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WWF WrestleMania 2000 |
| Developer(s) |
Asmik Ace Enterainment / Aki Corporation |
| Publisher(s) |
THQ |
| Release date(s) |
November, 16 1999 |
| Brand(s) |
WWF |
| Rating(s) |
T for Teen |
| Platform(s) |
Nintendo 64
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| WG Review Date |
8/24/07 |
| WG.com Average Rating |
4/5 Stars |
| Game Navigation |
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Preview
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Review
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Match Types
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Backstage Areas
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Roster
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Media
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Cheats
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Created Wrestlers
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Review
WWF Wrestlemania 2000 was THQ's first WWF game after acquiring the license. THQ took the reigns over from Acclaim, but they weren't new to the business. THQ had been producing WCW games for years. For their first WWF release, THQ used the same engine used for the widely-popular WCW Revenge.
Game Play
The gameplay in WWF Wrestlemania 2000 was basically identical to the gameplay in WCW Revenge. The only major change was the improved countering system, which allowed the user to counter any move or hold as long as it was timed correctly. However, the countering system becomes more and more difficult as the match goes on and your wrestlers tired out. Unfortunately, the CPU never seems to tire down and will have much more luck countering your moves than you will countering there's. Otherwise, it's the same simple grappling system that the engine had used in the past. Not too simple that it becomes a button-masher, but not too difficult that you have to hit a six button combination just to use a toe kick. It is a definite improvement of the WWF games of old.
Sound
One of the strengths of the Acclaims WWE games was it's sound. They had all the intro musics, some random music, commentary, plus random soundbites from all the wrestlers in the game. Wrestlemania 2000 loses almost all of that. This game has very low-quality intro music, and no voiceovers whatsoever. During the matches, some lame background music plays. The crowd sounds decent and the weapon sound-effects are cool, but otherwise this is an area that this game is sorely lacking.
Graphics
Graphics is another area that THQ could not improve on from the Acclaim days. The wrestler models look very blocky. The arms sometimes look to be floating next to the wrestler's body rather than being attached. The faces look horrid as they're just pasted over the character model. Alot of times the game suffers from clipping and other graphical glitches. Outside of the character models, the game looks up to par with other games of that time.
Seasons/Career Mode
"Road to Wrestlemania" was the name of Wrestlemania 2000's career mode, which brought a whole new aspect to WWF wrestling games. This mode starts the player off just after Wrestlemania, and the goal is to be the WWF Champion by the end of next year's Wrestlemania. Basically, you take your wrestler through a year in the WWF world and work your way through the ranks to the top. Along the way, you'll win undercard championships, create alliances, make enemies, and headline PPVs. It's a huge step form from the old fashion "work your way up the ladder" formula from wrestling games of the past.
Creation Mode
The Create-A-Wrestler mode in Wrestlemania 2000 is very different from that of past WWF games. Aki really limited the focus on the look of the wrestler, rather putting the focus on creating their in-ring style. That makes a lot of sense, since this is a wrestling game, not The Sims. Aki did a great job on this, you can edit wrestler's wrestling attire, entrance attire, entrance music, entrance moves, wrestling moves, etc. And there's a ton of wrestling moves available at your disposal, ranging from every wrestling style you can think of. Your creating may not always look like what you're trying to create, but it'll damn sure play like it.
| Score Board |
Game Play
4/5 Stars |
Audio
2/5 Stars |
Graphics
2/5 Stars |
Story Mode
5/5 Stars |
Creation
4/5 Stars |
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OVERALL SCORE:
4/5 Stars |
| Final Thought |
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"Wrestlemania 2000 was a great first step for THQ after acquiring the WWF license. It was a huge improvement over WWF Attitude, and featured gameplay that any wrestling fan can jump in and enjoy. However, this game isn't for everyone. Those who like their games cosmetically sound will likely gripe about the poor graphics and lacking sound effects. However, anyone who plays wrestling games for the wrestling will be more than happy with this title." |
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Released: February 29, 2000
Dvlpr: YUKE's Future Media Creators
Publisher: THQ
System(s):
Playstation
3/5 Stars |
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