Saturday Night Slam Masters, AKA
Muscle Bomber - The Body Explosion in Japan, is a wrestling arcade game that was released in 1993 by Capcom. For a game with a limited number of moves and buttons, it was surprisingly complex.
There are three action buttons available, one for attacking, jumping and pinning. Each wrestler has a regular attack and at least two special attacks, a non-grappling attack and a super slam. The larger wrestlers are also able to perform a special pin move, while the smaller wrestlers execute a submission hold. Along with other unique attacks and slams, each wrestler has his own style, strengths and weaknesses.
There are two modes of play, Single Match with eight selectable characters and Team Battle Royal which boasts ten playable characters.
Biff Slamkovich, the main protagonist of the series who hails from Russia.
Gunloc, Slamkovich's rival.
The Great Oni, a Japanese wrestler who dresses with a kabuki-like theme. He is apparently a rival of, El Stingray
El Stingray, a Mexican luchador with dazzling speed speed and techniques.
Titanic Tim, A huge wrestler from England who intimidates his opponents with his size and strength.
Mike Haggar, one of Final Fight's main characters and a character who needs little introduction.
Alexander the Grater, an Australian wrestler who has a merciless attitude in the ring.
King Rasta Mon, a wild jungle-like man who acts like a beast in combat. He is always accompanied by his pet monkey, Freak, who happens to be his "manager".
Jumbo Flapjack, a sadistic wrestler who enjoys making his opponents bleed in his time. He is the right-hand man of the Scorpion.
The Scorpion, the game's final boss and antagonist of the series.
Single Match Mode
Every match starts with each wrestler making their way to the ring with their personal theme song along with lights and smoke to dazzle the crowd. The objective of each match is to pin or submit your opponent for the win. You can also win by "ring out" where if you manage to keep the opposing wrestler out of the ring for a count of 20, you win. After winning a match, you travel to the next venue on the world map until you reach the Championship Match against The Scorpion. If you manage to gain the title of Champion, you'll then have to defend your title against the entire roster using everything you've learned on your way to the top.
Team Battle Royal
The tag teams walk towards the ring in a two on two battle with all four wrestlers in the ring simultaneously. To win a match, both opponents must be pinned or submit in a hold. Fight your way to the Tag Team Championship Match and defend your title after you've obtained it like in Single Match Mode.
With great controls, decent soundtrack and fantastic character designs, Saturday Night Slam Masters is one of the funnest and most memorable wrestling games of it's time. Along with the much nostalgic memories it brings many retro gamers, it is still a great title even to this day.
Play Saturday Night Slam Masters ยป Coin Op here in Retro Uprising.
Linear Mode
