"Finally a game with some Muscle!"

After years of being noticeably absent from the gaming market, AKI returns in all of its glory with Ultimate Muscle: Legends Versus New Generation. This game is brimming with charisma, and gameplay elements that put other games of its genre to shame.

Gameplay - 8/10

Ultimate Muscle shines in its ability to be easy to learn, yet difficult to master. The relatively simple button layout will allow you to execute punches, kicks, even Pile Drivers on your hapless opponent if the mood strikes you--but if you try to ''button mash'' your way to stardom the CPU will destroy you with a barrage of reversals, multiple throw combos and aerial super attacks will have you cowering behind your couch. The learning curve of this game is a little steep at first, but with a bit of practice the seemingly awkward controls feels smooth and intuitive. Once you get a feel for the game, you can unleash your own array of testosterone-fueled, cell-shaded super attacks. The flashier combos take some time to master, but the controls initially feel simple enough to pick up and play. Needless to say, this is a game that will keep single players happy and multi-players in gaming heaven.

Graphics - 10/10

The use of cell shading in this game just feels right. Its characters are colorful and vibrant, and the stages are faithfully reproduced from its anime counterpart. Fans of the show will instantly recognize their favorite grapplers, and newcomers to the show can appreciate the games' fluid character animations and sharp visual style. This is definitely a ''show-off'' game.

Sound - 8/10

What is surprising about this game is not the soundtrack, but the dialogue. All of the show's voice-over talent are present and accounted for. From Kid Muscle's outlandish remarks to Robin Mask's dead-on Sean Connery delivery--all of which breathe life into the in-game Super Moves and to its otherwise bland cut scenes during Story Mode. As an added bonus, the show's wacky announcers make an appearance as well and call the match blow by punishing blow.

Story - 6/10

I can't remember the last time I played a wrestling game for its plot and character development, but here goes...The Story Mode sheds a little light into the various relationships between the wrestlers. From friendships to rivalries, to father/son dilemmas, to coming-of-age melodrama--it's all here. If you are a fan of the show you might like it, if not--its charm might win you over and make you a fan of the series.

Overall - 8/10

Ultimate Muscle is a deep and satisfying fighter disguised as a spandex-wearing, cow-and-rice-eating wrestler. The endless comparisons to Def Jam and the heavenly deity that is No Mercy 64 will undoubtedly turn most gamers off to the idea of playing this game, and therein lies the problem. Ultimate Muscle is not a wrestling game, it never was, and it never will be. It is a fighting game that uses wrestling moves as its focal point and seeks to redefine the genre. Kudos to AKI for having the vision to take their beloved wrestling engine in a bold new direction.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/10/03, Updated 06/10/03