14 DAY TRIAL // My favorite superstar wrestling ambushed me in the locker, after I was bodyslammed by my boss’ secretary, asking me to provide company in the ring at the biggest event of the year. I might be a rookie with clear instructions to avoid such fraternizing but the opportunity is too big to pass up. So I deliver some extra theatrics in the ring, spoil the entrance of our opponent, and get KOed for my trouble.
We might know that wrestling matches have pre-determined results and a high degree of theatrics. But there’s no way to deny that they manage to make fans feel deeply and that their narratives keep immersion up. So what happens if traditional wrestling ideas are mixed with dating sim ideas and with a focus on self-expression?
Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid on the Block is developed by Team Lazerbeam and published by Prismatika. I played a preview version of it on the PC using Steam. The title mixes a unique take on the idea of wrestling with dating sim elements and an interesting graphical style.
It all starts with a questionnaire in a wrestling fan magazine. Players will answer questions to create the personality of their character, before applying to join the WWE (that’s Wrestling With Emotion and not any real organization). The president of the league and the main trainer don’t want much more than another warm body for entertainment purposes. But there are opportunities to impress and try to become the next superstar.
The preview version doesn’t reveal much of the story. Players will be able to guide their characters through emotion-filled matches, becoming friends or seducing 7 iconic wrestlers that take some real-world archetypes and push them to the extreme. I mostly liked the writing, mainly because it captures the over-the-top nature of actual wrestling and parodies it while adding a topping of earnestness.
Players get classic dialogue choices when meeting other characters and the wrestling element of the gameplay is powered by something the developers call MEAT. Basically, acting in the ring will use stats for Muscle, Elegance, Attitude, and Theatrics, depending on the opponent and situation.
The player character’s personality will be driven by BONES, an acronym for Bodacious, Open, Nervous, Easy Going, and Steadfast. Wrestling style is built around GUTS (Grabby, Uppies, Throws, and Strikes) and all these elements can be mixed to put together power moves and finishers.
The preview version of the game didn’t feature too much ring action, although I liked the title’s take on entrances and character interactions. The dating sim elements seem pretty solid. But I am curious to see how wrestling is added to the mix and how the launch version will balance the two elements.
Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid on the Block opts for a cartoon-influenced look that works well with the dating and wrestling mix. All the protagonists have a distinctive look, with exaggerated gimmicks. There are customization options for the player’s avatar. The soundtrack is also promising, with a lot of unique themes, although the constant switching between tracks was a little annoying.
Conclusion
The writing is suitably punchy and there’s plenty of weirdness in the world and presentation. I worry a little about the text-driven wrestling and if it can keep players engaged. Wrestling With Emotions: New Kid on the Block has a ton of potential and really want to play the full version and discover more about its mechanics and narrative.
A preview key for the game was provided by the publisher
