Onita Atsushi FMW (1993)
Onita Atsushi FMW is a professional wrestling simulation game developed by Pony Canyon and published by Pony Canyon for the Super Famicom, released on August 6, 1993. The game features the endorsement of Atsushi Onita, the founder of the Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) promotion, which was known for its hardcore and deathmatch style. The game is a wrestling simulation that captures the chaotic, violent style of FMW, featuring a roster of wrestlers and various match types, including barbed wire matches and deathmatches. Pony Canyon, known for their music production and game publishing, brought their expertise to this niche wrestling title.
Gameplay and Wrestling Mechanics
Onita Atsushi FMW is a wrestling game where players choose from a roster of FMW wrestlers, each with unique stats, moves, and signature techniques. The game features a "grapple" system, where players must time button presses to execute moves, with a "struggle" mini-game to gain control. The game's standout feature is the "hardcore" system, where weapons and environmental hazards play a significant role, including barbed wire, exploding rings, and other extreme elements. The game's controls are responsive, with button mapping for strikes, grapples, and submissions.
The game includes multiple modes, including an exhibition match, a tournament mode, a "deathmatch" mode, and a two-player mode for competitive multiplayer. The game's visual style is detailed and gritty, with large, expressive wrestler sprites and authentic, often violent, ring environments. The soundtrack features high-energy rock and electronic tracks that match the intensity of the matches.
Onita Atsushi FMW received positive reviews for its hardcore wrestling simulation and unique style, becoming a cult classic among wrestling fans. It remains a nostalgic classic for fans of extreme wrestling and Pony Canyon's niche game publishing.