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WWE Legends of WrestleMania
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I'm an old school wrestling fan and
although THQ are the definitive publishers of wrestling games on the
console, I've never been a huge fan of the current stable of wrestlers
in those games. With that in mind, THQ have released a variety of different
wrestling games in the years, some good and some bad. WWE SmackDown Vs
Raw 2009 was the pinnacle of their achievement and dare I admit it, the
best game in the franchise which really transferred the wrestling
experience into the gaming world. Unfortunately this game featured those
"new" wannabe wrestlers, however, for those old school
junkies like myself, the latest wrestling game from THQ include some of
the greatest wrestling stars from the 80's and 90's which include Andre the
Giant, Bret "Hitman" Hart and my favourite Rowdy "Roddy" Piper.
My
dear reviewers... let's get ready to Ruuuumble!
Features:
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DISTINGUISHED ROSTER AND MANAGERS – Relive the entertaining lives of
40 larger-than-life WWE Legends and Managers. The managers will also
have extensive functionality, playing important roles in match
outcomes.
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ABSOLUTE REALISM – Embrace a historically accurate representation of
WWE telecasts from the Eighties and Nineties, including dynamic
visual treatments, signature ring entrances, renowned commentators,
notable venues and much more.
-
COMBO FIGHTING SYSTEM – Explore a new, grapple-based fighting system
that captures the high-energy action and drama seen in historic WWE
matches. Players will have each Legend’s arsenal of grapple moves,
strike attacks, reversals and taunts at their disposal throughout a
variety of current and nostalgic match types.
-
WRESTLEMANIA TOUR MODE – Participate in key matches from multiple
WrestleMania events. Vintage WWE footage will set up matches,
explain feuds and detail the rivalries behind them, situating
players in the heart of each contest.
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CREATE-A-LEGEND – Create the Legends of tomorrow, complete with
customizable costumes, entrances, move sets and more.
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ONLINE FUNCTIONALITY – Challenge players around the world to matches
on the biggest stages in WWE history.
WWE Legends of WrestleMania
sports a variety of different gameplay modes, ensuring that all sorts of
matches. The best part of the game that I believe is Legend Killer which
allows the gamer to either
relive these famous matches, rewrite (change fate) or redefine that
allows you to tweak some of these classic matches. Add in other modes
that include Exhibition which allows you to pick both classic and modern
wrestlers such as The Rock vs Andre the Giant, single match, tag team
match and my favourite, the Battle Royal. Needless to say, the variety of
game modes is a wrestling fan's delight.
The
developers have also cleverly added live footage to the game which
features all those classic 80's and 90's moments and of course brings
back a flood of happy childhood memories. Seeing all these wrestlers
again in their prime is what dreams are made of and the chance of
controlling your favourites is even better.
Other cool features include
30-man Royal Rumble, online play and some great unlockables that
include costumes and classic movies. Add in a create a legend mode
and this neatly rounds out the game as you battle your creation with an
almost undying line of legendary wrestlers. You can even import your
wrestler from Smackdown vs Raw 2009.
When
it comes to controls, the developers have really tweaked this game and
everything feels right, without the gamer trying to have their fingers
everywhere. It's quite a natural progression. Another interesting twist is that some maneuvers are only
available once you have pulled off another move. Similar to those
skating games, this allows for a more in-depth and calculating gameplay
that also increases the learning curve of this game. Thankfully the game
supports dualshock on the controller for that added wrestling
experience.
The goal, as per
all good wrestling games is to reduce your opponents health in order to
grapple them to the floor for victory. Sometimes, easy said than done.
My biggest gripe with the gameplay is the speed which sometimes feels
like you are moving through water that feels like the controls are
somewhat unresponsive. I know it's wrestling and not a fighting game but
it would have been nice to have a choice for faster gameplay. Pulling
off the various moves such as Square Square Square for a short attack or
circle to hold is just the basics as there are literally 25 pages of
combinations and moves to learn. Quite a rather steep learning curve if
you're attempting to master the title.
When it comes to graphics, this is how wrestling games should look with
highly detailed characters that look like their real-world counterparts
and probably one of the best looking crowds to date. Seeing Andre the
Giant again was a truly surreal experience and you really have to see it
to believe it. The game also has a
true "period" feel to it from the not so far away 80's and 90's. Seeing
Hulk Hogan or the passed away Andre the Giant is pure bliss as these
legends once again kick some true butt in good old fashioned gaming
heaven. Add in some bad haircuts as well!
In
conclusion, this is a fun wrestling game that contains my favourite
wrestlers all in one game. The gameplay although not perfect is quite
playable that is matched with great graphics, a kickass soundtrack and
good old fashioned wrestling moments. Definitely one for those who like
to walk down memory lane and have fun at the same time! |
