I still bust out my modded PS2 and play KOC2. They got one thing right that no other big wrestling game has done (besides FPW), and that’s wrestler tendencies. The tendencies is what make the game great. Going toe to toe with kobashi, push him to his limits and he’ll randomly out of nowhere hit you with the Burning Hammer! Seeing that those big impact moves are calculated, priceless ❤
They really did a great job with the way that wrestlers actually wrestle like the real wrestlers do. It's incredible. I had to try really hard not to get carried away with KOC II when I tried it out because I was working on this review and didn't want to mess up my perspective on this game. I'm looking forward to getting into KOC II properly in the future. I've heard so much good stuff.
I have KOC1 over KOC2 only bc of the look. I wish they had the ref in the ring on KOC1 but it really makes up for it in other areas. The fact that there's a full commentary track on the game back then is amazing. Changing things like the commentary Team and ring announcer is a good touch (lmk if I'm wrong about the announcer bc I know All Star Pro-Wrestling 3 did this as well and I could be confusing them in this category). The editing and creating is insane, a staple of the Fire-Pro Series. Didn't get into KOC2 even though I own it. The hidden wrestlers you can create in KOC1 though is RIDICULOUSNESS!! My crown jewel is my Road Warriors R.I.P creation on KOC1.
I remember modding my PS2 just to play KOC Red and Green. The disc combing feature was awesome. Even tho KOC 2 had all the Red/Green rosters (and then some), KOC 1 still has a special place in my heart.
This was a great video, I discovered this through emulation back in 2014 when I got into Japanese wrestling and this is probably the deepest puro sim ever made. Sure Fire Pro is great and all but it's not as sim heavy as this and doesn't capture the unique epic match to match feeling this game has. Similarly to AKI games, the visuals and animations might not look like much, but it's part of the charm and you soon stop taking notice once you're sucked into the drama of the match unfolding.
The creating and editing in this game is awesome. I created The Road Warriors R.I.P and it was game over. Its also cool seeing who appears in the difficult story mode.
Looks like a cool game, but no wrestling game will ever surpass the feel, the smoothness and overall depth of Giant Gram 2000: All Japan Pro Wrestling 3.
I really want to check out Giant Gram sometime. VPW2 was amazing and while I've never played King's Soul on PS1 it looks good too, so I'm willing to bet AJPW also delivered with the Giant Gram games.
I haven't played KoC (I've played Wrestle Kingdom, which is fucking fantastic), but it's really cool to see it's like Fire Pro/VPW where it's got literally goddamn everyone in it. Can really go nuts with the dream matches.
What really blows my mind about it is most of those sorts of puroresu games only have a license for one promotion (at best) and otherwise have to have knockoff versions of everyone else, but for the most part KOC actually has all the licenses (I think some of the foreign talent might be slightly altered). They actually got All Japan (and by extension branding for Tenryu's WAR promotion), New Japan, Noah, Zero-One, and Pancrase to license their brands to Spike. It's mind-blowing especially since American wrestling by comparison is extremely strict about separating each company's IP.
back in NJPW was at its lowest and almost didnt become a company, just wish i played this game but ive seen videos on it and it looks sick, very good video
You know growing up in the PS2 original Xbox GameCube. Kind of mad that a lot of these companies from Japan could’ve made a lot more money if they made all their games region, free ridiculous that they have these hidden gems that it could’ve made gangbuster money in the United States. this game is a perfect example.
I'm not sure they would have made much money from that honestly. Maybe from importers buying the games directly from them in Japan to export to Western buyers, but I'd imagine importing was a lot tougher in the PS2 era. I remember reading an article from 2005 reviewing King of Colosseum 2 and they said it cost around $80 to buy from import sites at the time. Plus I wonder if Americans would line up in droves for those games. Most Americans in 2005 probably didn't know about Initial D, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure or Mitsuharu Misawa. Importing was even more niche at the time. Although at that point I almost wonder why they'd region lock the games since almost nobody actually could import them back then...
I really like Red/Green, Koc2 is my favorite game too. Although there are many things missing such as the Roster that does not appear, such as Baba/Vader/Hansen etc. But overall I like everything about KOC.
Other than the roster (which is still pretty good, I'm just a 90s All Japan fanboy LOL) I think that KOC II is mostly a straight up improvement over the first one based on the little bit I did play. I'm looking forward to properly getting into it.
@@HereComesTheGameit may be a nitpick I mentioned in other threads, but the wrestlers being smaller and the ring being so big was what took me out of KOC2. I own it, I know it's great, that's just my gripe.
@@elvedincatak9557 that's a big part of the greatness of The Fire-Pro Series and KOC 1&2. There are so many characters hidden that can be made. Not sure about KOC2 bc although I own it, I didn't play it a lot. It's boring to me to be honest. In KOC1 though, there are so many characters hidden that can be made so easily its INSANE.
Kings soul for the ps1 was a predecessor that still did some cool things I hadn’t seen before. Like someone going for a German but the opponent grabbing the ropes
@@HereComesTheGame you mentioned it. I think I just have a bad translation. It’s the one on PS1. There’s also a Joshi title on PS1 but I haven’t spent any time with it
I've heard good things about King's Soul on PS1. Never played it myself. Definitely an awesome title for wrestling games during PS1 though. I believe that game is Human/Spike Engine. And Devs too.
I liked KoC2 a lot better, but yeah. Its my favorite wrestling game by far.. i spent so many hours unlocking everything in this game You could unlock wrestler templates, like inoki, giant baba etc.. which you then had to go into CAW mode, and "create" them.. thats how they could get away with licensing, but it was made pretty easy so you just had to "load" the template. save as new wrestler (usually took the opportunity to change the name and his signature and special move to english). A lot of people find the gameplay weird, but once you get used to it its so much fun. It has a really addictive % rating, and different crowds, arenas etc.. I used to love trying to get 100% (five star) matches
I absolutely love all the KOC games. KOC II is more known and easier to deal with (1 disc), but there are some things I do like more about Red/Green. Though I don't think one can go wrong with any of them. I've played nearly every wrestling game out there. While I think it's hard, maybe even unnecessary, to pick a very best. I know these games would be up near the top duking it out with the AKI entries for me. But I tend to try to debate less about what wrestling games are better and just appreciate that we have so many great wrestling games out there that it can be even be a discussion. I also definitely recommend Wrestle Kingdom, Wrestle Kingdom 2, and All Star Pro Wrestling 2/3!
I still need to get my hands on the All Star Pro Wrestling games. Square making a wrestling game is so intriguing to me. I haven't played much of the Wrestle Kingdom games but I liked what I played. It reminds me of a weightier SVR feel. I've heard WK compared online to the Day of Reckoning games for GameCube, but it's been so long since I had the opportunity to play either one that I don't remember anymore. Intriguing stuff for sure though.
@HereComesTheGame Yes, the Wrestle Kingdom games are basically the Day of Reckoning engine but on the PS2. With some slight changes to play into the Japanese world of wrestling. I think both WK1 and WK2 have merit, but WK2 is probably the superior game with a killer roster. Regarding All Star Pro Wrestling, I suppose the 3rd entry is the best overall, but I tend to favor the 2nd for some of the wrestler inclusions that were dropped in the sequel. ASPW3's approach to CAWs really hurt it for me as well. But definitely all interesting games to check out.
@@EGommer1994 Wrestle Kingdom Series and Day of Reckoning 1&2 are the not so secret AKI Engine wrestling games. They play exactly like them. Like Def Jam Vendetta. Almost like how Power Moves Pro-Wrestling plays similarly to WCW vs The World and the N64 Classics. Yukes is sneaky in my humble opinion. Although I prefer All Star Pro-Wrestling 3 over 2, I understand why you feel the way you do as far as The Rosters. To be fair, I think ASPW2 has the better look to it when it comes to the crowd etc. I just prefer the controls of ASPW3 over ASPW2. I never got into "Power Make" in ASPW3 to be honest and I've heard complaints about it. I own WK 1&2, WK on 360, and both ASPW 2&3. Very good games when you get passed the lack of gimmick matches.
Played the original on a modded PS2, kind of got talked into buying Final Fantasy Online, and while I didn't play that game much, the Hard Drive that was included in the bundle was used to combine the two King of Colosseum discs. Definitely a fun time, but once I got KoC II, I spent a lot more time playing that game. More modes, more features, and you don't have to combine two discs. IMO KoC II is the best PS2 wrestling game, although others have said, if you can get around the amount of text, Wrestle Kingdom 2 is better, but I'm still more into KoC II.
I preferred KOC1 over KOC2. My one complaint about KOC2 is that the wrestlers seemed to get smaller and the ring got bigger. Idk why but that was just an eyesore for me. Wrestle Kingdom 1 had Brock Lesnar and Jamal (Umaga) R.I.P which I loved and the gameplay was great. Same goes for WK2 minus Brock and Jamal. Plus, WK2 excluded NOAH I believe, which sucked. Overall, I think WK2's roster was better, I loved the new wrestlers who came into the game and Legends like Hayabusa, Vader, Terry Funk and Terry Bam Bam Gordy (all R.I.P sadly). If you haven't played it yet, try All Star Pro-Wrestling 3.
@@HereComesTheGameyou breathed life into KOCGR. That game needed light shined on it. It deserves it. So, I'll be checking out your previous videos and looking forward to the new ones. PS2 in Japan had some AMAZING Pro-Wres games. I have them all basically. Not a scrub in the bunch really outta the ones I have. No match types like steel cage, which is sad but we know the gimmick matches weren't really going on in Japan unless you're talking FMW. I hope I see you talk about the Wrestle Kingdom Series, All Star Pro-Wrestling Series, which holds a special place for me bc of ASPW3, even the Touken Retsudon Series (not sure if they had a PS2 game but I have I believe 3 on PS1, which plays in my PS2). Long message my fault. I'll be here in the comments for these Pro-Wres gems.
I can't believe that my King of Colosseum review has as many views as it's gotten. It's such a niche and obscure game that I think this might be one of the most (or even THE most) popular videos about it on UA-cam. Very exciting
@@HereComesTheGamenobody shed the light on it really. Not that I've seen. It's such a good game. Especially from the Fire-Pro devs. For them to do in 3D what they've done in 2D is remarkable. Truly remarkable. People paid attention. I have Fire-Pro Returns but played KOCGR more. I have KOC2 but play KOCGR more. It's just too good. And like any Fire-Pro, it's what you don't see. There is a library of hidden pro-wrestlers in this game. If you have knowledge, the LEGENDS are there from Andre R.I.P to Sayama's Tiger Mask to Brody R.I.P to even Bob Sapp. You did a fantastic job yo. That's real.
The Gracies have been the bane of my existence since I've tried beating KOC2's single player on the hardest difficulty. Those MMA fighters are no joke.
I've read this game is the only way to watch the full version of Kenta Kobashi's "Diamond Head" finisher. He only tried it once and retired it because it was botched and injured his opponent. I have no way of playing it to see it the move as it was meant to be. Can you confirm if its true that "Diamond Head" is indeed in the game? If so, could you upload a clip of it as a short or gif? Thank you
I checked into that for you. There's a clip of Kobashi using it on UA-cam and like you said it looked like he injured his opponent's shoulder. It's a shame because the Diamond Head looks badass. I can confirm that they put the move into both King of Colosseum games. As far as I can tell, the move is the same as it was when he did it in real life. I recorded footage of it and I'll upload it tomorrow and send you a link to the unlisted video.
Hey I'm back. Here's the link. It's a short compilation of the move, showing it in edit mode and gameplay in both KOC games. ua-cam.com/video/CluibcB-DGA/v-deo.html
@@HereComesTheGame thank you so much, I've wondered about this for over 10 years. I thought the developers would have contacted Kobashi himself to correct it for the game but it seems they just went with the only available video reference.
Antonio Inoki is giving out Fighting Spirit Slaps to various talents. Getting slapped by Inoki was considered an honor. And mostly I just thought it would be hilarious to show Inoki doing that LOL
Yeah that's a clip from 2000 if I remember correctly, at an Inoki Bombaye event. Inoki was getting really into Inoki-ism by then. I don't think he put the IWGP title on Bob Sapp yet at that point, but it was coming.
@@HereComesTheGame Inoki-ism almost killed NJPW in my humble opinion. And All Japan suffered once Baba R.I.P fell and the controversy happened. Misawa R.I.P brought it back with NOAH. I miss the green mat and skirt with the black ropes and colored turnbuckle pads. Classic look. These Pro-Wres games were so good.
@@HereComesTheGame he's AWESOME on KOC green and red!! One of my favorite characters to use, along with Vader R.I.P, when I'm not crushing this game with my created Road Warriors R.I.P My LOD are amazing, I must say.
@@HereComesTheGamemy Road Warriors don't have one move in their arsenals that they didn't do in real life. You won't see Hawk doing a Frankensteiner nor Animal doing an Asai Mutsault etc LOL. Only the moves they actually did in the ring. They destroy LOL
All star pro wrestling 2 and 3 are great as well. Especially cpu vs cpu. Square can do wrestling games. And fighting games, Tobal 2 is one of my favorites ever
I'm curious to try All Star Pro Wrestling. I remember hearing about them and thinking "wait, Square made WRESTLING games?!". I gotta check those out sometime
@@HereComesTheGame the first one is kind of middling. It’s best to go to 2 or 3. Really depending on the rosters you want. I always try to organize online net play but no one ever joins for some obscure Japanese wrestling game. Imagine that! :)
I have All Star pro-wrestling 2 and 3. The games are pretty good and there are some things that they do better than KOC no doubt. The visuals for one were a step up. Some of the animations were perfect. The roster is the main issue though as it is seriously lacking. KOC overall is a more refined and greater pro-wrestling game. One thing KOC failed to land is the speed of Jnr heavyweights. They definitely should feel quicker on their feet.
@@andrewbryce2707ASPW3 is an awesome game. Seeing and being able to control 2 Cold Scorpio is awesome too. The one gripe I have about ASPW3 is the crowd look, or lack of, but it makes up for it in gameplay. It's a favorite of mine.
@@BigDaddyCola I just couldn't get into KOC2. I own it and I tried and tried, I just couldn't do it. I know it does things better than KOC1, and it's one disc, I don't know, it just didn't hit with me. I understand why people love it, I do, it just missed me.
I've messed with it a bit and what has me hooked is how easy it is to make real wrestlers in it using the samples. I love being able to quickly create dozens of contemporary and legendary wrestlers and fighters. Consider giving it another shot sometime, it might win you over.
@@HereComesTheGame I know KOC2 does all the things KOC1 does. That's how I created my Road Warriors on KOC1, then I just went through and edited them to my liking. It's something the developers, Spike I believe, have perfected. They're masters at it. I own both, I guess I just prefer KOC1 over KOC2. It may be a dimensions (for lack of better word) type of deal for me. I can't get over the smallness of the characters vs the largeness of the ring. My eyes just can't see passed it. Plus, it was a bit boring. Just my opinion. Never know, I may go back and try again and see it differently.
I will admit I think Survival Road (KOC2 single player) isn't as neat as Trial Road (KOC1 - who doesn't love stern, disappointed Misawa staring into your soul like a disappointed dad when you lose?) and the load times are noticeably worse, but otherwise everything I'm missing from KOC 1 can be made in KOC 2. I got over not having my All Japan legends by creating them and then some. It might not be Stan Hansen, but "Star Bison" is good enough for me. Also, I love the goofy ripoffs of theme songs they don't have the rights to, like Galaxy Express (NWA title theme from All Japan), J or Inoki Bombaye (or whatever Inoki's song is called).
@@HereComesTheGame the only way I could beat story modes on KOC1 was high risk moves, submission holds and strikes. I couldn't pull off moves LOL What your saying are kinda different from my issue etc with KOC2. None of it has to do with my non-KOC2 playing. Actually, they're plusses to play. It's just the look for me to be honest. It's just difficult to see passed. I wish KOC2 looked like KOC1 but with all the new innovations.
Do you have any advice or suggestions to make things less boring? I admit this is a niche topic and I have a ton of info here to try and give the viewer proper context, because honestly I didn't know this stuff about the game until I researched for the video. Any advice would be welcome.
@@HereComesTheGamethe lack of an on-screen ref is a letdown. Just not enough to turn me away. It makes up for it in so many other ways. You're making me wanna dust off the Japanese PS2 and play this and my other Pro-Wres games LOL
This era of gaming is dearly missed. imports were such a gems.
I still bust out my modded PS2 and play KOC2. They got one thing right that no other big wrestling game has done (besides FPW), and that’s wrestler tendencies. The tendencies is what make the game great. Going toe to toe with kobashi, push him to his limits and he’ll randomly out of nowhere hit you with the Burning Hammer! Seeing that those big impact moves are calculated, priceless ❤
They really did a great job with the way that wrestlers actually wrestle like the real wrestlers do. It's incredible. I had to try really hard not to get carried away with KOC II when I tried it out because I was working on this review and didn't want to mess up my perspective on this game.
I'm looking forward to getting into KOC II properly in the future. I've heard so much good stuff.
I have KOC1 over KOC2 only bc of the look. I wish they had the ref in the ring on KOC1 but it really makes up for it in other areas.
The fact that there's a full commentary track on the game back then is amazing. Changing things like the commentary Team and ring announcer is a good touch (lmk if I'm wrong about the announcer bc I know All Star Pro-Wrestling 3 did this as well and I could be confusing them in this category).
The editing and creating is insane, a staple of the Fire-Pro Series. Didn't get into KOC2 even though I own it. The hidden wrestlers you can create in KOC1 though is RIDICULOUSNESS!! My crown jewel is my Road Warriors R.I.P creation on KOC1.
Sorry for my novel.
I remember modding my PS2 just to play KOC Red and Green. The disc combing feature was awesome. Even tho KOC 2 had all the Red/Green rosters (and then some), KOC 1 still has a special place in my heart.
This was a great video, I discovered this through emulation back in 2014 when I got into Japanese wrestling and this is probably the deepest puro sim ever made. Sure Fire Pro is great and all but it's not as sim heavy as this and doesn't capture the unique epic match to match feeling this game has. Similarly to AKI games, the visuals and animations might not look like much, but it's part of the charm and you soon stop taking notice once you're sucked into the drama of the match unfolding.
The creating and editing in this game is awesome. I created The Road Warriors R.I.P and it was game over. Its also cool seeing who appears in the difficult story mode.
bruiser brody edit wearing the glasses is probably a nod to his japanese nickname, intelligent (intelligence) monster
I didn't know that! That's pretty clever if that's what they were going for.
Looks like a cool game, but no wrestling game will ever surpass the feel, the smoothness and overall depth of Giant Gram 2000: All Japan Pro Wrestling 3.
I really want to check out Giant Gram sometime. VPW2 was amazing and while I've never played King's Soul on PS1 it looks good too, so I'm willing to bet AJPW also delivered with the Giant Gram games.
I haven't played KoC (I've played Wrestle Kingdom, which is fucking fantastic), but it's really cool to see it's like Fire Pro/VPW where it's got literally goddamn everyone in it. Can really go nuts with the dream matches.
What really blows my mind about it is most of those sorts of puroresu games only have a license for one promotion (at best) and otherwise have to have knockoff versions of everyone else, but for the most part KOC actually has all the licenses (I think some of the foreign talent might be slightly altered). They actually got All Japan (and by extension branding for Tenryu's WAR promotion), New Japan, Noah, Zero-One, and Pancrase to license their brands to Spike.
It's mind-blowing especially since American wrestling by comparison is extremely strict about separating each company's IP.
WK 1&2 is a very sneaky version of the AKI Engine. Plays basically like The N64 AKI Dynasty and Def Jam Vendetta.
My one gripe is the difficultly of KOC - Green and Red's story mode. Ugh. But it makes up for it with the wrestlers who appear.
i can’t wait for an eventual king of colosseum 2 video. that is one of my favorite games ever
I'm looking forward to making it. I'm excited to see how good the second game is
back in NJPW was at its lowest and almost didnt become a company, just wish i played this game but ive seen videos on it and it looks sick, very good video
Glad you enjoyed it. 2002/3 was a fascinating time period for wrestling worldwide, that's for sure
You gotta play KOC1 green and red. It's awesome in my humble opinion.
I had so much fun with this game.
You know growing up in the PS2 original Xbox GameCube. Kind of mad that a lot of these companies from Japan could’ve made a lot more money if they made all their games region, free ridiculous that they have these hidden gems that it could’ve made gangbuster money in the United States. this game is a perfect example.
I'm not sure they would have made much money from that honestly. Maybe from importers buying the games directly from them in Japan to export to Western buyers, but I'd imagine importing was a lot tougher in the PS2 era. I remember reading an article from 2005 reviewing King of Colosseum 2 and they said it cost around $80 to buy from import sites at the time.
Plus I wonder if Americans would line up in droves for those games. Most Americans in 2005 probably didn't know about Initial D, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure or Mitsuharu Misawa. Importing was even more niche at the time. Although at that point I almost wonder why they'd region lock the games since almost nobody actually could import them back then...
I really like Red/Green, Koc2 is my favorite game too. Although there are many things missing such as the Roster that does not appear, such as Baba/Vader/Hansen etc. But overall I like everything about KOC.
Other than the roster (which is still pretty good, I'm just a 90s All Japan fanboy LOL) I think that KOC II is mostly a straight up improvement over the first one based on the little bit I did play. I'm looking forward to properly getting into it.
@@HereComesTheGameit may be a nitpick I mentioned in other threads, but the wrestlers being smaller and the ring being so big was what took me out of KOC2. I own it, I know it's great, that's just my gripe.
In KoC 2 they are templates of Baba and Hansen just create them it ez
@@elvedincatak9557 I've made a lot of templates for wrestlers :>
@@elvedincatak9557 that's a big part of the greatness of The Fire-Pro Series and KOC 1&2. There are so many characters hidden that can be made.
Not sure about KOC2 bc although I own it, I didn't play it a lot. It's boring to me to be honest. In KOC1 though, there are so many characters hidden that can be made so easily its INSANE.
this game was my childhood nice vid mate😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Kings soul for the ps1 was a predecessor that still did some cool things I hadn’t seen before. Like someone going for a German but the opponent grabbing the ropes
I definitely want to check that game out sometime. It looked pretty cool. It's crazy how All Japan had so many awesome games.
@@HereComesTheGame you mentioned it. I think I just have a bad translation. It’s the one on PS1. There’s also a Joshi title on PS1 but I haven’t spent any time with it
@@anthonydawson8080that game looks good. Especially for the time period. I've seen it played but never to its fullest potential.
I've heard good things about King's Soul on PS1. Never played it myself. Definitely an awesome title for wrestling games during PS1 though.
I believe that game is Human/Spike Engine. And Devs too.
This is a personal favorite of mine
It's a hidden gem for sure. A highlight of wrestling games in a star-studded era of them.
I just started watching the video but I just have to say thank you for pronouncing it “Pro-Wres” and not “pUrOReSsOoOo”
Another one that drive me nuts is “pure-oh”
Great game no doubt but yeah KOC2 came along and is still till this day the greatest 3-D Pro-wrestling game ever made
I liked KoC2 a lot better, but yeah. Its my favorite wrestling game by far.. i spent so many hours unlocking everything in this game You could unlock wrestler templates, like inoki, giant baba etc.. which you then had to go into CAW mode, and "create" them.. thats how they could get away with licensing, but it was made pretty easy so you just had to "load" the template. save as new wrestler (usually took the opportunity to change the name and his signature and special move to english).
A lot of people find the gameplay weird, but once you get used to it its so much fun. It has a really addictive % rating, and different crowds, arenas etc.. I used to love trying to get 100% (five star) matches
I absolutely love all the KOC games. KOC II is more known and easier to deal with (1 disc), but there are some things I do like more about Red/Green. Though I don't think one can go wrong with any of them.
I've played nearly every wrestling game out there. While I think it's hard, maybe even unnecessary, to pick a very best. I know these games would be up near the top duking it out with the AKI entries for me.
But I tend to try to debate less about what wrestling games are better and just appreciate that we have so many great wrestling games out there that it can be even be a discussion.
I also definitely recommend Wrestle Kingdom, Wrestle Kingdom 2, and All Star Pro Wrestling 2/3!
I still need to get my hands on the All Star Pro Wrestling games. Square making a wrestling game is so intriguing to me. I haven't played much of the Wrestle Kingdom games but I liked what I played. It reminds me of a weightier SVR feel.
I've heard WK compared online to the Day of Reckoning games for GameCube, but it's been so long since I had the opportunity to play either one that I don't remember anymore. Intriguing stuff for sure though.
@HereComesTheGame Yes, the Wrestle Kingdom games are basically the Day of Reckoning engine but on the PS2. With some slight changes to play into the Japanese world of wrestling. I think both WK1 and WK2 have merit, but WK2 is probably the superior game with a killer roster.
Regarding All Star Pro Wrestling, I suppose the 3rd entry is the best overall, but I tend to favor the 2nd for some of the wrestler inclusions that were dropped in the sequel. ASPW3's approach to CAWs really hurt it for me as well.
But definitely all interesting games to check out.
@@EGommer1994 Wrestle Kingdom Series and Day of Reckoning 1&2 are the not so secret AKI Engine wrestling games.
They play exactly like them. Like Def Jam Vendetta.
Almost like how Power Moves Pro-Wrestling plays similarly to WCW vs The World and the N64 Classics. Yukes is sneaky in my humble opinion.
Although I prefer All Star Pro-Wrestling 3 over 2, I understand why you feel the way you do as far as The Rosters. To be fair, I think ASPW2 has the better look to it when it comes to the crowd etc.
I just prefer the controls of ASPW3 over ASPW2.
I never got into "Power Make" in ASPW3 to be honest and I've heard complaints about it.
I own WK 1&2, WK on 360, and both ASPW 2&3. Very good games when you get passed the lack of gimmick matches.
Played the original on a modded PS2, kind of got talked into buying Final Fantasy Online, and while I didn't play that game much, the Hard Drive that was included in the bundle was used to combine the two King of Colosseum discs. Definitely a fun time, but once I got KoC II, I spent a lot more time playing that game. More modes, more features, and you don't have to combine two discs. IMO KoC II is the best PS2 wrestling game, although others have said, if you can get around the amount of text, Wrestle Kingdom 2 is better, but I'm still more into KoC II.
I preferred KOC1 over KOC2. My one complaint about KOC2 is that the wrestlers seemed to get smaller and the ring got bigger. Idk why but that was just an eyesore for me.
Wrestle Kingdom 1 had Brock Lesnar and Jamal (Umaga) R.I.P which I loved and the gameplay was great. Same goes for WK2 minus Brock and Jamal. Plus, WK2 excluded NOAH I believe, which sucked. Overall, I think WK2's roster was better, I loved the new wrestlers who came into the game and Legends like Hayabusa, Vader, Terry Funk and Terry Bam Bam Gordy (all R.I.P sadly).
If you haven't played it yet, try All Star Pro-Wrestling 3.
@@mr1000Centmy fault for the long comment.
New sub.
Welcome aboard! Glad to have you!
@@HereComesTheGameyou breathed life into KOCGR. That game needed light shined on it. It deserves it.
So, I'll be checking out your previous videos and looking forward to the new ones.
PS2 in Japan had some AMAZING Pro-Wres games. I have them all basically. Not a scrub in the bunch really outta the ones I have.
No match types like steel cage, which is sad but we know the gimmick matches weren't really going on in Japan unless you're talking FMW.
I hope I see you talk about the Wrestle Kingdom Series, All Star Pro-Wrestling Series, which holds a special place for me bc of ASPW3, even the Touken Retsudon Series (not sure if they had a PS2 game but I have I believe 3 on PS1, which plays in my PS2).
Long message my fault. I'll be here in the comments for these Pro-Wres gems.
I can't believe that my King of Colosseum review has as many views as it's gotten. It's such a niche and obscure game that I think this might be one of the most (or even THE most) popular videos about it on UA-cam. Very exciting
@@HereComesTheGamenobody shed the light on it really. Not that I've seen.
It's such a good game. Especially from the Fire-Pro devs. For them to do in 3D what they've done in 2D is remarkable. Truly remarkable.
People paid attention. I have Fire-Pro Returns but played KOCGR more. I have KOC2 but play KOCGR more.
It's just too good. And like any Fire-Pro, it's what you don't see. There is a library of hidden pro-wrestlers in this game. If you have knowledge, the LEGENDS are there from Andre R.I.P to Sayama's Tiger Mask to Brody R.I.P to even Bob Sapp.
You did a fantastic job yo. That's real.
I really appreciate your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the ride.
Learned about it from Newlegacyinc Kingiest of the Ringiest turnament 2! Semmy Schilt is a BEAST!!!
The Gracies have been the bane of my existence since I've tried beating KOC2's single player on the hardest difficulty. Those MMA fighters are no joke.
@@HereComesTheGame Remember Semmy's entrance song?
No I can't say I do
@@HereComesTheGame It's so funny he's a total killer but he comes out to the most funky song in the game lol. Good song tho really. Banger
I made Semmy Schilt and he absolutely destroyed me when I fought him. Absolute monster
I've read this game is the only way to watch the full version of Kenta Kobashi's "Diamond Head" finisher. He only tried it once and retired it because it was botched and injured his opponent. I have no way of playing it to see it the move as it was meant to be. Can you confirm if its true that "Diamond Head" is indeed in the game? If so, could you upload a clip of it as a short or gif? Thank you
I checked into that for you. There's a clip of Kobashi using it on UA-cam and like you said it looked like he injured his opponent's shoulder. It's a shame because the Diamond Head looks badass.
I can confirm that they put the move into both King of Colosseum games. As far as I can tell, the move is the same as it was when he did it in real life. I recorded footage of it and I'll upload it tomorrow and send you a link to the unlisted video.
Hey I'm back. Here's the link. It's a short compilation of the move, showing it in edit mode and gameplay in both KOC games.
ua-cam.com/video/CluibcB-DGA/v-deo.html
@@HereComesTheGame thank you so much, I've wondered about this for over 10 years. I thought the developers would have contacted Kobashi himself to correct it for the game but it seems they just went with the only available video reference.
2:25 wtf is going on ?!
Antonio Inoki is giving out Fighting Spirit Slaps to various talents. Getting slapped by Inoki was considered an honor. And mostly I just thought it would be hilarious to show Inoki doing that LOL
@@HereComesTheGamewas this when he was doing his "Inoki-ism?"
R.I.P Inoki
Yeah that's a clip from 2000 if I remember correctly, at an Inoki Bombaye event. Inoki was getting really into Inoki-ism by then. I don't think he put the IWGP title on Bob Sapp yet at that point, but it was coming.
@@HereComesTheGame Inoki-ism almost killed NJPW in my humble opinion.
And All Japan suffered once Baba R.I.P fell and the controversy happened.
Misawa R.I.P brought it back with NOAH. I miss the green mat and skirt with the black ropes and colored turnbuckle pads. Classic look.
These Pro-Wres games were so good.
Behold my mighty hand!!
I own this game. KOC - Green and Red is an AMAZING GAME. I actually prefer it over KOC2.
I mostly just miss the All Japan legends in KOC II. Gotta get my Stan Hansen kick...
@@HereComesTheGame he's AWESOME on KOC green and red!!
One of my favorite characters to use, along with Vader R.I.P, when I'm not crushing this game with my created Road Warriors R.I.P
My LOD are amazing, I must say.
@@HereComesTheGamemy Road Warriors don't have one move in their arsenals that they didn't do in real life.
You won't see Hawk doing a Frankensteiner nor Animal doing an Asai Mutsault etc LOL.
Only the moves they actually did in the ring. They destroy LOL
All star pro wrestling 2 and 3 are great as well. Especially cpu vs cpu. Square can do wrestling games. And fighting games, Tobal 2 is one of my favorites ever
I'm curious to try All Star Pro Wrestling. I remember hearing about them and thinking "wait, Square made WRESTLING games?!". I gotta check those out sometime
@@HereComesTheGame the first one is kind of middling. It’s best to go to 2 or 3. Really depending on the rosters you want. I always try to organize online net play but no one ever joins for some obscure Japanese wrestling game. Imagine that! :)
@@anthonydawson8080ASPW 3 is pretty amazing. I feel like Square Enix perfected the gameplay on this one.
I have All Star pro-wrestling 2 and 3. The games are pretty good and there are some things that they do better than KOC no doubt. The visuals for one were a step up. Some of the animations were perfect. The roster is the main issue though as it is seriously lacking. KOC overall is a more refined and greater pro-wrestling game. One thing KOC failed to land is the speed of Jnr heavyweights. They definitely should feel quicker on their feet.
@@andrewbryce2707ASPW3 is an awesome game. Seeing and being able to control 2 Cold Scorpio is awesome too.
The one gripe I have about ASPW3 is the crowd look, or lack of, but it makes up for it in gameplay. It's a favorite of mine.
Play koc2. It makes red and green obsolete. It also has all the content on one disc
@@BigDaddyCola I just couldn't get into KOC2.
I own it and I tried and tried, I just couldn't do it. I know it does things better than KOC1, and it's one disc, I don't know, it just didn't hit with me.
I understand why people love it, I do, it just missed me.
I've messed with it a bit and what has me hooked is how easy it is to make real wrestlers in it using the samples. I love being able to quickly create dozens of contemporary and legendary wrestlers and fighters.
Consider giving it another shot sometime, it might win you over.
@@HereComesTheGame I know KOC2 does all the things KOC1 does. That's how I created my Road Warriors on KOC1, then I just went through and edited them to my liking. It's something the developers, Spike I believe, have perfected. They're masters at it.
I own both, I guess I just prefer KOC1 over KOC2. It may be a dimensions (for lack of better word) type of deal for me. I can't get over the smallness of the characters vs the largeness of the ring. My eyes just can't see passed it. Plus, it was a bit boring.
Just my opinion.
Never know, I may go back and try again and see it differently.
I will admit I think Survival Road (KOC2 single player) isn't as neat as Trial Road (KOC1 - who doesn't love stern, disappointed Misawa staring into your soul like a disappointed dad when you lose?) and the load times are noticeably worse, but otherwise everything I'm missing from KOC 1 can be made in KOC 2. I got over not having my All Japan legends by creating them and then some. It might not be Stan Hansen, but "Star Bison" is good enough for me.
Also, I love the goofy ripoffs of theme songs they don't have the rights to, like Galaxy Express (NWA title theme from All Japan), J or Inoki Bombaye (or whatever Inoki's song is called).
@@HereComesTheGame the only way I could beat story modes on KOC1 was high risk moves, submission holds and strikes.
I couldn't pull off moves LOL
What your saying are kinda different from my issue etc with KOC2. None of it has to do with my non-KOC2 playing. Actually, they're plusses to play. It's just the look for me to be honest. It's just difficult to see passed. I wish KOC2 looked like KOC1 but with all the new innovations.
Been waiting for KOC III forever and 9 seconds. 🫨
Seems like we're never gonna get it, right?
i bought a japanese ps2 for green and red.
I also bought one for wrestling games and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure games.
@ we were eating good back then. Fire pro, KOC, and ASPW3 all bangers
@@temporarilyembarrassedgodd9656 agreed. Especially KOC and ASPW3
@temp I bought mine for the same reason. To play the Pro-Wres games.
absolutely agreed
Boring
You're fried (no offense).
This game is where it's at.
Do you have any advice or suggestions to make things less boring? I admit this is a niche topic and I have a ton of info here to try and give the viewer proper context, because honestly I didn't know this stuff about the game until I researched for the video.
Any advice would be welcome.
@@HereComesTheGamethe lack of an on-screen ref is a letdown. Just not enough to turn me away. It makes up for it in so many other ways.
You're making me wanna dust off the Japanese PS2 and play this and my other Pro-Wres games LOL