For those of you with too small a budget to afford THQ's WWE Smackdown Vs. Raw 2008, another option just came into the ring. Agetec's Fire Pro Wrestling Returns may not look like much, with its nonspecific 2-D setting and its lack of recognizable talent. However, if you look past the game's cruddy cover art and its bargain basement $15 price, you'll find something incredibly deep and rewarding.

That's because Fire Pro Wrestling isn't your run-of-the-mill wrestling game. This one is for fanatics of the sport, the ones that want to play Vince McMahon and create a league of grapplers from scratch. It features an abundant customization mode where you can create wrestlers from a series of body types, face types, moves, wrestling styles and more. One minute you'll want to design a Lucha Libre creation; the next you're hard at work on an Andre the Giant-like abomination that strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents. There are thousands of possibilities here, both realistic and imaginary. If you ever wanted to pit a Triple H look-alike against a Samoa Joe facsimile, this is your game.

Wrestlers are just the beginning. You can also create your dream referee, in case you feel like making an Earl Hebner. Your constructing skills spread even further, as you're able to make customized rings, belts and even a company logo. The process takes some time, but if you're crazy about wrestling, you will find that it's time well spent.

For those who prefer to go right into head-smashing action, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns features a full line-up of pre-built wrestlers, including several favorites from the hardcore Japanese federations. You also have various match types available, from a typical multi-man battle royale to ones built around more extreme rules. With that said, you haven't lived until you take part in a match with fluorescent light tubes scattered like land mines and barbed wire ropes.

This game isn't for impatient button-mashers. If you go into a grapple hitting the buttons like a lunatic, nine times out of ten you'll be on the losing end. You have to time your light, medium and heavy moves, gradually building into them and wearing out your opponent. While frustrating, it's a terrific system, one that relies on wrestling tactics rather than pure luck. As a result, you become a better wrestler, eager to try out different matches and wrestler styles just to see how you perform.

On the negative side, Fire Pro's presentation isn't going to wow you. The graphics consist of uncomplicated 2-D sprites. That's not to say the animation isn't impressive. It is, especially with the blood and fireworks. The arenas look good too, as do the crowds. Just don't expect 3-D rendered splendor, as you would from WWE or Midway's TNA Impact game.

The music is pure cheese, background tunes that are better left drowned out by your own rock soundtrack. There are very little sound effects found here, but that beats dealing with crappy voices and dialogue.

Complaints aside, Fire Pro Wrestling Returns is a value for $15, especially if you really love wrestling. The customization and match options are limitless, and playing against friends is a joy – even without online play. Grab a steel chair and get grapplin'.