features a turn-based Wrestling style similar to that of WWF's Micro League Wrestling and Maniac Pro-Wrestling.
Instead of following every other Wrestling game released in Japan at the time, Ask Kodansha tried their hand at being a little more original in the character design department; opting to switch out recognizable Wrestler likenesses with gruesome, monstrous figures. While the character designs of Monster Pro-Wrestling seem unique from first glance, taking a more in-depth look at the roster offers hints of inspiration drawn from real-life Wrestlers. Attempting to put my knowledge of Japanese Wrestling to the test, let's look at the cast of Monster Pro-Wrestling. As always, if anyone has any input or comments about the roster, leave a comment!  The first character is Killer Amazon. Amazon's lagoon monster appearance and name may be based on The Amazon from 8-bit Nintendo classic Pro-Wrestling (who in turn was based on Piranha Man from the Tiger Mask anime). Though, Amazon's finisher is the Ankle Lock.  Dokromidro is a zombie. The name Romidro sounds close to George Romero; a master filmmaker known for popularizing the zombie genre. Doc's finisher is the Stomach Claw. Fritz Von Erich was known for using the Iron Claw, and Stomach Claw as well. Though, since the roster tends to lean towards Japanese Wrestlers, Giant Baba was a long-time rival of Fritz's; to the point of adopting (as well as receiving) the Stomach Claw himself.  If I were to guess, the next Wrestler 'Flyboy' is based on 1986 horror classic 'The Fly'. Flyboy's finisher is the Backdrop. Flyboy also has a Brainbuster and Full Nelson at his disposal. I'm going to go with Jumbo Tsuruta; as Tsuruta's finisher was a Bridging Backdrop, as well as Tsuruta being known as one of the most technical Wrestlers in Japan.  Gaiarock; who's name translates as 'earth rock' looks like he takes his visual inspiration from that of a golem. Gaia's finisher is a Headbutt. Gaia's other moves include the Super Tackle and Body Slam. As far as giants or mountain-like creatures go, I'm going to guess Gaia may be have some inspiration lifted from Andre The Giant.  The Ninja's finisher is the Moonsault. Without question, The Ninja is based on The Great Muta; making Monster Pro-Wrestling one of the earliest appearances by Muta in any video game.  Cyclops is based on the creature of the same name from Greek Mythology. Cyclops' finisher is the Uppercut. Cyclops also has a Double Arm Suplex. This is a tough one. Terry Funk used Underhook suplexes and brawling techniques; as did the Dynamite Kid.  Death Bison is another creature of Greek Mythology: a monster resembling a Minotaur. Bison's finisher is the Lariat; along with the Bulldog Headlock, charge attack and Iron Claw as signature moves. I'm going to guess Bison is based on Stan Hansen.  Guillotine Kid is a Prey Mantis on steroids. Guillotine's finisher is the Guillotine Drop - which is better known as the Leg Drop in the West. Since Guillotine is right next to Death Bison, I'm going to go out on a limb here and say Guillotine could be based on Bruiser Brody. Besides using a Diving Knee Drop as a finisher, Brody also incorporated a running Leg Drop of his own similar to Hulk Hogan's.  Poison Man is perhaps one of the most creative offerings from Monster Pro-Wrestling; a Mushroom-faced fiend. Poison uses the Indian Deathlock and Elbow Drop as signature attacks; while Poison's finisher is the Toxic Spore. I personally think the Toxic Spore is a nod to the Poison Mist. Yet, since The Great Muta has already been featured as 'The Ninja' in the Monster roster, I'll deduce that Poison Man is based on the originator of the Poison Mist: The Great Kabuki.  Chameleon Man is a Reptilean nightmare that uses a Cobra Twist as a finisher. This is a tough one; as the Cobra Twist is better known as the Cobra Clutch outside of Japan. Japanese legend Hiro Matsuda popularized the move; with Wrestlers like Jumbo Tsuruta and Sgt. Slaughter adopting it later on. Though, I'm drawing a blank here.  Yeti creature Power Hibagon utilizes a Powerbomb as a finisher. One of Power's signature attacks includes a Snow Press. At the time Genichiro Tenryu, Big Van Vader and Terry Gordy were known for using Powerbombs. Though, Power looks the closest to Vader appearance-wise.  Macho Bull is the most human looking creation of the Monster roster. Macho's finisher is the Hip Drop - which is also known as the Hip Toss state-side. Bull's arsenal also includes a Low Kick and Powerbomb. In terms of technical Wrestling, this character could be a nod to Terry Funk's older brother Dory Funk Jr.; Macho certainly looks like Dory.  Hellhound is a Werewolf-turned Wrestler. Hound's finisher is an Armbar; with the Bulldog Headlock as one of Hound's standout attacks. I'm thinking Japanese Shoot fighters now; and when I think of Japanese shooters who specialized in Armbars, I'm instantly reminded of Yoshiaki Fujiwara.  'Great Death' has the makings of the perfect Metal band name; alas, Death is just a Mummy. Death's finisher is a Figure Four; with signature attacks involving Armbreakers, Boston Crabs and Elbow Pats. At the time, the two most-famous Wrestlers to use Figure Four's in Japan were The Destroyer, and Ric Flair. Death certainly looks a lot closer to Destroyer appearance-wise.  El Dread is based on the Karura (Garuda), a Japanese bird deity worshipped in Buddhist and Hindu religions. El Dread's finisher is the Enzuigiri; a move innovated by Antonio Inoki. Who better to be a hidden boss than the most popular Wrestler in Japan?
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Post by Staubhold on Mar 27, 2024 16:26:50 GMT
If I were to guess, the next Wrestler 'Flyboy' is based on 1986 horror classic 'The Fly'. Yes and no... The appearance is based on the horror classic "The Fly", but not the 1986 version. It's based on the original movie, the 1958 movie "The Fly". The 1986 fly version looks way too monstrous. Cyclops is based on the creature of the same name from Greek Mythology. Cyclops appearance is taken from the 1958 movie "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad". Yes, the late great Ray Harryhausen brought all those monsters in the movie to life with stop motion model animation. Can't be a coincident. I think the appearances of the monsters has to be taken from old horror movies. My knowledge of japanese classic horror movies is very thin. I think they used a lot of those... |
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Post by Shadow Master on Mar 27, 2024 17:39:07 GMT
Good eye, Staubhold. On the subject, I just uploaded all 13 pages of the Monster Pro-Wrestling game manual.
In the 1991 Sega Mega Drive RPG title Blue Almanac, players can play as a Wrestler character named Fighter Hulk.   Yep, Fighter Hulk is based on Hulk Hogan. |
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Post by Shadow Master on Apr 1, 2024 21:45:35 GMT
Simpsons The Arcade Game
Tying in with the topic of this thread, the boss of stage 1 Professor Werner Von Brawn is believed to be based on the late Fritz Von Erich.   The Simpsons' wiki states:
"It's likely that Brawn is partly based off of the real life wrestler Fritz Von Erich, famous for playing an evil German wrestler (alongside
his "brother" Waldo Von Erich) in the 1950s and 60s, being billed as "hailing from Berlin, Germany." Aside from his design baring some
superficial similarities, the connection is further supported by the fact that Brawn is associated with a wrestling promotion called "World
Class Wrestling", as Fritz would go on to buy into (and later fully acquire) an existing Dallas-based promotion by the late 1960s, renaming
it World Class Championship Wrestling."
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Post by Shadow Master on Apr 3, 2024 19:09:31 GMT
Wrestling fans, it's time for another ultra-obscure reference. Last time, I shared my discovery of Hulk Hogan in unknown Japanese RPG Blue Almanac. It seems Hogan and the RPG genre have more in common than I thought. Haja no Fuuin
In the 1987 Famicom port of Haja no Fuuin, the final companion players can recruit to their team is a gold-armoured combatant by the name of Tremos.  Tremos looks a lot like Hulk Hogan. Apparently, Tremos turns into a demon, according to Haja's storyline. I also thought Tremos could be a play on the word 'tremor'; as in, a reference to John 'Earthquake' Tenta. Though, this isn't the case, as Tenta wouldn't make his debut as a Pro-Wrestler until 1987 in All Japan Pro-Wrestling, and even then, Tenta wouldn't get the ring
name 'Earthquake' for another two years while then-competing for the WWF.
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Post by Staubhold on Apr 6, 2024 16:58:40 GMT
Hulk Hogan took over Crazy Taxi: City Rush (a Android/iOS game) in 2014  |
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