バーチャル・プロレス2 〜王道継承〜

概要

1999年の 任天堂スペースワールドでは65%がファンであるという結果だった。
自慢のモードはトーナメントモードであり、リーグ、ランキングとグランドミーティングだけでなく、新たに追加されたベルトのエディット、レスラーのエディットモードが拡張された。
このゲームはレスラーと1,000種類以上の異なるモーションの組み合わせがあると言われた。「100人を越えたレスラー達を。」

特徴

日本市場のプロレスファンに向けて作られた作品である。
『バーチャル・プロレス2 〜王道継承〜』はアメリカのレスリングの仕掛けや小芝居といったような要素を削り、競争力の起きる要素を導入し、日本のプロレスの要素をより強調した内容となっている。
その結果として、前作『バーチャル・プロレスリング64』とは異なり、WCWのレスラーやWWFのスーパースターはいずれも本作品には登場しなかった。
この作品において、アスミック·エースは全日本プロレスからのみライセンスを認可され、その選手を実名表記とした。
そのため、他団体のレスラーは全て名前を変え、プレーヤー固有能力と衣装も変更された。
バーチャル・プロレス2 〜王道継承〜 omitted the newly introduced Cage match and First Blood match of WrestleMania 2000 as they were unconventional to Japanese wrestling. It did, however, resurrect the test-of-strength grappling function and the striking combination grapple from 1998's WCW/nWo Revenge.  It also introduced the running grapple as an intuitive counterpart to the long-established running strike. VPW 2 boasts hundreds of moves including many prohibited in mainstream American wrestling such as the dangerous hangman's DDT, Russian neckdrop, and Burning Hammer. In a first for 3D wrestling games, an entirely unique grappling system was also developed for mixed martial artists which corresponds with optional shootfighting rules. Such stipulations place emphasis on strike combinations, judo takedowns, and submissions and allows strikes to cause substantial damage. This in conjunction with professional wrestling standards allows for unique hybrid-style matches.
In contrast to the theatrical entrances of American pro wrestlers, performers in VPW 2 are given a simple backstage intro and are audibly announced upon entering the ring. Venues include the 日本武道館, 川崎スタジアム, 後楽園ホール, そして 東京ドーム. Entrance themes are limited to a few signature AJPW themes and original MIDI songs of generic rock music. The player can also choose from three different referees with distinct reaction times and count speeds.
バーチャル・プロレス2 〜王道継承〜 expanded the Create a Wrestler mode that debuted in WrestleMania 2000 and boasts a detailed mask editing feature. The game includes a largely generic roster based on real-life performers which sets the foundation for the player to modify attire and names to create more faithful representations of the actual wrestlers. VPW 2 is the only game in the THQ/AKI series to include a "Logic" factor. When creating a wrestler, the player can choose what types of moves are used at certain points of the match when the created wrestler is controlled by the computer. The Belt Creation mode is carried over with a new addition, the Triple Crown title, which unifies three championship belts.
The 12-month Royal Road Succession mode largely parallels the Road to WrestleMania mode included in WrestleMania 2000. As common in Japan, some contests are held over large loving cup trophies rather than championship belts, and opportunities to unlock wrestlers are abundant.

評価

バーチャル・プロレス2 〜王道継承〜は良い評価を獲得した。 gained positive reviews. On release, Famitsu magazine scored the game a 30 out of 40 and while IGN's Aaron Boulding criticized the bland pre-match animation, he praised the addition of various moves. Regarding American gamers, Boulding considered it "a nice addition to the library of the most extreme hardcore wrestling fan."
With a strong fanbase behind the AKI wrestling game series, VPW 2 would become the second most popular import title on the N64. Professional wrestlers Samoa Joe and A.J. Styles, who were both involved in the development of TNA Wrestling's first video game, had hoped the game would replicate the style of VPW 2. Styles, an avid fan of the AKI wrestling series, has cited VPW 2 as the all-time greatest pro wrestling game.