WWE WrestleMania X8

"It might as well be called SmackDown 64."

Graphics: 10/10

I'll admit, the graphics are spectacular. The character models are highly-detailed, and the arenas are all accurately portrayed. There isn't any real aspect of the graphics I can nit-pick on, except that they aren't quite up to par with WWF Raw on the XBox.

Music: 7/10

The entrance musics are crystal-clear and intact...well, almost. You won't find original themes for Booker T or the nWo. What baffles me is why the themes for Tajiri, Trish Stratus, The Hardy Boyz, etc. were not included, despite all of the original songs being in SmackDown 3 and Raw. The lack of certain themes brings the score down rather significantly, since I happen to be very partial to Booker T's music, and not including it in this game is a bit of a travesty.

Sound: 6/10

Not very imaginative, as there's no voice-overs or much in the way of sound effects. It gets the job done, though, so there isn't too much to complain about (or praise, for that matter).

Gameplay: 7/10

Some will find that the SmackDown-ish mechanics are a detriment, since it is not similar to that of No Mercy. It is, however, a very playable and enjoyable game. Yet, it is only for the wrestling fan, not the average GameCube owner. The average gamer will probably not be too enthused to play a game where moves can be easily interrupted, and a potential suplex could inadvertently knock everyone down for as long as ten seconds. However, the wrestling fan will appreciate the way moves (and finishers) can be broken and how the wrestlers ''sell'' the moves by staying down. My personal favorite play mode is Hell in a Cell, which is definitely the best rendition of the match type that I've seen in any wrestling game. I still think that the game is too similar to the SmackDown series, however, and that in future installments, it should have more individuality in the mechanics department.

Replay Value: 9/10

With six WWF championships and 50+ custom belts, not to mention the hidden extras and multiplayer modes, you'll be playing this one for a long while. The only way you won't is if you're turned off by the SmackDown series.

Buy or Rent?

I bought it the day it came out, and I did not regret it. That's not to say that you might be if you're expecting the next No Mercy, and judging from the many varying opinions on this title, I'd have to recommend a rental first, just to be certain that you want to plunk down 50 bucks for this game.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/15/02, Updated 06/15/02