LEGENDS OF WRESTLEMANIA XBOX 360 REVIEW
Wrestling games these days have always emphasized on the present roster that spotlights on who are the most baddest names on the WWE block. THQ’s Legends of Wrestlemania is sidestepping from this tradition and offering nostalgic wrestling fans a chance to relive and rewrite some of the most memorable moments of WWE history. Legends of Wrestlemania takes place between the early 80’s and late 90’s. One of the best aspects of THQ’s latest wrestling game is the “pickup-and-play” controls. The simplified gameplay makes it easy for anyone to enjoy and have fun right out of the box. However, those players looking into a more in-depth wrestling title might feel somewhat discontented with this one.
Legends of Wrestlemania doesn’t come with many of the traditional features you’ll find in the Smackdown series – such as ability to use hot tags, create tournament ladders, and play tag team tornado matches to name a few. However, the game manages to write off some of these shortcomings by overindulging you with a sweet list of past legends in its roster and gluing you with exciting montages of classic Wrestlemania events. The game features more than 40 superstars, which include Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, Bam Bam Bigelow, Honky Tonk Man, Mr. Perfect, and several others. You’ll be taking part in every Wrestlemania event, starting from the first Wrestlemania all the way to Wrestlemania XV.
Because of the excellent video montage, every Wrestlemania match feels as though you were there, reliving that historic moment in sports entertainment. The best part of it is that each clip captures all the dramatic encounters that psyche you up before you head into the match. Once the actual match begins, you are treated to a nice representation of the legendary wrestlers, complete with individual attitudes that belong solely to that athlete. Beyond their uncanny physical appearance, these superstars are incredibly well animated that deliver extremely smooth action sequences. What’s more is that, the incredible arena backdrop, subtle lightings effects inside the squared circle, decent auditory composition, great soundtracks, and rowdy atmosphere all round off to a convincing Wrestlemania experience.
The source of the game’s pure excitement is in the gameplay itself. It is quite simple as most of the time, you’ll be pressing the A button to perform virtually kinds of attacks and wicked slams. It doesn’t take much preparation to master these techniques. Needless to say, what makes the gameplay interesting is the contextual sequencing that is reminiscent of Spiderman 3. When you perform certain maneuver, let’s say a particular grapple, or a signature move, the screen slows down and a small circular window prompts you to tap a specific button. These quick-time events certainly add some variety to the action. What’s more is that they provide some sort of good counter measures when going up against human players as to prevent a mismatch that can easily lead to your character being pounded to a bloody pulp.
One of the encouraging aspects of Legends of Wrestlemania that you’ll come to appreciate is the responsiveness of the controls. The seamlessness movements give players the edge to deliver that blast of devastating hits, whether it would be a quick knockdown punch or throttling for that sensational finishing move. In addition, having great control makes it fun to execute some dirty team work. All you need to do is stand next to your partner inside the ring while he attempts a grapple on the computer and both of you will automatically perform an intricate slam. The game features several single-player modes including Royal Rumble and Cage matches but if you’re going to play solo, Wrestlemania Tour is the way to go.
Wrestlemania Tour gives player the option of reliving past events, rewriting history, and redefining that nostalgic moment by changing certain conditions of the match. Each match holds a set of objectives that you can complete to earn gold medal as well as unlock a number of extra features such as additional wrestling modes. These objectives keep the match fun and interesting as they become increasingly challenging in each phase of the tour. In some of the matches, you’ll be required to perform top-rope maneuvers, numerous finishing moves, make your enemy bleed, or parry your opponent’s cheap grapples to obtain “gold” conditions. While it is fun to achieve that golden reward, it is also nice to be able to see a repertoire of expert moves and experience all the wrestler’s skills, particularly those crippling finishers.
Legends of Wrestlemania also comes with a Legend Killer mode. There is a nice twist to this feature. At first impression, it’s just an ordinary survival mode. However, upon closer look, you’ll find that there is more to just beating up wrestling legends. This particular mode pits you in 10 consecutive matches in a lengthy six tiers. The twist is that you’ll need to import and use your customized Smackdown vs. RAW character to unlock three of the tiers. The following matches will test your endurance and skills as you carry the same health throughout the grueling ordeal. As such, you’ll be forced to utilize frequent parrying and special taunt that refills parts of your energy. Needless to say, it’s nice to be able to bring into play your own muscle-bound barbarian from Smackdown vs. RAW instead of recreating one from the get-go.
Legends of Wrestlemania is a feel-good wrestling game that revolves around instant action gratification and exciting montages of past WWE events. The game doesn’t have many gameplay features that you’d normally find in the Smackdown series but what it does have is engage you to take on as legendary wrestlers from Hulk Hogan to the mighty Kamala. What makes Legends of Wrestlemania so much fun is the simplicity of the controls. In just a few taps of the buttons, you’ll be body-slamming and pummeling away the competition. The unique contextual prompts also add interesting twist to the fighting sequence. The best part of Legends of Wrestlemania is being to relive and redefine some of the historic events in World Wrestling Entertainment. Overall, THQ’s latest arcade wrestler delivers a memorable package that will certainly strike a good nostalgic chord among WWE old-timers.
