Being essentially an arcade-style brawler,
Pride FC seems fairly barebones at its core. Players can choose between Grand Prix, single matches, Training, and Create-a-Fighter Modes; sadly, no 'World Tour' or stat-building campaigns were included to keep things fresh, but versus matches alone should have most gamers occupied for weeks.
The main gameplay itself isn't too complex. Players execute combinations of two-button presses for tackles, submissions, escapes and reversals, while the face buttons by themselves control left and right punches/kicks. One hour in the Training ring should be an absolute requirement before going into any real matches, however, as most reversals require flawless timing to keep a successful submission at bay. If you're a skilled masher, you're also safe as well; most escapes can be performed by wailing on the buttons a certain number of times before your fighter taps out. The more stamina you have left, the less work your thumb has to do.
Versus matches can end up as spectacular displays of timing and technical skill (usually played out in bouts of 'who has the faster finger' in mount stances) or quick-and-painful first round knockouts (occasionally featuring one-punch KO's!). Just remember to mash often and build a strategy for each fighter, and you're guaranteed a good time with your buddies -- especially if you're all real-life Pride fans.
Create-a-Fighter definitely adds a welcome element to the mix, allowing players to model their own versions of other Pride fighters not included in the default selection, or building their own bizarre wrestler from scratch. My own personalized fighter, 'Clowny Jones' -- a fat, balding, cross-eyed old man in a wife beater and striped shorts -- boasts the coolest combos and takedowns in the game, despite his pathetic stature. Players can edit two combo chains per appendage, submissions, custom intros and music, wacky win poses, personal stats, etc. You name it, it's in there. And boy, it sure is funny to watch a bald geriatric man dance like a villain after knocking out Wanderlei Silva in the first round!
