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Posted (edited)

Alright. We're breaking a weird one out of its cage today. Cage match that is.

The basis of this one is a big what if.
What if the folks who made this classic,
image.jpeg

tag teamed up with the folks who made this... classic?,
image.jpeg

then play into a tie-in with a tournament format and you get this classic.
WWFSSSO03.png

Now to frame this as a retro review, We'll have to start with the obvious.
Returning to the developer role after 1989's WWF Superstars and 1991's WWF WrestleFest arcade games, Technōs Japan Corp and their subsidiary American Technōs were looking for a win and hoped that returning to the only well that had been commercially successful for them, outside of their Kunio-kun and Double Dragon franchises, would help the failing company.

Apparently also taking a page out of the Kunio-kun book where Technōs combined fighting characters with contact sports, Vince McMahon decided that it would be a good idea to license his WWF brand to a non-arcade-wrestling game this time around. It is probably just a coincidence, but it is too bad that Technōs filed for bankruptcy protection less than a year after completing this game. Not that I'm saying that this game did them in, but the timing leads one to believe otherwise.

Not getting off on the right foot here... Never mind all that.

Now that the stage, or ring, is set up, it's time to look at the game.
WWFSSSO01.png  WWFSSSO02.png
I'm not sure if the "winners" campaign was still in swing by this time, but that splash screen brings back some memories.
Being a North American release, the game is localized with the American Technos distribution label. Titan Sports is of course the parent company of the WWF at the time.

Getting right into it, while listening to the chuggy music, the branding is right out of the Superstars era, with many references to previous games, tv shows and events. The text is flavoured with references as well and a player can mark out in different types of events from a Single Match, an Ironman Single Elimination Tournament or a full Best-of-7 Survivor Series and matches varying in length of nine, 15, 24 or take on Ric Flair in a full 60 minute match. Tagging between lines can be turned off if you just want to play with your top five favourites, or set to Player or Manager [computer] controlled. The goalie can be controlled by the player as well, or locked out of player control.
WWFSSSO04.png  WWFSSSO05.png
Macho Man approves of penalties.

Getting into a game, one is treated to a pre-match introduction by the legendary Mean Gene Okerlund as he runs down the teams and who is hot or cold. I should probably note here that the RNG variance on the Hot and Cold streaking is quite high. This makes things a bit interesting as you will never really know who is popping versus who is probably hiding a bad injury.

On to the game menu screen, it starts to become obvious that the arena is not your typical hockey rink. The boards are replaced with ropes, the plexiglass with steel cage bars and the Zamboni with a runaway cart from Wrestlemania 2 and 3. The banners and jumbotron also callback to previous WWF games.
WWFSSSO06.png  WWFSSSO11.png
Evidently, the Ultimate Warrior and Bret are feeling really good today.
And a familiar pair is seated ring rink side providing commentary.
image.jpeg

Once in a game, more features are visible. The referee is sporting a gold WWF logo on his shirt and the game clock advertises the Technōs America Sports Network, which unfortunately didn't become a thing.
WWFSSSO15.png  WWFSSSO20.png
While The Rock wasn't a thing either, yet, his dad was, lending his tag team's name to one of the teams.

There are only sixteen teams featured in the game. Enough to hold a Survivor Series bracket, but given the limited number of Superstars in the featured era, that is plenty. It should also be mentioned at some point that each team only comprises of twelve players, enough for two full lines and two goalies, plus two managers that are only going to get involved when the goalie is pulled and they can run some interference. Or not at all, in the case of some managers who prefer to let others get their hands dirty.
WWFSSSO10.png  WWFSSSO07.png
Despite the slight anachronism, the Mega Bucks are united as the brute squad blocks the net. While by today's standard, about half of the wrestlers featured in this game are dead now, it could be noted that a small handful in the game had already passed by the 1995 release date. But the game draws from notable wrestlers who were prominent between 1980 and 1995 just to fill every team so it works in universe. Also, why would anyone want to not play as Andre?

The game features colour photos for at least 224 wrestles and managers. While not available to be put on a line by the player, the managers can be viewed in the profiles screen like every other player.
WWFSSSO08.png  WWFSSSO09.png

Getting into the game finally, it soon becomes clear that there have been some tweaks to the rules from your typical hockey video game. Aggressive play is promoted, even if sometimes it is penalized and your entire top line has to take a seat on some folding chairs. Due to the small teams, minor penalties are only a minute long and a major, usually for injuring another player, is two minutes. But it should also be noted that since you are effectively only swapping between two lines, the player fatigue rate is slow, while a player on the bench recharges very quickly as they stomp the side ready to jump back in.
WWFSSSO19.png  WWFSSSO16.png
Vince didn't even have time to react to the chaos in front of him.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the opposing manger will try to push in the dying minutes while behind. If your computer controlled opponent is down by one, two or three goals with less than a minute to play, they will pull their goalie for an all out attack.
WWFSSSO21.png  WWFSSSO14.png
But you can attack them first, such as throwing them into the concrete wall that is meant to separate the teams so they keep their transgressions to the ice. [it was probably too hard to animate the players getting up to yell at each other back in the 16-bit era anyway]

Another notable difference is that the Match Superstars is rated based on who gets over with the crowd the most. And since hitting gets the crowd to their feet, Certain players will get the fans' vote, even if their team gets outscored. Note that the same RNG that causes the wild swings in Hot and Cold also boosts a players boost, so big hits can be plentiful if you're not afraid to dish them out.
WWFSSSO12.png  WWFSSSO13.png

Winning the tournament will give you the prestige of raising a championship belt, but the losing team did get to take out their frustrations on the hapless jobronis.
WWFSSSO23.png  WWFSSSO22.png

I think I featured all of the graphics in this one, but to recap the game play and highlight a few other bits I may not have mentioned yet:

  • RNG is jacked up for cheap pops, dozy painkiller induced slumps and bit hits that your opponent will sell like a champ.
  • With only two complete lines [plus a third "best of" hybrid] fatigue is programmed to facilitate long shifts and quick recoveries.
  • Team names adopt a four letter format.
  • Match length refers to total game length. 9 minutes [3x3], 15 minutes [5x3], 24 minutes [8x3] and 60 minute man.
  • Three-Star calculator favours rough play.
  • Penalties of one or two minutes in length.
  • Players can be moved around to play any position but goal. Two non-player assigned managers are on each team. Of which one will usually jump in if the goalie is pulled.
  • X-Button selects the goalie.
  • Goalies don't wear masks as they fearlessly roam the entire rink.
  • To save the player from themselves however, if the goalie crosses over center ice, the play is whistled dead.
  • Because nothing is worse than goalie rushing the other end of the rink and then losing the puck or getting knocked down by the opposing goalie.
  • But player controlled goalie can roam with the puck indefinitely, while the CPU cannot. Please use responsibly.
  • Off-sides are optional, Icing is not. As in there are none. Use however you want.
  • I lied, there is a 17th playable team, but that one is more of a "Be a Player" mode edition featuring You! and a few ringers to help you out.
  • Number of teams has been increased to 21. Sixteen "main" teams, plus "Your" team, plus three additional "Enhancement teams", plus an unlocked bonus team. 

Rather than end on a fake rating, I may as well note that this one has been in and out of development for quite a while but if anyone comes across something I missed, or hopefully if you just like it, let me know eh.

 

Now updated with four more teams.

 

WWF-SSShoot-Out v2.1.bin

Edited by von Ozbourne
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Posted

Wrestling, hockey, and Technos? I love it already.

Was there by chance a prequel with the 93 engine? A fighting mini-mode would only be natural.

Posted

The idea of having actual fighting was not lost, but then there is the issue of a lack of player photos. Which I may be putting too much weight in? But as branding goes, I felt it was an important feature.

I am curious if the over-the-top arcade-type settings can be incorporated into '93 though. With the similarities in the base engine, it might be possible, and lend itself to that logical leap.

Posted
7 hours ago, 77 said:

no fighting...

 

* yawn *

You wasted your time to post this to belittle the work of one of the few people out here putting out new stuff and pushing the limits of what the game can do?

I'm sure you think you're clever.

* yawn *

Read the room.

 

  • Like 1
Posted

Such an amazing job creating this, I just have one slight issue and I don't know if it's on my end or if it's something else.  I've noticed that a few of the teams are missing from the selection screen, but they will appear in the highlights during periods and also on the screen where you can check the scores of other games.  There's 17 teams selectable but then there's at least 3 other teams that appear in the highlights and on the score page. Those being Second Jobbers, Mid Carders and the Latin Heaters.

Are these teams just not selectable or am I just missing something with my version?

Scene 1 2024-07-29_00-21-41.jpg

Posted
10 hours ago, jdogg1022 said:

Are these teams just not selectable or am I just missing something with my version?

Actually yes, as of now, the additional teams were literally just slapped together in order to have something other than "Team #19 vs Team #23" show up in the scores and replays. Technically all of the teams are set up with names, but since I stuck within the WWF brand, and only guys that were active from 1980-95, most of those lower teams are stocked with deep cuts that may have only made a handful of unmemorable appearances in that time. [As it stands, there are enough deep cuts on the 16 selectable teams, but that's just how it was going to be without going the Fire Pro route]

Anyway, I suppose those teams could be unlocked if one really wanted to, but at the moment the rosters only have names for the sake of the replays and lack any logos, photos or ratings.

Posted

It's possible to reduce the number of teams displayed on that screen, though you still have to have a minimum of 18.

https://forum.nhl94.com/index.php?/topic/19766-limit-teams-on-the-other-scores-screen/

Posted

I'm curious about this. I actually normally reduce the number of games displayed on the Other Scores to the minimum of eight, but I find it still it draws from the first 20 teams. Even if some are not selectable. My best guess is that there is some sort of definition in the code that sets the teams used to slightly more that teams displayed so it looks more natural that not every team is going to be active every single "Regular Season day".

Posted

You already know how I feel about this, but I feel the need to say it out loud. This is absolutely bonkers. One for the ages.

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Posted
4 hours ago, von Ozbourne said:

Actually yes, as of now, the additional teams were literally just slapped together in order to have something other than "Team #19 vs Team #23" show up in the scores and replays. Technically all of the teams are set up with names, but since I stuck within the WWF brand, and only guys that were active from 1980-95, most of those lower teams are stocked with deep cuts that may have only made a handful of unmemorable appearances in that time. [As it stands, there are enough deep cuts on the 16 selectable teams, but that's just how it was going to be without going the Fire Pro route]

Anyway, I suppose those teams could be unlocked if one really wanted to, but at the moment the rosters only have names for the sake of the replays and lack any logos, photos or ratings.

If you find time in the future it would be great if you could add in those additional teams, at least the midcarders.  But if not this is still an amazing release and I can't imagine how much time and effort it went into making this.  Thanks for sharing this with everyone who enjoys both wrestling and hockey :D

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Posted

Good lord. My nostalgia bone was on fire the other day and I couldn't figure out why. So of course I popped in and saw this.

This is epic level craziness. I love it.

Everything looks fantastic. The presentation alone sells it for me.

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Posted
23 hours ago, jdogg1022 said:

If you find time in the future it would be great if you could add in those additional teams, at least the midcarders. 

I fear that the team might not be as exciting as it seems behind the curtain of secrecy, but given that the "Other Games" list seems to only draw from three additional teams, I might be able to activate those ones. Probably wouldn't go further than that though. [I think one team I literally just filled with "one hit wonders"]

I suppose I could also unlock the TECHNOS Team. Their photos are just and the entire team is just rated 99 overall like the hidden EA Teams in NHL 97 and 98. I don't expect they would be that interesting and they wouldn't require a secret code for the mystery's sake, but it fills a spot.

9 hours ago, Drezz said:

Everything looks fantastic. The presentation alone sells it for me.

Well, I should probably acknowledge and be thankful that if not for your breakthrough with the menu background and watermarks, much of this presentation would not have been possible.

Posted
On 7/29/2024 at 12:41 PM, von Ozbourne said:

I'm curious about this. I actually normally reduce the number of games displayed on the Other Scores to the minimum of eight, but I find it still it draws from the first 20 teams. Even if some are not selectable. My best guess is that there is some sort of definition in the code that sets the teams used to slightly more that teams displayed so it looks more natural that not every team is going to be active every single "Regular Season day".

It's been a while so I forget the finer points (it should be in the linked thread) but there's a separate number where you can set how many teams are available to draw from for that screen, though setting it to any less than 18 teams will make it crash. I'm guessing because there have to be at least 8 "other" games aside from the one actually being played.

My IHL ROM started out as a playoff edition type of setup with two cameo teams because of that, before I decided to expand the team pool.

Posted

This is incredible! Thank you for this game that really brings me back and for the creativity involved.

On 7/27/2024 at 4:02 PM, Sean said:

Two words: holy s**t. 

This is incredible. Not only does it bring back childhood memories of Sega Genesis and the WWF, but your creativity is awesome. Thanks for this.

I will go in and look at the list of wrestlers, that will be fun on it's own,  but is there a quicker way of seeing who you included - maybe a list?

Posted
On 8/6/2024 at 2:47 PM, AndrewB said:

This is incredible. Not only does it bring back childhood memories of Sega Genesis and the WWF, but your creativity is awesome. Thanks for this.

I will go in and look at the list of wrestlers, that will be fun on it's own,  but is there a quicker way of seeing who you included - maybe a list?

Thanks eh. Actually I did have a list. I could probably clean that up and sort it out by teams for easier reference.

Just give me a few days eh.

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Okay, it's been more than a few days, but I was busy.

But on the other hand, I decided to stick to a visual representation of the teams, so I took some more time to whip these up as some digital instructional manual pages.

Team01-Hulkamaniacs.png

Team02-Harts.png

Team03-Madness.png

Team04-Warriors.png

Team05-Americans.png

Team06-Soul.png

Team07-Ladies.png

Team08-Islanders.png

Team09-Heenan.png

Team10-Millions.png

Team11-HotRods.png

Team12-Disasters.png

Team13-Canadiens.png

Team14-Dudes.png

Team15-Legends.png

Team16-Jobbers.png

New teams added for V2.0 update.

Team17-Luchas.png

Team18-King.png

Team19-MidCards.png

Wait. Update you say? [or maybe you didn't] Well yes.
Admittedly the teams aren't that great, but you do get a decent central Americas team with less Luchas than originally thought.
While originally omitted, long time announcer/spot talent Jerry Lawler gets a team mentoring some up-and-comers with some help from a few more back-niners.
And finally, a team of perhaps some guys who think higher of themselves than warranted, [even when they are called "mid"] but one can't go about calling themselves the "Enhancers" without sounding even more lofty or like a '50s doo wop band.

Update in the original post

Edited by von Ozbourne
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Posted

Thank you VERY much! That was above and beyond what I expected (just a list would have been great). And thanks for the Update. It's fun just to look at the pictures you included.

Thanks again, great work!

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  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

This is so awesome. I'm hoping it did well enough for Technos and WWF to make a sequel that would be a very late release on the Genesis in the late 90s.😉

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