# Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 freem Edition – Manual

Manual for game version 2021/01/28; updated January 26, 2021

## Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Requirements
3. Patching the ROM
4. Changelog
5. Controller Setup
6. Recommended Edits
7. Navigating the Menus
8. Playing the Game
9. Arenas and Title Belts
10. Edit Mode
11. Save Data
12. Extras
13. Errata
14. Known Issues
15. Questions and Answers
16. VPW2 freem Edition Credits

## Introduction

Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 freem Edition is a ROM hack of AKI Corporation's Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2, with a number of the default wrestlers swapped out for other wrestlers (mostly from other AKI wrestling games). You can kind of think of it as a "best of" the AKI games, though I'd rather have every character from the first eight VPW games implemented before I can say that. :)

Since this is a ROM hack, it will work on original hardware, as well as N64 emulators. This isn't exactly the first ROM hack of an AKI game... S.K. Stylez and Zoinkity did an English translation of VPW2, which also runs on original hardware. WldFb used some ROM hacks for a WWF No Mercy hack named "Back 2 Basics". I can't recall if that hack used emulator plugin texture replacement or not, however...

Also of note is the VPW2 freem Edition Character Guide, which provides details on all of the wrestlers in the hack... or it will, once it's done.

### Changes from Original Game

Changes in VPW2 freem Edition include the following:

- Translated a large chunk of the game from Japanese to English.
- Replaced various wrestlers with wrestlers from other AKI wrestling games.
- Replaced a small amount of wrestlers with new wrestlers who haven't been in an AKI game before.
- The game starts out fully unlocked; nothing is hidden.
- Increased amount of points available for changing offensive and defensive parameters in Edit Mode.
- A bunch of graphical changes. This includes the user interface, wrestler costume textures, as well as some arenas.

### General Notes

This game is not licensed by AKI Corporation, Asmik Ace, Nintendo, or any of the featured wrestling organizations and wrestlers. For that reason, I request that you do not sell reproduction cartridges of this hack. Making a reproduction for personal use is OK, but the use of a re-flashable cart is recommended, since this hack will be updated in the future.

Some screenshots in the manual are from previous development versions, and may look different in the current release. This will be fixed in due time, since it is anticipated that things will change further.

### Notes on the 2021/01/28 Release

The most important thing to note is that this is (still) a work in progress release. Not everything will be 100% perfect or complete. Furthermore, the original game does not give me a lot of choice when it comes to replacing certain costume items. For example, there are only three available Elbow Pad designs. The amount of items that can be replaced is a large part of why some wrestlers don't have 100% accurate costumes yet.

Another thing to note is that this hack will accept Controller Pak saves from Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 (game code NA2J). This behavior is intentional, allowing you to import your edit wrestlers and belts from your original VPW2 cartridge and/or save file. Future versions of the hack will save Controller Pak data to a unique, non-VPW2 file. I will attempt to notify people well in advance when this happens via updates to the website, manual, and changelog.

There is no known date for the Controller Pak changeover, but it is more likely to happen when all of the costume items are finalized.

## Requirements

In order to play this game, you will need the following:

- A Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 ROM image in Z64 format. If your VPW2 ROM is not in Z64 format, you will need a conversion tool.
- The xdelta patcher, or a program capable of applying xdelta patches. Recommended front-ends include:
  - Windows: xdelta UI
  - Mac OS X/macOS: MultiPatch
  - Android: UniPatcher (Check the Releases tab for APK files)
  - Web: Rom Patcher JS
- A way to play the game. This can be one of:
  - Nintendo 64 emulator (Project64, cen64, MAME, etc.)
  - Nintendo 64 backup device (Z64, Doctor V64, CD64...)
  - Nintendo 64 flash cart (64drive recommended, but Everdrive 64 will also work)

This game is not supported on PAL systems. If you manage to bypass the PAL lock, you will find that the game has not been 50fps optimized. I don't believe anyone has looked into or documented what changes were made between NTSC and PAL regions of AKI games yet.

## Patching the ROM

The patch is provided in xdelta format, and is meant to be patched to an unmodified Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 ROM in Z64 format. If your ROM is in a different format (e.g. V64 or N64), you will need a tool to convert it. DO NOT apply this patch to the S.K. Stylez English translation. It will not work. (This hack includes its own English translation.)

### Converting ROMs

In case you do not have a Z64 format ROM, you will need to convert it. This is NOT as simple as changing the file extension, as the byte order is different between various formats.

Some tools that can be used to convert ROMs to the correct format:

- uCON64 and the frontend (multiple platforms)
- Tool64 (Windows only)

#### uCON64 (frontend)

The easiest way to use uCON64 is the uCON64 frontend program. This needs to be downloaded separately from the regular uCON64 download and put in the same directory.

Go to the N64 tab, and in the Conversion section, change the "ROM to" drop-down box to "Z64", then hit the "Convert" button. Select your VPW2 ROM and press "OK". The frontend will show a log of the conversion process, and the converted ROM should be in the same directory as the frontend executable.

#### uCON64 (command line)

Some people prefer to use the command line instead. Others don't really have a choice in the matter...

`ucon64 --z64 path_to_rom.v64` (or `.n64` if your ROM has that extension.)

#### Tool64

Tool64 is a bit more user-friendly than uCON64, even with the frontend. However, the terminology used in the "Change Byte Order" menu might be confusing when all I've done is tell you to "convert to Z64 format". Instead of worrying, just choose "Big Endian" after highlighting your VPW2 ROM.

#### Mobile

I do not know of any solutions for changing N64 ROM formats on mobile platforms (e.g. Android). The above programs only run on a computer.

### Applying the Patch

Once your ROM is in the correct format, you're ready to patch the game. This should be a fairly straightforward process if you're using one of the xdelta frontends/user interfaces.

Every time an update is released, you will have to re-patch the base/original VPW2 ROM.

#### xdeltaui

Make sure the "Apply Patch" tab is selected. There are three options; set them up as directed:

- Patch – Select the `.xdelta` patch file.
- Source File – Select the unmodified Z64 format VPW2 ROM.
- Output File – Set the filename for the patched ROM. Be sure to use a `.z64` extension.

Once all three fields have been set, hit the Patch button.

#### `xdelta` Command Line

If you need to use the command line/terminal version of xdelta, here is how to apply the patch:

`xdelta -d -s (base_rom_file) (xdelta_patch) (output_rom_file)`

### Base ROM information:

- Product Code: NA2J
- ROM size: 32.0 MB (33,554,432 bytes)
- CRC32 hash: `8e33c3af`
- MD5 hash: `90002501777e3237739f5ed9b0e349e2`
- SHA-1 hash: `82dd25a044689eab57ab362fe10c0da6388c217a`
- CRC ROM checksum hashes: `CD094235 88074B62`

### Patched ROM information:

- Product Code: NVFE
- ROM size: 32.0 MB (33,554,432 bytes)
- CRC32 hash: `a9c47b66`
- MD5 hash: `b1f613e3cba3ba58eb5705962ae62243`
- SHA-1 hash: `a58182bdcfcdc734a2f7c7ab9d684b47123d8817`
- CRC ROM checksum hashes: `197CDB6A 561BC0E6`

### Game Save Type

Please do not skip this portion of the manual. If you skip it, it's likely the game won't actually save anything. When in doubt, try to find the settings that unhacked Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 uses, and use those.

(Note to future hackers: Changing the product code is not recommended, as most emulators and flash carts determine the save data type by the product code.)

#### 64drive (Normal Usage)

Until the menu is updated with information for VPW2 freem Edition, pick the 256K SRAM option.

#### Everdrive64

These instructions from BlueCanti should enable saving:

"On your everdrive 64 directory, click 'ED64' and there should be a txt file called '`save.db`'. Click on it and on the bottom type '`VF=3`' without the quotations, save document and try that, it should save data on the cart from now on."

#### Older Backup Devices (V64, Z64, CD64, etc.)

It's been so long since I've used them that I don't know if there's anything special you need other than a cartridge with 256K SRAM.

#### 64drive (USB Loader)

Most people should never have to do this, but just in case, `-s 3` sets the save type to SRAM 256K. You'll have to mess with the loading and dumping commands to save and load data, however... I haven't done this yet, so there's no information I can give you.

#### Emulators

N64 emulators handle cartridge save data differently. Some emulators also need configuration or other information in order to run the hack. I can not test all emulators, but my research leads to the following:

#### Project64 v2.4.0

This is the primary emulator the hack is tested with. This version of Project64 is able to detect save type and react accordingly, meaning you need to do nothing special to get saving to work.

#### Cen64

Command line usage for cen64 should use the -sram parameter, for example:

`cen64 -sram vpw2freem.srm pifdata.bin vpw2freem.z64`

#### Bizhawk, OpenEmu, Retroarch (Mupen64 Core)

See "Mupen64Plus" section. Information and steps required may be different. Check your emulator's documentation for further details.

#### Retroarch (Parallel N64 Core)

Though this emulator is based on Mupen64Plus, I could not confirm if it uses the same save type detection as regular Mupen64Plus.

#### Mupen64Plus

Mupen uses a ROM database dependent on ROM file hashes. This works well for commercial games, which will typically not change once released, but not so much for hacks that are a work in progress (but distributed publicly)...

You will need to find the `Mupen64plus.ini` file, open it, and paste the lines below at the bottom of the file:

    [(hash1)]
    GoodName=Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 freem Edition
    CRC=(hash2) (hash3)
    Players=4
    SaveType=SRAM
    Mempak=Yes
    Rumble=Yes

Then, you then need to replace the three hash placeholders. `(hash1)` is the MD5 of the ROM, which is given in the "Patching" section as "MD5 hash".

The values for `(hash2)` and `(hash3)` were not documented in previous versions, as I did not realize the need for them in the hack's documentation. Oops.

As of this release, this information is also found in the "Patching" section. Replace `(hash2) (hash3)` with the "CRC ROM checksum hashes" value.

Don't forget to save your changes (and restart the emulator, if necessary).

When the hack is updated, you can either choose to add a new entry via the above steps, or edit the previous entry to have the new values. If you are keeping multiple copies of the hash data in the database, it is best to append the date to the GoodName parameter (20xx-yy-zz format).

#### MAME

Open the `n64.xml` file in the "hash" directory with a text editor and paste the following at the end of the file, before the closing `</filelist>` tag:

    <software name="vpw2freem">
    	<description>Virtual Pro Wrestling 2 freem Edition</description>
    	<year>2021</year>
    	<publisher>Asmik Ace Entertainment</publisher>
    	<info name="release" value="20210128"/>
    	<part name="cart" interface="n64_cart">
    		<dataarea name="rom" size="33554432">
    			<rom name="virtual pro wrestling 2 freem edition.bin" size="33554432" crc="(hash1)" sha1="(hash2)" offset="000000" />
    		</dataarea>
    	</part>
    </software>

Then, you need to replace the two hash placeholders.
`(hash1)` is the CRC32 hash of the full ROM file, which is not the same value as the "CRC ROM checksum hashes" values used for Mupen64Plus saves. This value was also not documented in previous versions.

`(hash2)` is the SHA-1 hash, which is given in the "Patching" section as "SHA-1 hash".

When the hack is updated, you must edit the existing values in order to avoid duplicate entries. Updating the `release` and `year` values is also recommended.

#### Other Emulators

Any N64 emulator without a section above is missing information. Help and information is welcomed. If the emulator in question has trouble running the unhacked version of Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2, then there's not much that can be done.

## Changelog

Only the abridged changes for the current version are shown here. To see the full changelog, please view `changelog.txt` in the `docs` directory.

2021/01/28 (January 28, 2021)

### General Update Notes

This is a bittersweet update, as I am taking an indefinite hiatus from working on this hack after this version is released.

Proper development for this hack started back in 2018, and this release will mark the full third year I've been developing this project. During that time, I have started up many other projects that have been a bit neglected. (Not to mention other projects from before 2018...)

The hack is not dead, and you shouldn't rule out future updates, but it seems very unlikely to happen for some time. I'll still be around, but my primary focus needs to be elsewhere.

I am optimistic about the future of AKI wrestling game hacking projects, but there's still a lot of ground to cover, as well as new solutions to old problems waiting to be discovered and/or developed.

### Project Progress Report

This version should be around 45 to 50% complete. A lot of tasks remain, with a number of them being more difficult to deal with.

As mentioned above, I will be changing my primary focus away from this hack, so there is no timeframe for completion of any of the remaining tasks.

The perpetual projects:

- Continue wrestler editing process (moves, params, logic)
- Fix up accuracy on costumes and costume items
- Work on remaining costume items (including faces, masks, entrance attire)
- Continue work on arenas
- Continue work on the intro sequence
- Translate remaining Japanese text

The not so simple one-offs:

- Attempt to debug and fix a crash involving playing as a manager in 1v1 matches

Other stuff:

- Import certain moves (Angle Slam... others?) from WWF No Mercy, if possible
- Figure out what to do with Challenge mode (even if it's only editing RRS slightly)
- Fix up the in-match music (if even possible?)
- Fix smaller details (primarily menu stuff)

(This does not include the final 1% of work, which is a misleadingly small percentage for what needs to be done.)

It is recommended to read the article "None of this is easy", or "Why anything 'interesting' takes time", available here.

### Default Costume Updates

In order for the Default Costume changes to show up in an existing save file, please reset the Costume data for the following characters in Edit Mode:

Wrestler | Costume(s)
--- | ---
Atsushi Onita | 4
Sabu | 1, 3, 4
Mike Awesome | 4
Shin'ya Hashimoto | 1, 2
Daniel Bryan | 1, 2
Great Sasuke | 1
Bret Hart | 1, 2, 3
Naoya Ogawa | 3
Steve Austin | 4
Dynamite Kid | 1, 2
Booker T | 2, 3
Yuji Nagata | 1, 2, 4
Raven | All
Shawn Michaels | 1, 2
Jyushin Liger | 2
Curt Hennig | 1, 2, 3
Undertaker | 3
Ric Flair | 1, 2, 3
Sting | 3
Hulk Hogan | 2, 4

### Wrestler Data Updates

This section contains changes to moves, parameters, and logic for the default wrestlers. You do not need to do anything to access these changes.

### Moves

A few words on "de-duplication":

In the original AKI games, wrestlers often had the same move for back grapple on both the solo button press and button press with direction pad. This also manifests itself with ports of wrestlers from World Tour, VPW64, and Revenge, where the Left/Right grapple slots are the same as the no direction grapple.

In VPW2 freem Edition, this is seen as something to be fixed.

Where possible, moves that "fit" the wrestler are used. If something seems off, or even outright wrong, please let me know once I have publicly stated I will resume working on the hack. If you send it before then, you run the risk of me misplacing or forgetting your feedback.

#### 0508 - Cactus Jack

Cactus Jack (still!) had residual Dragon Kid leftovers. Also a grapple change suggestion from GameGenie720.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Front Strong Grapple B+Up | Ace Crusher | Kitchen Sink to Ropes
Ducking Taunt | Finish Pose | Hitting Head
Apron Taunt | (Spinning Arms) | Clapping

#### 0305 - Bret Hart

Some de-duplication and move re-configuration with the help of BeBetterGamer.
Front Strong Grapple A+Down Russian Leg Sweep set to Favorite.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Weak Running Strike A+B | Shoulder Block | Kitchen Sink
Strong Running Strike A+B | Power Lariat | Flying Body Attack
Corner Running Strike A+B | Lariat (Right) | Flying Body Attack
Counter Kick B | Push Chest | Sidewalk Slam
Front Weak Grapple A | Two-handed Headbutt | Face Punch
Front Weak Grapple A+Left/Right | Two-handed Headbutt | Headlock Punch
Front Weak Grapple A+Up | Headlock Punch | Snap Mare
Front Weak Grapple B+Left/Right | Headlock Takedown | Schmidt Backbreaker
Front Weak Grapple B+Down | Russian Leg Sweep | Jumping Piledriver
Front Strong Grapple A | Neckbreaker | Headlock
Front Strong Grapple A+Up | Snake Eyes | Sidewalk Slam
Front Strong Grapple A+Down | Jumping Piledriver | Russian Leg Sweep
Front Strong Grapple B+Left/Right | (Sroida) | Backslide
Back Weak Grapple B+Direction | Atomic Drop | Pendulum Backbreaker
Back Strong Grapple A+Direction | Forward Rolling Pin | German Suplex
Back Strong Grapple B | Pendulum Backbreaker | School Boy
Back Strong Grapple B+Direction | Pendulum Backbreaker | Atomic Drop
Back Strong Special Grapple | German Suplex | Japanese Leg Roll Clutch
Back Reversal (Strong) | Backflip Reversal | Russian Leg Sweep Reversal

#### 0103 - Hulk Hogan

Some small de-duplication.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Weak Running Strike A+B | Shoulder Block | Kitchen Sink
Front Weak Grapple A+Left/Right | Headlock Punch | Double Axe Handle
Front Weak Grapple B+Left/Right | Headlock Takedown | Schmidt Backbreaker
Front Strong Grapple A | Snake Eyes | Headlock
Front Strong Grapple B | Short Range Lariat | Tiger Spin

#### 0407 - Rey Mysterio Jr.

Some suggestions from KidKash22.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Front Strong Grapple B+Down | Tiger Driver Whip | Reverse Ipponzeoi
Corner Strong Grapple B | Top Rope Uranage | Top Rope Tornado DDT

#### 0405 - Eddie Guerrero

Some suggestions from KidKash22.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Corner Special Grapple | Dragonrana | Top Rope Brainbuster
Back Corner Special Grapple | Top Rope Reverse Frankensteiner | (none)

#### 0402 - Chris Benoit

One grapple slot change request from KidKash22 and some other changes from freem.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Front Strong Grapple B+Up | Brainbuster | Front Suplex
Back Weak Grapple B+Direction | Pendulum Backbreaker | Dragon Backbreaker
Downed Legs Submission (Face Down) | Knee Stomp | Bow and Arrow Hold
Corner Splash Attack | (none) | Diving Legdrop

#### 0409 - Dynamite Kid

Many suggestions from Smoke.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Weak Punch B | Body Blow | Overhand Slap
Strong Strike B | Sobat | Knuckle Part
Weak Running Strike A+B | Flying Shoulder Attack | Running Jumping Dropkick
Strong Running Strike B | Jump High Kick | Crouching Lariat
Strong Running Strike A+B | Running Jumping Dropkick | Running Dynamite Knee
Corner Strike B | Body Blow | Horizontal Chop
Corner Running Strike B | Back Elbow | Running Jumping Dropkick
Running Tree of Woe Strike | Jump High Kick | Batting Lariat
Front Strong Grapple B+Down | Cradle Kneeling Tombstone | Tombstone Piledriver
Front Special Grapple | Steiner Screwdriver | Cradle Kneeling Tombstone
Irish Whip Weak Grapple A+Dir | Lift Up Drop | Monkey Flip
Corner Weak Grapple B | Ten Punch | Rope Face Rake
Turnbuckle Attack to Ground | Diving Headbutt | Diving Kneedrop
Special Turnbuckle Attack to Ground | (none) | Diving Headbutt
Plancha | Top Rope Plancha | Plancha
Springboard (Standing) | (none) | Springboard Shoulder Attack
Springboard (Standing Special) | (none) | Springboard Dropkick

Some de-duplication changes from freem made it in as well.

- Corner Running Strike A+B had to be de-duplicated after the above changes.
- The Front Suplex is being used as a stand-in for a Top Rope Gutwrench Suplex.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Corner Running Strike A+B | Running Jumping Dropkick | Running Dynamite Knee
Corner Strong Grapple B | Superplex | Top Rope Front Suplex

#### 0007 - The Rock

A ground move change suggestion from BlueCanti.

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Downed Legs Submission (Face Up) | Headbutt to Groin | Scorpion Deathlock

#### 0702 - X-Pac

Fix a taunt as reported by GameGenie720.

"I've been known to use the wrong WM2K stuff for people before" - freem

Move Slot | Old Move | New Move
--- | --- | ---
Introduction Taunt | 4 Crotch Chop Barrage | Jumping Crotch Chop

### Parameters

#### Cactus Jack

Fix a really old holdover from Dragon Kid (as that's who Cactus Jack replaced).

Category | Old Value | New Value
--- | --- | ---
Corner Climb | Jump | Normal

#### Eddie Guerrero

KWG/Saga suggested a parameter boost for Eddie's flying moves.

Category | Old Value | New Value
--- | --- | ---
Offense - Flying | 4 | 5

### Logic

#### Rey Mysterio Jr.

Changed finisher to corner Special Dragonsteiner.

Category | Old Value | New Value
--- | --- | ---
Finisher | Front Special Grapple | Corner Special Grapple

#### Sabu

Changed finisher to the top rope Special legdrop.

Category | Old Value | New Value
--- | --- | ---
Finisher | Front Special Grapple | Special Turnbuckle Attack to Ground

#### Eddie Guerrero

Some suggestions from KWG/Saga to make Eddie perform better.

Category | Old Value | New Value
--- | --- | ---
Downed Opponent Late | Pick Up | Flying
Finisher | Corner Special Grapple | Turnbuckle Attack to Ground
Offensive Balance | Attack | Balanced

#### Katsuyori Shibata

Changed finisher to front grapple special kicking combo.

Category | Old Value | New Value
--- | --- | ---
Finisher | Back Special Grapple | Front Special Grapple

### Changelog Items

(Due to its length, the "[Default Costumes] Various fixes/updates to default costume data" is not included in the manual. Please view `changelog.txt` for the full details of costume changes.)

- [Faces] Some faces were updated or replaced:
  - 2 – Steve Austin (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 4 – Sting (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 18 – Randy Savage (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 23 – Satoru Sayama (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 25 – Eddie Guerrero (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 28 – Curt Hennig (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 29 – Dan Severn (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 36 – Saturn (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 37 – Eddie Guerrero (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 38 – Chris Jericho (new texture by KWG/Saga)
  - 49 – Chris Benoit (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 51 – X–Pac (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 55 – Kurt Angle (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 63 – John Cena (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 66 – Daniel Bryan (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 69 – Ric Flair (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 85 – Andre the Giant (new texture by KWG/Saga)
  - 86 – Undertaker (updated by KWG/Saga)
  - 95 – Josh Barnett (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 96 – Ricochet (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 98 – Naomichi Marufuji (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 101 – Steve Corino (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 104 – Doug Furnas (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 105 – Phil Lafon (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 106 – Jake Roberts (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 107 – Takeshi Rikio (updated by freem; small tweaks)
  - 109 – Kazunari Murakami (updated by freem; small tweaks)
- [Masks] Edited Mask 7 – Pegasus Kid with new face texture from KWG/Saga.
- [Masks] Edited Mask 17 – Tiger Mask 2 to fix a palette issue.
- [Masks] Tweaks to Mask 20 – Han Zo Mon:
  - Added scarf texture to the neck.
  - Fourth color now modifies scarf color. Dot in center of headband was removed.
- [Masks] Added ripped mask textures:
  - 1 – Liger 1
  - 20 – Han Zo Mon
- [Masks] Default colors (0,0,0,0) changed for these masks:
  - 10 – Darkness Muta
  - 20 – Han Zo Mon
- [Costume Items] New costume items added:
  - Upper Attire A7 – Hennig (ported from Revenge)
  - Upper Attire B6 – Undertaker (ported from WM2K)
  - Upper Attire B12 – Steve Austin "Blood from a Stone" (ported from No Mercy)
  - Upper Attire C8 – MK Ninja Top
  - Upper Attire C9 – Liger (Black)
  - Ring Attire A23 – Kensuke Sasaki
  - Ring Attire A27 – Kota Ibushi (WIP, about 95% done)
  - Ring Attire B6 – Maya Inca Boy (ported from Revenge)
  - Ring Attire C31 – Union Jack (still WIP-ish)
  - Ring Attire D12 – Tajiri (still WIP)
  - Ring Attire D21 – Booker T (ported from Revenge)
  - Entrance Attire B7 – Ric Flair (still WIP)
  - Wristband 12 – HBK (ported from No Mercy)
  - Boots A20 – Booker T (ported from Revenge)
  - Facepaint 01 – Goldust (by RagDas)
  - Facepaint 04 – GI Bro
  - Face Accessory 01 – Eyebrow Piercing
- [Costume Items] Upper Attire C2 – Long Sleeves now allows changing sleeve colors.
- [Costume Items] Small sub-palette related changes to Upper Attire B13 – Funk FMW.
- [Costume Items] Changed positioning of M on Ring Attire C22 – Madness Tights.
- [Costume Items] Fixed sub-palette issue on Upper Attire A12 – Bret Hart.
- [Costume Items] Added flames to Ring Attire F3 – Bam Bam Bigelow. (Currently on first pass; more work to be done)
- [Costume Items] Changed Ring Attire C30 – HBK to white/red version of HBK's WWF No Mercy heart trunks.
- [Costume Items] Changed Knee Pads 7 – HBK to heart design from No Mercy.
- [Costume Items] Default colors (0,0) changed for the following items:
  - Upper Attire B13 – Funk FMW
  - Upper Attire C8 – MK Ninja Top
  - Upper Attire C9 – Liger (Black)
  - Ring Attire A27 – Kota Ibushi
  - Ring Attire B6 – Maya Inca Boy
  - Ring Attire C30 – HBK
  - Ring Attire D12 – Tajiri
  - Knee Pads 7 – HBK
- [Costume Items] Future costume item slot assignments made:
  - Upper Attire B17 – EC F'N W
  - Entrance Attire A2 – Sting (1990s)
  - Entrance Attire A6 – Bret Hart
- [Textures] Enabled horizontal and vertical mirroring on a number of textures in an attempt to fix minor display glitches.
- [Belts] Updated three belt textures in order to avoid texture mapping issues:
  - Octaglobe
  - Ring
  - Sport Accolade
- [Edit Mode] String order of "Copy to" (Elbow pad and Knee pad) text fixed. Spacing still missing.
- [Edit Mode] Positions of "KO", "Blood", and "Favorite" strings modified in moveset editor.
- [Edit Mode] Translated some more move and taunt names. Some translations are not literal, sorry in advance.
  (Some of these have been sitting unchanged for years at this point.)
- [General] Merged in some translations from Rise.
- [Intro Sequence] Replaced "Updates at" text with "Official HP:".
- [Intro Sequence] Various changes to the main portion of the intro:
  - Hulk Hogan no longer blinks into existence during the big boot to Andre.
  - Naoya Ogawa no longer blinks into existence during the taunt-off.
  - Toshiaki Kawada no longer blinks into existence during the high enzuigiri to Vader.
  - The Rock now performs the People's Elbow setup instead of the Giant Swing. (still needs work)
  - Chris Jericho performs the Lionsault instead of The Destroyer.
  - HBK now does the Sweet Chin Music instead of a turning leg kick. (still needs work)
  - Taz (previously, Jun Akiyama) performs the running Exploder on The Rock.
  - The Rock performs the Rock Bottom (previously, a Uranage) on Taz (previously, Akiyama).
  - Scott Steiner now performs the Steiner Screwdriver during the Steiners tag sequence.
  - Steiner Brothers now do their proper taunts after their double team sequence.
  - Top rope brainbuster sequence is now Liger → Pegasus.
  - Enabled motion and zoom blur on the Ganso Bomb sequence (for fun).

Some of these changes have caused issues in other portions of the intro, primarily because I am not yet equipped to easily handle slot changes. More information for the technically minded will be posted later.

- [Music] Jyushin "Thunder" Liger's theme replaces Yoshinari Ogawa's. Special thanks to randymanfoo for doing the conversion.
  You will need to reset Jyushin Liger's profile for this change to take effect.
- [Sound] Randy Savage "OOH YEAH!" from Revenge replaces Voice B "Kimala A". Special thanks to randymanfoo for doing the conversion.
  You will need to reset Randy Savage's profile for this change to take effect.
- [General] Various smaller changes without proper changelog entries.

## Controller Setup

If you're playing this hack on original hardware, the controls should be easy to get used to. But if you're playing this on an emulator instead, you might not have access to an N64 controller. Luckily, the VPW series started out on PlayStation, so it's possible to make a decent default control mapping for most modern controllers.

Action | N64 | Playstation | Xbox
--- | --- | --- | ---
Movement | D-Pad | D-Pad | D-Pad
Grapple | A button | X button | A button
Strike | B button | Circle button | B button
Run/Dash | C-Down button | Triangle button | Y button
Ring Interaction | C-Up button | Square button | X button
Block | R button | R1 button | RB button
Dodge | L button | L1 button | LB button
Switch Focus | C-Right button | R2 button | Right trigger
Flip | C-Left button | L2 button | Left trigger
Does (mostly) nothing | Z button | Select button | Back button

Make sure to map the Control Stick to one of the controller's analog sticks, so you can taunt and use Specials.

p.s. Press Z + C-Down while in a Battle Royal to switch control from human to computer and vice versa.
Just don't do this during a normal match as a second/manager and leave it on...

## Recommended Edits

Once the game is up and running, there are a few changes you should make in the Edit Mode before continuing. The reason these changes need to be done manually is due to the way VPW2 handles default names.

- Mitsuharu Misawa, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Tiger Mask 2"
  - Change Short Name to "TM2"
- Kevin Nash, costume 3
  - Change Long and Short Names to "Diesel"
- Scott Hall, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Razor Ramon"
  - Change Short Name to "Razor"
- "Road Warrior", costumes 1 and 2
  - Change Long and Short Names to "Hawk"
- "Road Warrior", costumes 3 and 4
  - Change Long and Short Names to "Animal"
- Kensuke Sasaki, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Power Warrior"
  - Change Short Name to "Power"
- Chris Benoit, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Wild Pegasus"
  - Change Short Name to "Pegasus"
- Eddy Guerrero, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Black Tiger 2"
  - Change Short Name to "BT2"
- X-Pac, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "1-2-3 Kid"
  - Change Short Name to "123 Kid"
- Jumbo Tsuruta, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Dr. Frank"
  - Change Short Name to "Frank"
- "Andre Giant", costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Giant Machine"
  - Change Short Name to "Machine"
- Atsushi Onita, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "Great Nita"
  - Change Short Name to "Nita"
- Tiger Mask, costume 2
  - Change Long Name to "Tiger King"
- Tiger Mask, costume 3
  - Change Long Name to "S. Sayama"
  - Change Short Name to "Sayama"

### Default Costume Updates

In order to see the updated default costumes, you will need to either reset your save file (not recommended), or manually go to each wrestler with changes in Edit Mode and reset the costumes (tedious, but you get to keep your other data). The list of wrestlers who need to be reset with each update is included in the changelog.

## Navigating the Menus

After getting through the first few screens, you're greeted with the Main Menu:

### Exhibition

Here, you're free to fight in whatever match you want. Five match types are available: Singles Match (1v1), Tag Match (2v2), 3 Way Match (1v1v1), Battle Royal, and Elimination.

#### Singles Match

A match between two wrestlers. In this mode, you can fight under traditional pro-wrestling rules, or a set of mixed martial arts rules.

#### Wrestling Rules

Rules for regular wrestling matches consist of the following options:

- Time Limit – Set the time limit for the match.
- Outside – "On" enables outside count. "Off" disables outside count.
  "Lumberjack" forces wrestlers to re-enter the ring when knocked outside.
  "Anywhere" allows for pins and submissions to count on the outside.
- Pinfall – Enable or disable pinfall victories.
- Submission – Enable or disable submission victories.
- TKO – Enable or disable winning via TKO.
- Rope Break – When turned on, pins and submissions will be broken up if the wrestler gets to the ropes.
- Quick Match – Matches can end really fast if this is enabled.
- Blood – Enable or disable blood. The "Referee Stop" option is more like a "Second Blood" match, not to be confused with "First Blood" in other AKI gamees.
- Time-Out Judgment – Determine if a winner can be picked as time runs out. Judging criteria are 1) remaining physical power and 2) number of hits landed.
- Interference – Determine if people will interfere in the match. Has no effect if both wrestlers have seconds/managers.
- Change Title on Ring Out – Only appears when a title belt is wagered. If turned on, the title can change hands via count-out.

#### Martial Arts Rules

The ruleset for Martial Arts matches is as follows:

- Time Limit – Set the time limit for the match. If Rounds are enabled, this is the length of each round instead.
- Rounds – Set how many rounds the match will take.
- Points – Define the number of starting points.
- Rope Escape – Determine how many points will be deducted when escaping submission holds.
- Down – Determine how many points will be deducted if the fighter is knocked down.
- Suplex – Determine how many points will be deducted if the fighter gets suplexed/thrown.
- Submission – Enable or disable submission victories.
- Quick Match – Same as the Wrestling Rules version above.
- Blood – Same as the Wrestling Rules version above.
- Gong Save – If enabled, Down counts can be stopped by the round ending. (Might also be known as the "Saved by the Bell" rule.)
- Time-Out Judgment – Determine if a winner can be picked as time expires.
  For points-based systems, the winner is the fighter with the most points.
  Without the scoring system, or in case of a tie, the judging criteria are 1) remaining physical power and 2) number of hits landed.

#### Tag Match

A match between two teams of two wrestlers.

#### Tag Match Rules

The rules of a Tag Match are similar to Wrestling rules in Singles Matches. The major difference is the "Tag Cut Time" option, which determines how long wrestlers are able to stay in the ring after coming in. This can also be set to "No Touch" for a Tornado Tag Match.

#### 3 Way Match

A match with three wrestlers fighting each other. The first person to win a fall wins the match.

#### 3 Way Match Rules

The rules for 3 Way Matches are essentially the same as a Single Match held under Wrestling rules.

#### Battle Royal

There are two types of Battle Royal matches: Random and Team Battle. Random is easy to set up; just pick the number of wrestlers, the first four participants, set the rules, and you're ready to go.

Team Battle, on the other hand, begins with setting the number of members on each team.

Notice: Please do not give this screen psychopathic input.

#### Battle Royal Rules

For the most part, the Battle Royal rules consist of common options. Only the major differences from other modes will be explained.

- Time Limit – Forced to "No Limit".
- Outside – "Loss" means a wrestler is eliminated when they are removed from the ring. "Anywhere" and "Off" act as they do in other matches.

#### Elimination

Two teams of up to five wrestlers each fight until one side defeats the other. Probably better known in non-Japanese regions as the "WCW vs. nWo" mode of WCW vs. nWo World Tour, but without the roster limitations.

#### Elimination Setup

After selecting the number of wrestlers per team, and the wrestlers on each team, you are given the option to re-arrange the team's orders. Lower numbers will wrestle first, compared to higher numbers. Select a slot using the D-Pad, then press the A button to begin swapping. Choose the destination slot in the same way, and press the A button to swap. Once you are finished, choose "Accept".

### Challenge

In the original version of Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2, this mode was called "王道継承", which roughly translates to "Royal Road Succession". Other (earlier) names for the mode include "All Japan Mode" (based on an unused texture leftover in the ROM) and "Champion Road" (from Asmik's website, circa 2000). That mode had you run through a year of All Japan Pro-Wrestling's schedule, with all the fun that goes along with it. It was used as the primary way to unlock items (mainly wrestlers), but in a hack where everything is unlocked by default, it lacks purpose.

There are no confirmed plans for the Challenge mode at this time.

### League

League mode allows you to hold a round robin league with 3 to 16 wrestlers (or tag teams).

Points are given based on the result of the match:

- Win (○) – 2 points
- Draw (△) – 1 point
- Loss (×) – 0 points

#### League Setup

First, select the number of wrestlers (or teams) participating in the league. After picking the wrestlers, you are given the option to re-order the participants, as well as toggle the control between human and computer.

### Tournament

Tournament mode allows you to hold a single-elimination tournament with 3 to 16 wrestlers (or tag teams).

#### Tournament Setup

Setting up a tournament involves picking the number of participants, then selecting them. Once all wrestlers have been selected, you are given the option to re-order the brackets, as well as set player or computer control.

### Event

The Event portion of the game lets you run a card of matches, to either watch or play. It's known as "Pay Per View" in the WWF AKI games, as well as S.K. Stylez's VPW2 English translation. In the unhacked version of VPW2, this mode played a small role in unlocking items. It's left in VPW2 freem Edition for fun, and because I don't see a good reason to remove it.

#### Setup

When creating a new event, the setup screen will appear. You can set the event's name, date, start time, and the arena where it will be held.

2019/01/28 Note: Translating the Event Time portion is a pain, since the item definitions also include a variable spacing amount.
In the meantime, please read "時" as "Hour" and "分" as "Minute".

#### Booking Matches

Once the setup has completed, you are able to set up all the matches that will appear on the card.

Note: Any Battle Royal will be fixed to 40 wrestlers in random order.

2019/01/28 Note: The blank item is meant to have text that reads "New Program". However, both S.K. Stylez and myself have run into an issue where it isn't displayed.

#### Running the Event

After finalizing the card, you are able to run through the event. A small introduction will play, followed by the event card screen.

You can either watch or play the match, or if you don't want to do either of those, you can let the computer simulate the result via the "Skip Match" button.

### Ranking

Ranking mode tracks win/loss statistics for up to 16 profiles, and ranks all participants accordingly. (On a personal note, I've never really used this mode, nor do I know about people who use it. Please let me know if you actually use Ranking mode and want to see it stay in the hack.)

### Edit Mode

Edit Mode was introduced by Human Entertainment in Fire Pro Wrestling 3: Legend Bout on the PC Engine. Pro wrestling games would never be the same again. The Edit Mode is further explained in its own chapter.

### Options

Various options can be changed in this menu.

#### Difficulty

The difficulties available are: Beginner, Easy, Normal, Hard, Expert.

#### Spirit Meter

Toggle the display of the Spirit Meter (as well as the Combo Meter).

#### Referee

Toggle the display of an animated referee. The referee only appears in Singles matches.

Name | Preview | Notes
--- | --- | ---
Off | N/A | Disable referee display.
Wada Kyohei |  | All Japan Pro-Wrestling's main referee.
Dandy K |  | Bowtie man. Will be replaced by Tiger Hattori in a future version. (Fun fact: Sprites are based off Earl Hebner's from WrestleMania 2000, or possibly the other way around.)
Johnny H |  | Counts slower than the other referees.

#### Quick Replay

Toggle the use of a three-angle replay for powerful moves. I recommend turning this off, but I'm not going to force you to.

#### Match Color

A unique option only found in VPW64 and VPW2. You can turn the match into a monochrome broadcast. However, the Spirit and Combo Meters still retain their color.

### Sound Options

Sound-related options live in this sub-menu.

- Sound Output – Choose between Stereo and Monaural output.
- Match BGM – Select from one of six tracks, use a random selection, or disable the match music.
- BGM Volume – Choose how loud the match BGM volume will be.

### Controller Setup

This section allows you to change the game controls. Navigate to the control you want to change, and press the desired button. If you want to reset any changes, choose "Default".

The only controls that cannot be remapped are the D-Pad, the Control Stick, and the Z and Start buttons.

### Data Menu

The Data Menu contains functionality related to wrestlers and belts. If you're looking to use the Controller Pak for something, this is the place to go.

#### Belt

In this section, you can view, move, and delete any created title belts.

#### Wrestler Data

The Wrestler Data section allows you to view Edit Wrestler data on both the cartridge and the Controller Pak. Wrestlers can be moved or copied between the Controller Pak and cartridge.

#### Wrestler Records

The game keeps track of win/loss/draw records, which can be viewed in this section. The list can be sorted by Group, number of Matches, number of Wins, and Win Percentage.

#### Exhibition Matches

The game also keeps track of the results of the last 25 matches played in Exhibition mode for Singles, Tag, and 3 Way matches.

### Mic Appeal

Unique to Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 is the ability to say things before and after a match. In this menu, you can modify each phrase. Each phrase is split into two parts. The left side is the first line displayed, while the right side is the second line.

You can set which lines are used by each wrestler in the Profile portion of Edit Mode. Then, by holding one of the C buttons at the end of your character's (or team's) introduction, or after the match is over, your character will say their lines.

## Playing the Game

This section assumes that you are using the default controls.

### VPW2 for Revenge/WM2K/No Mercy Veterans

Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 plays similar to the other AKI wrestling games. If you have experience with WCW vs. nWo - World Tour, WCW/nWo Revenge, WWF WrestleMania 2000, or WWF No Mercy, then playing VPW2 (freem Edition or not) will be easy.

Important differences include the following:

- Running Grapples. VPW2 was the first game in the series to include running grapples. However, unlike No Mercy, running corner grapples don't exist. There is a text string in VPW2 referencing running corner grapples, so it appears to have been planned...
- Combo System. While it was absent from the WWF games, WCW/nWo Revenge and Virtual Pro-Wrestling 64 included a combo system for certain characters. This system exists in VPW2 as well. Perform a strong grapple and press B to start the combo sequence.
- Shootfighting. Unique to VPW2 is the shootfighter type, which changes how grapples work. The short/weak grapple contains strong moves, while a strong/long grapple performs a takedown. When a takedown is successful, or if the fighter has "Mount" for Mount Type, you are able to use various strikes and a single grapple (armbar when opponent is face up, rear naked choke when opponent is face down).
- Second Level Special (known as "Maximum" in this hack). Once per match, you can taunt while having Special to get the second level Special. You must let the taunt finish on its own; you can't cancel the animation and get the second level Special.

### VPW2 for Everyone Else

If you don't have experience with a previous AKI Corporation wrestling game, the above section may look a little daunting. The good news is that the core gameplay is simple. The following section is not a complete overview of the game, but should be enough to get you started.

#### Movement

Move your character around with the D-Pad. The C-Down button makes your character run. During a run, you can press the R button to evade (roll or cartwheel), or the L button to go around the other wrestler.

Hold towards the ropes or apron and tap the C-Up button to move between areas. You can hold the C-Up button while doing this to fully transition between the ring and outside. When outside, you can run into the ring by holding C-Down, or run onto the apron by holding C-Down and C-Up.

#### Focus

The AKI wrestling games use a "Focus" system to direct attacks. You can change your current focus by pressing the C-Right button.

#### Striking

By default, the B button is used to throw strikes, such as kicks and punches. The B button can be tapped (Weak Strike) or held (Strong Strike) to produce different strikes. You can hold a direction on the D-Pad for another strike variation. There is also a strike done by holding down the A and B buttons for a few seconds.

#### Blocking and Reversals

To Block, hold the R button. Reversing strikes and grapple moves involves pressing the R button at the right time. You can dodge backwards with the L button; pressing it at the right time during an opponent's grapple attempt can cause you to block it. Grapple attempts can also be reversed with a well timed press of the A button.

#### Grappling

There are two main types of grapples. The Weak Grapple is performed by tapping the A button. The Strong Grapple is performed by holding the A button down for a second or two. Once the grapple connects, you can press the A or B button, along with holding a direction, to perform a move. If you wish to break a grapple without doing a move, press the R button.

If you have a Special, you can use it from a Strong Grapple by moving the Control Stick. You can also steal the opponent's Special by pressing the A and B buttons at the same time.

To throw a wrestler, hold the D-Pad in the direction you want them to go, then press the C-Down button. Not all wrestlers can be thrown, however.

When in a front grapple, pressing the L button will transition into a back grapple. During a back grapple, pressing the L button will grab the opponent's arms for a double team attack. (Re-transitioning to a front grapple was added in WWF No Mercy, and sadly does not appear in this game.) Pressing the C-Up button during a back grapple will attempt to lift the opponent on your shoulders for double team attacks. (See "Double Team Moves" section for more information.)

#### Corner Moves

Most of the corner moves fall under the mechanics for striking and grappling, but there are a few extras. When the opponent is in the corner, you can turn them around by using the C-Left or L buttons. You can also remove the opponent from the corner by using the R button. During a front corner grapple, you can attempt to transition to a Tree of Woe by pressing the L button.

#### "Ducking"/Crouching

When you come up from being knocked down, hold the R button to maintain a crouching position. From here, you can press the L button to roll back, the A button to attempt a grapple, or the B button to attempt a strike.

#### Taunting

Taunting allows you to gain Spirit. To taunt, move the Control Stick in any direction. You can copy your opponent's taunt by moving the Control Stick in a circle.

A small amount of wrestlers have a second level finishing move, denoted by "Maximum" in the spirit meter. If your wrestler has one, it can be activated by doing a standing taunt when having Special, and letting the entire taunt animation play. You can only use a Maximum level Special once per match, and the time period for performing it is shorter.

Some wrestlers have taunts that can be done when running the ropes while the opponent is outside. Hold the Control Stick while running to perform.

#### Ground Moves

Various strikes can be done with the B button, including running strikes. Submissions and other holds are performed with the A button, depending on how the opponent is facing, as well as if they're fully down or half down (sitting/on knees).

If you have Special, you can steal the opponent's ground moves by holding the A and B buttons.

Tapping the R button will pick the opponent up halfway, while holding the R button will pick up the opponent all the way. You can flip the opponent by tapping the C-Left button, or drag the opponent by holding the C-Left button.

Pressing the L button will either attempt a pinfall or mount position, depending on the wrestler's settings.

#### Flying

When in the ring or on the apron, hold the D-Pad direction of the corner you'd like to climb, then press and hold the C-Down button to either run towards it or climb it (depending on how close you are). Upon reaching the top rope, you have a few choices. To perform a move, let go of any and all buttons. To stay on the top for a little bit, hold the A button. You are also able to taunt if you move the Control Stick (maximum of two taunts). Pressing the R button will cause you to dismount from the top rope without performing a move.

Other flying move situations include planchas (hold direction to outside and press the A button), running dives (hold A when running in the ring while the opponent is outside), apron dives (same controls as the plancha, but while on the ring apron), and running apron dives (get on the apron, press C-Down, then press the A button).

#### Opponent Dizzy

When the opponent is dizzy, you can push them around by walking into them. Pressing the C-Left or L buttons turns the opponent around.

#### Combo/"Fighting" Style

If a wrestler has "Fighting" listed on their profile, the Strong Grapple B button moves are replaced with a Combo system. Five strikes are available in a combo, and all are accessed with the combination of the B button and a direction on the D-Pad. You can also end the combo early by using a Grapple move.

#### Shootfighting Style

If a wrestler has "Shooting" listed on their profile, then the Weak Grapple B button moves are replaced with the Combo system. On top of that, Strong Grapples produce takedowns, which act similar to the Combo system.

#### Weapons

When outside, hold towards the crowd and press the C-Up button to attempt to grab a weapon. Weapon strikes are performed by tapping or holding the B button when standing. Running weapon strikes can also be done to standing opponents. Blocking a weapon strike is done with the R button.

While not an "official" move, you can do a jumping attack from the Dome Road ramp (hold towards the floor/outside and press the A button) with a weapon.

(WWF No Mercy was the first game in the series to have re-usable weapons, so you can't pick them up when you drop them in this game.)

#### Double Team Moves

Most of the double team moves are performed by grappling a standing opponent at the same time as your partner. Another set of double team moves involves one person performing a back grapple and pressing the C-Up button to lift the opponent on their shoulders. From there, your partner is able to do a diving attack from the top rope or the apron.

#### Tag Team

To tag your partner in, head near them, hold the D-Pad towards them, and press the C-Up button. Your partner can hold an opponent by grappling them from the apron.

#### Rope Break in Martial Arts Rules Matches

Under Martial Arts rules, you must manually trigger the rope break by using the C-Left button when near the ropes. Rope breaks are manually triggered in this mode due to the possibility of losing points.

#### Mask Ripping

It is possible to rip the masks off of masked wrestlers, but the conditions to do so are pretty extreme... To quote WldFb:

> Normally the game required the head health at minimum and also the general health very low (no wonder it took so long).

– from the "(VPW2) Mask Ripping" thread at WldFb Archive Forum

The move that is capable of mask ripping is "Eye Claw", move number 22 in the "Downed Head Submission (Face Up)" category.

## Arenas and Title Belts

This section covers the five available arenas to fight in, as well as the belt designs you can choose from when creating a custom title.

### Arenas

#### Nippon Budokan

The Budokan has largely stayed the same as the original game. The major difference is that the ring mat and skirt emulate the mid-1990s All Japan-Pro Wrestling two-tone look. Future versions of the hack may provide a better two-tone effect.

#### USA Dome

The USA Dome is a somewhat-changed version of the original rampless TKO Dome arena. More changes are likely to happen in the future, possibly importing some assets from WrestleMania 2000 or No Mercy.

#### AKI Hall

AKI Hall is based off of Korakuen Hall. The ring mat and skirt design is adapted from the AKI ring in one of the Ultimate Muscle games.

One preview screenshot of VPW2 shows a banner hung in the balcony that is not used in the final version of the game, but remained in the ROM:

The banner reads "EWAプロレス!", or "EWA Pro Wrestling!" in English.
(EWA, full name "Empire Wrestling Association", was the name of the AJPW-like faction in Virtual Pro-Wrestling 64.)
A similar (yet different) banner has been added in the 2019/02/22 version.

#### Kawasaki Stadium

Kawasaki Stadium, in the context of VPW2, is most famous for being previewed with a daytime setting:

In the final version of the game, Kawasaki is set at night. Originally, I had planned to recreate the daytime version, but realized that AKI probably changed it for a decent reason... (I'm assuming it has to do with the Battle Royal entrances.) Kawasaki is still set at night in this hack, but the ring mat and skirt have been replaced with a FMW-inspired design.
(Probably a little too close for Legal to approve, though...)

#### Dome Road

"Dome Road" is the Tokyo Dome with a ramp leading to the ring. As this design was meant to emulate mid-to-late 1990s New Japan Pro-Wrestling, the ring mat and skirt textures have been changed to match. (Yes, the "V.P.W." logo is upside-down from how it's meant to be.)

Pictured below is the original render of the Tokyo Dome with ramp from AKI's website. If you look closely, you'll notice the All Japan Pro Wrestling logo was already in place. Also shown are red and blue floor textures, which go unused in the final game, but remain in the ROM.

### Title Belts

When creating a custom title, there are many belt designs you can choose from.

Currently, all belts have a mirrored texture. In the future, belts may become unmirrored (and redesigned to take advantage of this).

Name | Preview | Notes
--- | --- | ---
PWF Heavyweight Championship |  | original VPW2 belt
NWA International Heavyweight Championship |  | original VPW2 belt
NWA United National Championship |  | original VPW2 belt
All-Asia Tag Team Championship |  | original VPW2 belt
Chainplate |  | designed by freem
IWGP Junior Heavyweight |  | original VPW2 belt
Ring |  | designed by freem
IWGP Heavyweight Tag |  | original VPW2 belt
Sport Accolade |  | adapted/designed by freem
Octaglobe |  | designed by freem
King of Pancrase |  | original VPW2 belt
Old NWA International Heavyweight Championship |  | original VPW2 belt
UFC Ultimate Ultimate |  | original VPW2 belt
NWA Heavyweight Championship "Domed Globe" design |  | original VPW2 belt
WCW "Big Gold Belt" |  | ported/adapted from WCW/nWo Revenge
nWo "Big Gold Belt" |  | ported/adapted from WCW/nWo Revenge
WWF Winged Eagle |  | converted/adapted by freem
NEVER Openweight Championship |  | converted/adapted by freem
Universe/Saturn |  | designed by freem
PborgcrateZ |  | adapted/designed by freem
Diplomats/Unofficial VRTLPROS Championship |  | adapted/designed by freem
Triple Crown |  | original VPW2 belt
Double Tag |  | original VPW2 belt

## Edit Mode

Everyone loves Edit Mode, the place where you can change details of the in-game wrestlers, or come up with new wrestlers. Selecting a wrestler brings up the following menu:

While on the main wrestler edit menu, you can use the C-Left and C-Right buttons to switch the active costume. This also works with the top L and R buttons.

### Profile

The Profile section allows you to define a wrestler's basic data.

- Long Name – The wrestler's name, or as much of it as you can fit.
- Short Name – Short version of the wrestler name. 7 characters maximum.
- Height – Set the wrestler's height (in centimeters).
- Weight – Set the wrestler's weight (in kilograms).
- Voice A – Select the voice sample typically used for attacks.
- Voice B – Select the voice sample typically used for taunts.
- Music – Select the wrestler's theme music.
- Name Call – Select the name the ring announcer will use during introductions.

#### Mic Appeal

The Mic Appeal menu allows you to assign the phrases to the four C buttons. To assign a slot, select it with the D-Pad and press the desired C button. The phrases can be edited in the "Mic Appeal" section of the Options menu.

### Costume

In the main portion of the Costume menu, put the cursor on "Head" and press left or right on the D-Pad to switch your wrestler between masked and unmasked.

#### Head/Mask

The Head (or Mask) section lets you change all the details that go into the wrestler's head design.

#### Costume

The Costume section covers the main costume items, as well as the body type, entrance costume, and entrance weapon.

#### Others

This section contains gloves, wristbands, elbow pads, knee pads, and boots/shoes. Elbow and knee pads can be copied from one side to the other with the C-Left button.

#### Color Selection

When selecting a color, you can change the brightness by using C-Up and C-Down.

### Moves

The wrestler's available moves can be changed here. The moves are split up into various categories, with an "All Moves" option for showing the entire list.

Upon selecting a category, you will be shown the list of moves.

- D-Pad Up/Down – Move cursor one space.
- C-Up/C-Down – Page up/down.
- A Button – Select slot, select move.
- B Button – Cancel.
- Start Button – Accept changes and go back.
- C-Left Button – Preview selected move.
- C-Right Button – Toggle move as favorite (not possible to manually set for all slots...)
- L Button – Toggle KO
- R Button – Toggle Blood
- Z Button – During move preview, slows down animations when held.

### Parameters

The Parameters portion of Edit Mode lets you set various wrestler properties.

Left Column items:

- Fighting Style – Set the wrestler's fighting style.
- Weight Class – Set the wrestler's weight class. Setting this to Super Heavyweight will cause other wrestlers to have a harder time performing certain moves.
- Reversal Style – Determine the reversal style used for most moves.
- Mount Type – Determines what action is taken when pressing the Ducking button (L button by default) near a downed opponent.
  Pinfall goes for a pinfall, while Mount goes to a mounted position.
- Ring Entry – Set the animation used when entering/exiting the ring.
- Recovery Rate – Set how fast the wrestler's stamina recovers.
- Bloody Spirit Recovery – Set the spirit recovery rate when bleeding.
- Corner Climb – Determines how the wrestler climbs the corner: Normal (climbing) or Jump.
- Weapon Use – Determine how often the wrestler tries to get weapons on the outside.

Right Column items:

- Stance – Set the wrestler's idle stance. In this hack, "Woman" stance is actually the old boxing stance from World Tour/VPW64.
- Walk Speed – Set how fast the wrestler walks.
- Hammer Throw – Determine if the wrestler can throw and be thrown.
- Submission Skills – Set the skill level for applying and getting out of submission holds.
- Leapfrog Style – Set the leapfrog style. (Press the L button when an opponent is running at you to perform, if not set to "None".)
- Bleeding – Determine how easily the wrestler will bleed.
- Downed Recovery – Set the recovery rate when downed.
- Jumping Distance – Determine how far the wrestler can fly.
- Preferred Weapon – Set the wrestler's favorite weapon.

#### Offensive and Defensive Parameters

The "Offense" and "Defense" buttons on the Parameters menu open up separate menus that let you assign the offensive and defensive values for various move types. The five categories are Head, Body, Arms, Legs, and Flying.

Unlike the original VPW2, you are given 25 points to spend, meaning you can make a character with all 5s.

#### Rivals/Second

The Rivals/Second portion of the Parameters menu allows you to choose your manager/second/valet, along with up to three rivals.

The rivals only appear when Interference is enabled in the options. If both wrestlers have a second/manager, the rivals will not appear. Rival 1 shows up most of the time, Rival 2 shows up about half of the time, and Rival 3 shows up about one fourth of the time. If any option is set to "None", the computer will randomly pick a wrestler to interfere.

The manager/second always uses the fourth costume.

### Logic

The Logic section controls the computer's playing style when using a specific wrestler. It has only ever made an official appearance in Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2, but it is accessible in WrestleMania 2000 via a GameShark code.

#### Main Style (MISSING)

In WrestleMania 2000, an extra option was available at the top of the menu, which allowed you to choose the wrestler's general style. The presence of help text for this option in Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 means AKI considered letting players change it at one time. However, the option is absent from the final version...

I would love to bring this back in a future version of the hack, but I have not looked into the details yet.

#### Strategy Versus Standing Opponent

This section determines how the computer will attack when their opponent is standing. This can be set for both Early and Late match.

- Striking – Perform striking moves.
- Grappling – Perform grappling moves.
- Flying – Perform flying moves.

#### Strategy Versus Downed Opponent

This section determines how the computer will attack when their opponent is downed. This can be set for both Early and Late match.

- Striking – Perform ground strikes.
- Submission – Perform ground submissions.
- Flying – Perform flying moves.
- Pick Up – Pick the opponent up. Logic continues from "Strategy Versus Standing Opponent" section.

#### Finishing Move

The Finishing Move is the primary move the wrestler uses to win matches.

#### Attack Strategy

The Attack Strategy determines the balance between striking and grappling.

- Mainly Striking – Primarily strikes, rarely grapples.
- Striking – Prefers strikes, grapples less than Balanced.
- Balanced – Balanced between strikes and grapples.
- Grapples – Prefers grapples, strikes less than Balanced.
- Mainly Grapples – Primarily grapples, rarely strikes.

#### Offensive Balance

Offensive Balance controls the balance between attacking and defending.

- Mainly Attack – Primarily attacks the opponent.
- Attack – More likely to attack than Balanced.
- Balanced – Attacks and defends equally.
- Defend – More likely to defend than Balanced.
- Mainly Defend – Primarily defends themself.

#### Strike Reaction

Strike Reaction determines how well the wrestler will react to an opponent's strike. This manifests itself in the frequency of strike reversals. "Fast", "Normal", and "Slow" are the available options.

#### Grapple Reaction

Grapple Reaction determines how well the wrestler will react to an opponent's grapple attempts. This manifests itself in the frequency of grapple reversals. "Fast", "Normal", and "Slow" are the available options.

#### Outside Strategy

The Outside Strategy option controls how the wrestler deals with opponents outside of the ring.

- Calm – Prefers to get back into the ring quickly.
- Normal – "Typical" outside behavior (might hang around for a short while, then get back in).
- Aggressive – Likes fighting on the outside, but not as much as Maniacal.
- Maniacal – Prefers to fight on the outside, throws people out of the ring, uses weapons often.
- Flying – Prefers using flying moves (e.g. planchas, dives).

#### Appeal

Controls how often your wrestler taunts. The three available choices are "Often", "Normal", and "None". If "None" is selected, the wrestler will not taunt when controlled by the computer, except to activate Special.

### Clone from Fighter

This option lets you clone data from one of the fighters in the game.

Upon selecting the option, you will be presented with the game's roster. Select a wrestler to copy data from using the A button, or press the B button to cancel.

After selecting a wrestler, you are able to pick and choose specific portions of the wrestler data to copy. This includes the Profile, Mask/Costume, Moves, Parameters, and Logic data. Choose "Accept" to make the changes.

### Reset to Default

If you want to revert a wrestler back to the factory default data, you can use this option. Each of the five categories (Profile, Mask/Costume, Moves, Parameters, and Logic) can be toggled, except for non-edit wrestlers (who can only have the Profile and Mask/Costume reset).

When the hack is updated, you will need to use this option to get the updated costumes.

## Save Data

Back in 2000, when Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 was released, your options were limited in terms of sharing save data with others. Typically, you'd just go over to your friend's house with a Controller Pak. There were options for dumping save data to PC, including the DexDrive, but these devices may be hard to come by nowadays. (Not to mention the device drivers coming on a 3.5" floppy disk and the device's 9-pin serial connector...)

In the 21st century, it's simpler to just dump data from an emulator or flash cart and upload it to the Internet. However, some care has to be taken when transferring data between emulators and the real console.

### Controller Pak

Controller Pak saves allow you to transfer up to 16 Edit Wrestlers and 8 Belts. The Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 save takes 29 pages on the Controller Pak. Currently, VPW2 freem Edition uses the same data as regular VPW2, so you can transfer your existing characters and belts.

To manage your Controller Pak files, either hold the Start button as the game is booting, or hold the Z button and press the Start button on the title screen.

#### Flashcarts

The 64drive is capable of backing up the Controller Pak contents through the main menu. Please consult the 64drive manual for more information on using this feature.

I am unsure of what support the Everdrive64 has for dealing with Controller Pak saves, as I only own a 64drive.

#### Emulators

Emulators tend to store Controller Pak data in `.mpk` files. Please consult your emulator's documentation for more information.

### Game Save

The game save data itself (which includes changes made to the profile and costumes of the default wrestlers, as well as match records and other saved items) can also be shared with others.

#### Flashcarts

Flashcarts, such as the 64drive and Everdrive64, give the save file the same base name as the ROM it belongs to. If your VPW2 freem Edition ROM is named `vpw2freem.z64`, for example, the save will be named `vpw2freem.sra`.

#### Emulators

Some emulators use the ROM's internal name (in our case, "`VPW2 freem`") for the save file. Other emulators may use the ROM's filename, internal game code ("NVFE"), or you may even have to declare the save file name when loading the emulator. The file extension may differ between emulators; I've seen `.sra` and `.srm` so far.

When converting save files from emulators to flashcarts (64drive, Everdrive64) and vice versa, you will need to byteswap the save data (using the same instructions given in the Patching section, but selecting the save file instead). Some emulators may not require this; full details are not yet known.

## Extras

In case you're playing this on an emulator or have a way to use GameShark codes, there are a few codes you may enjoy using. Nothing in this section is officially a part of VPW2 freem Edition.

All of these GameShark cheats come from WldFb's Archive Forum and should work with VPW2 freem Edition.

### Battle Royal Improvements

A few useful codes are in this thread:

#### Better Battle Royal Entrances

This code disables the forced camera change when new wrestlers enter during a Battle Royal.

D11310C0 3462
811310C2 0000
D11310F8 3442
811310FA 0000
D1131118 3442
8113111A 0000
D116C470 00A7
D116C472 000B
D10F0594 2402
810F0596 0000
D116C470 00A7
D116C472 000C
D10F0596 0000
810F0596 0021
D116C784 00A7
D116C786 000B
D10F0594 2402
810F0596 0000
D116C784 00A7
D116C786 000C
D10F0596 0000
810F0596 0021
D116CA98 00A7
D116CA9A 000B
D10F0594 2402
810F0596 0000
D116CA98 00A7
D116CA9A 000C
D10F0596 0000
810F0596 0021
D116CDAC 00A7
D116CDAE 000B
D10F0594 2402
810F0596 0000
D116CDAC 00A7
D116CDAE 000C
D10F0596 0000
810F0596 0021

#### Include CAWs

These codes allow edit wrestlers to appear in the Battle Royal. The game normally compares the next wrestler ID with a list of edit wrestler IDs, and if they match, it knows to roll again for a non-edit wrestler. By changing the values in this table to an arbitrary unused ID, we can force the game to accept edit wrestlers as valid.

- Edit/Original A – `8003FD74 00B0`
- Edit/Original B – `8003FD75 00B0`
- Edit/Original C – `8003FD76 00B0`
- Edit/Original D – `8003FD77 00B0`
- Edit/Original E – `8003FD78 00B0`
- Edit/Original F – `8003FD79 00B0`
- Edit/Original G – `8003FD7A 00B0`
- Edit/Original H – `8003FD7B 00B0`
- Edit/Original I – `8003FD7C 00B0`
- Edit/Original J – `8003FD7D 00B0`
- Edit/Original K – `8003FD7E 00B0`
- Edit/Original L – `8003FD7F 00B0`
- Edit/Original M – `8003FD80 00B0`
- Edit/Original N – `8003FD81 00B0`
- Edit/Original O – `8003FD82 00B0`
- Edit/Original P – `8003FD83 00B0`

If you've moved the edit wrestlers to other slots, check the Data section in the Options menu for the "intended" order.

## Errata

Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 (even without hacks) has a few bugs that you should be aware of when playing. These may or may not be fixed in future versions of this hack.

### Battle Royal Shootfighter Elimination Bug

There is a somewhat major bug in Battle Royal matches related to a Shootfighter's ability to win a match/eliminate a wrestler via repeated ground pounding. When you eliminate a wrestler via this method, the elimination counts twice.

This can cause various unintended and unwanted behavior, including the computer sending out a default-looking character that has already been "eliminated". If this happens, you have no choice but to restart or quit the match, as this wrestler can not be eliminated.

WldFb successfully fixed this via a GameShark code:

D110C76C 3442
8110C76E 0000

This bugfix has been applied for 2019/02/22 and later versions.

A patch for the original VPW2 ROM that fixes this issue will be made available in the future for those who do not want the other changes made in VPW2 freem Edition.

### White Screen Freeze when Controlling the Manager

If you end a 1 on 1 match with a player controlling a manager, the game will sometimes freeze on a white screen. Only VPW2 has this problem. Doing the same thing in Revenge, WM2K, or No Mercy won't crash the game.

The cause of this problem has not been found, and therefore, no fix is currently known. Honestly, it could be related to playing the game using a GameShark as an import adapter, since the GameShark is known to freeze up if you look at it wrong.

### Battle Royal Team Setup Glitch

This bug exists in WrestleMania 2000, VPW2, and WWF No Mercy. Select a Team Battle Royal/Royal Rumble, and continue to the screen where you allocate the number of wrestlers per team. This glitch seems easiest to perform with four controllers, but may be possible with less. Hold left on the D-Pad of each controller, then hold right once you reach 1 wrestler. If done correctly, you will be able to add wrestlers past the usual limit. After the limit is passed in-match, the game will freeze. (I believe it's trying to introduce a wrestler that hasn't been loaded?)

As this glitch exists in multiple games, I have no plans on fixing it at the moment.

### Non-Serious Bugs

These bugs are not related to gameplay, and as a result, are less serious. They are included for informational purposes.

#### "???" Height/Weight does not show on Wrestler Selection

Hilariously enough, I only noticed this in 2018... Instead of showing "???" for a height or weight, the wrestler selection menu will show the maximum value plus an amount equivalent to the "???" value (for weight, this is 301kg; height starts at 251 (first "???") and goes up to 253 (last "???")).

#### Nagata Lock Typos in Results Screen

Due to a simple typo, the move names for the Nagata Lock and Nagata Lock II show up as "&207ローク" and "&207ロークⅡ" if used to win a match. This has been fixed in VPW2 freem Edition, at the cost of the roman numeral 2... That particular error comes from VPW Studio (the tool I use for editing the games) not knowing how to handle the 'Ⅱ' character.

#### Inconsistent Color Selection Wrapping Behavior

If you have a color modifier on and you move past color 0 to the left, it will reset. passing 31 to the right will keep it. This doesn't happen in WrestleMania 2000 (cursor can't wrap) or No Mercy (wrapping works perfectly).

#### Edit Mode: Turnbuckle Stolen Special changes when changing Turnbuckle Strong Grapple B

This is another recent (December 2018) discovery... When you change the move in the Turnbuckle Strong Grapple B slot, the Turnbuckle Stolen Special slot changes. This is most likely unintended, especially since the move index is not corrected for the additional moves in the Turnbuckle Special/Stolen Special slots.

## Known Issues

Unlike the "Errata" section, this section covers known issues with the freem Edition hack only.

### "New Program" text missing in Event mode

Not sure why this happens. Also occurs in the S.K. Stylez VPW2 English translation.

### Texture mapping is inaccurate on some costume items

Most visibly manifests itself with the old Yuji Nagata trunks from Revenge, but can also be seen with other imported textures. This is due to changes made to models between WCW/nWo Revenge and Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2. If the models in question were changed to make the Revenge textures look correct, all of the native VPW2 textures would change as well, messing them up... The perils of porting.

### Tattoos don't work on certain items

The Kurt Angle singlet still has issues with tattoos on the stomach area. The issue is related to how VPW2 expects transparency to work for singlets and tanktops. The Bret Hart tanktop used to exhibit the same issue, but it (along with the chest portion of Kurt Angle's singlet) was fixed in the 2020/08/06 release.

### Facial hair palettes

Due to how the game handles facial hair palettes, a number of wrestlers are not able to have their proper facial hair. This includes Hulk Hogan and Scott Steiner.

### Facepaint and face accessory palettes

Another set of face-related palette issues happens with the facepaint and accessory layers. This is the reason that Dr. Frank's facepaint was changed to white/gray, along with Rick Steiner's headgear being a different color.

### Women's run stance is still in game

Despite changing the animation data for the Women's stance, the game special cases a running animation (among various others). This has not yet been worked around.

### Missing moves

There's no Angle/Olympic Slam or Tazmission yet (as well as other moves that haven't been in an AKI wrestling game before). Porting and creating moves has been low on my priority list, as it's not as "easy" as the Gameshark way of doing things.

### Missing polygon/model hacks

This is another thing that ended up being low priority compared to other tasks. For example, L.A. Park needs custom mask models. Part of the problem with this is creating different versions of the models for the different possible head and body types.

## Questions and Answers

Only a few questions have come in during development so far, so I can't really call them "Frequently Asked Questions".

Questions regarding specific characters and the overall character selection process can be found in the Character Guide. The two character-related questions in this section are general enough to be in the main manual.

### Can you send me a patched or unpatched ROM?

This question was in the original FAQ, but removed before release. Clearly that was the wrong move.

No, I will not send you a patched ROM or unpatched base ROM. Please don't ask me, and don't ask in the Discord server either.

### Why Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2? Why not WWF No Mercy?

This largely boils down to personal preference, plus Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 contains features that the other AKI wrestling games don't. Specifically, I appreciate the depth of having three fighting styles (Wrestling, Martial Arts/"Fighting", and Shootfighting). I will concede that No Mercy's weapon system is the best, the "Losing It" state is interesting, and that the ground Special move slots are a good addition.

### Where are the women at?

The only known way to get women into Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 is to import their model wholesale. Since I prefer a solution that lets you properly edit the women characters, a la No Mercy, this was not a good compromise. Like many other things, this requires a decompilation of the game.

### Where's Joe Bruiser/Eric Bischoff (WCW/nWo Revenge version)/Andy Hug/(insert boxer or kickboxer here)?

VPW2 does not seem to contain code for the Boxing and/or Kickboxing styles, aside from a single unused string in Edit Mode. I'm of the opinion that the ability to have Boxing and Kickboxing styles in the early N64 AKI games was a result of a different moveset data format. The later games seem more rigid in their setup by comparison. Otherwise, you'd better believe a slot would be reserved for Joe Bruiser.

### Why aren't there more theme songs?

Unlike WrestleMania 2000 and No Mercy, there are only a few theme songs in VPW2. Also unlike those two games, the theme songs in VPW2 use a higher sampling rate. In order to fit more songs in, I would have to 1) Lower the sampling rate of the existing songs and 2) Figure out where the song list is stored, make the edits, etc.

Small note: theme songs allow for varying wait times in the locker room. Let Giant Baba's theme play out during his entrance to see.

### What are you going to do with Challenge Mode?

I'm not sure yet. At the bare minimum, it'll be an edit of the existing Royal Road Succession data.

### What will be done with Ranking Mode?

I'm not sure about this either; I don't even know of anyone who uses this mode. In an ideal world, I would reclaim the space used by Ranking mode for storing more Edit Wrestlers. However, it's easier said than done.

Even if I do remove Ranking Mode, I'll have to edit the main menu to not include it, unless it's replaced with something else.

### Will anything be done about the Records feature?

A long while ago, I was asked if I could remove the Records feature (presumably so the space it takes up could be used for more Edit Wrestlers)... I have no idea how to go about doing this, either.

### Can you add other wrestlers?

No, all 98 default wrestler slots are taken. Adding other wrestlers would require re-pointing the ROM, and I really don't want to do that without a full disassembly of the game.

### Are there going to be other stages added?

Unfortunately, it's not that simple to import a stage into VPW2, since there are so few slots. Here are the known "stage" items in VPW2:

- Locker Room – Used in every arena but Dome Road.
- Dome Road Entrance Ramp – Used in Dome Road arena.
- Locker Room with Fire – Only used in introduction sequence.
- Virtual Pro-Wrestling 2 Ramp – Only used in introduction and credits sequences.

So on top of there not being enough stages in the first place, you only get two choices when it comes to "real" stages. It's not happening without a lot of work, and that's work I don't care to do at the moment.

If actual arenas were implied instead, you only get five slots there, and much like changing the stages, a lot of work is required to add new arenas.

### Are you ever going to hack No Mercy?

If I do, I'm not going to tackle a project of VPW2 freem Edition's size.

The amount of work that would have to be done in order for No Mercy to be enjoyable for me is too much, which includes (but is not limited to):

- Having to reinstate the combo and shootfighting systems
- Re-adding VPW2's mask support
- Re-adding MMA rules
- Removing the non-Edit Mode portions of the Smackdown Mall
- Removing the Story Mode so I can insert more wrestlers, costume items, etc.

And remember, I want to do all of this WITHOUT GameShark codes. If I end up making a No Mercy hack, people will have to lower their expectations compared to this hack, as well as all the other existing emulator-only No Mercy projects.

### Can you make me a custom hack?/You should work on [hack idea X].

No. There are a lot of other projects I still need to complete (e.g. VPW Studio), and asking me to work on your pet project(s) is a bad idea.

To the person who inspired this question and answer: please stop telling me (and others) to work on other projects based on ideas you have.

## VPW2 freem Edition Credits

Extended credits are available in `credits.txt` in the `docs` folder.

### Project Lead

freem

### Hacking

freem

### Tools

freem (VPW Studio)
S.K. Stylez (Animation Editor, Move Porter, etc.)
Zoinkity ("offsetter", "Midwaydec", "generic.py")

### Technical Assistance

S.K. Stylez (VPW2 English translation, used as reference)
WldFb (Various value and address finding; a large help)
LIGHTNING/jordyad

Various other hackers I can't remember at the moment (Essentially, most everyone in the AKI wrestling game hacking scene.)

### Translations

freem
brick9mm
Lain/Rise

### Wrestler Data

freem
RagDas
BeBetterGamer

### Menu and UI Textures

freem

### New Face Textures

freem
RagDas
KWG/Saga

### New Mask Textures

freem
RagDas

### New Costume Textures

freem
RagDas
AshVPW

### New Arena Textures

freem
RagDas

### New Belt Textures

freem

### Match BGM Conversions

randymanfoo

### Test Players

B. Reed
BeBetterGamer
ProwresHero
RagDas

### Special Thanks

BeBetterGamer
brick9mm
C-Drive
DJKM
fullMETAL
Geta-san
Han Zo Mon
KWG/Saga
Lord Mo
Phil Parent
ProwresHero
RagDas
S.K. Stylez
WldFb
Zoinkity
AKI Corporation YOU ARE #1