Mat Mania

Mat Mania, also known as Exciting Hour in Japan, is a classic arcade wrestling video game developed by Technos Japan Corp. Released in 1985, it offers players an exciting wrestling experience with colorful characters, fast-paced action, and intuitive gameplay mechanics.

Mat Mania was developed by Technos Japan, the same company responsible for iconic titles like Double Dragon and River City Ransom. The game was designed to capture the excitement and drama of professional wrestling, with a focus on delivering intense arcade action. Its development aimed to combine accessible controls with engaging gameplay, drawing inspiration from the popularity of wrestling in the 1980s.

Upon its release, Mat Mania received positive reviews from both players and critics alike. Its intuitive controls, vibrant graphics, and energetic gameplay were praised, making it a hit among arcade-goers. The game’s success solidified its status as a classic in the arcade wrestling genre.

Mat Mania saw several adaptations and sequels over the years, including a port to various home gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System. Additionally, it inspired other wrestling titles, influencing the development of future games in the genre.

While Mat Mania arcade cabinets are not as common as some other arcade machines, they can still be found in collector circles and retro gaming enthusiasts’ collections. The exact number of cabinets produced is unknown, but due to its popularity, it’s considered a sought-after item among collectors. The value of a Mat Mania cabinet can vary depending on factors such as condition, rarity, and regional demand.

Mat Mania is based on standard arcade hardware of its era, featuring a monitor, control panel, and internal circuitry typical of arcade machines from the mid-1980s. For repairs, common components such as joysticks, buttons, and power supplies can be sourced from retro gaming suppliers specializing in arcade machine parts. A typical Mat Mania cabinet consists of the following components:

CRT Monitor (such as a Wells Gardner K4900 series)
Joystick and buttons (likely using standard arcade components)
PCB (Printed Circuit Board) containing the game’s ROM chips
Power supply unit
Wiring harnesses
Control panel overlay
Cabinet artwork and housing
References:

Insert Coin: Inside Midway’s ’90s Revolution by Joshua Tsui (2019)
The Ultimate History of Video Games by Steven L. Kent (2001)
Retro Gamer Magazine, Issue #192 (2021)