WWF Wrestlemania 2000

Review by : Sxe_sk8

Format : N64

Type : Wrestling

Players : 1 - 4

THQ takes on the WWF in this slightly new and somewhat improved sequel to WCW/nWo Revenge. The biggest draw to wrestling fans is that they now have a game that plays almost identical to Revenge but features the WWF. Not a lot new here, but not bad either.

You are either one of those hardcore gamers who dig learning all of those intricate wrestling moves or you are not. WWF Wrestlemania, like Revenge before it, features a simple control system that even your grandma could get the hang of in mere minutes. Not so, for games like WWF Attitude, where special moves required knowledge, skill and luck. That being said, Wrestlemania will appeal to those who just want the fun of rasslin' without the headache of learning a ton of secret maneuvers. I'm kind of on the fence myself. On one hand I like the idea of being able to pull off a really complex move at the right time while playing against a competent opponent. And on the other I like to sit down and just play sometimes and pull off some cool stuff without having to dig through menu screens, training modes, strategy guides and the net looking for hints. That's not to say WWF Wrestlemania 2000 doesn't have its share of secret stuff. Of course it does. THQ ain't stupid, they know you guys dig that sort of thing.

Right off the bat there are a number of wrestlers to choose from. Even good old homeboy Y2J, Chris (defected from WCW) Jericho is there. The wrestlers look pretty good, except for that one expression they are stuck with and their huge heads, but what are you gonna do? Tell them they look kinda weird? I don't think so. The ring entrances look much better than in previous games and this time out, wrestlers will even make their way to the squared circle with their managers and ahem, lady friends.

In the What's New department, we have an improved Create-A-Player feature that doesn't try to out-do Attitude's many costume and appearance changes, but lets you customize all of the moves to your liking. This is a great idea because for me at least, I'm not a big fan of the N64 controllers small c buttons. In fact, I hate them. So do you I bet. Most fighting games on the N64 use the C buttons, which is not a fault of the game but of the hardware. Thankfully THQ gives you an option in this game. Along with the customizable moves, you can also change things like entrance attire, rivals and who accompanies you to the ring.

The game plays almost identical to Revenge and still uses the same control system, although there are some new additions like the ability to use moves on a sitting opponent. The one player game will see you going on the Road to Wrestlemania, starting off with your chosen partner in crime and performing in various television matches while making your way to the Pay-Per-View events. Along the way you'll fight in the usual assortment of special matches like King of the Ring, Cage Matches, Royal Rumble etc. The multiplayer option is the real way to go when playing these sorts of games. It's always more fun with friends, especially when this game is so easy to get into.

Complaint Dept. I have to admit I'm getting a tad bored by all of these wrestling titles. There have been a lot of them lately and considering they all feature almost the identical content, it's become a chore to remember what game does this and what game does that. Aside from that, I'd like to see a wrestling game that wasn't filled with down time. Wrestling should be fast and furious but with these games of late, WWF Wrestlemania 2000 included, there is just too much start and stop action. I know wrestling is "entertainment" and they need to include those dramatic "I've had my head pushed into a foam ball and now I can't even defend myself from this onslaught of slaps" routines, but come on already. It would be nice if the games didn't try so hard to be like TV. More constant action would keep my interest a little longer.

If you own Revenge and loved it, you just might need WWF Wrestlemania 2000 due to the WWF license. The game is short on innovation but throws some new stuff in to throw you off the scent. Check it out, I'm sure if you were a fan of Revenge, you'll find a lot to like in this one.

Sound         : Fair

7.8/10

Gameplay    : Slow and mayby to simplistic for some

6/10

Difficulty     : Medium

5/10

Graphics      : Ok but could be better

6/10

Overall         : Not much diffrent then Revenge

8.8/10

Review by : Sxe_sk8