WWE WrestleMania XIX

"Wrestlemania XIX really is the !!Whole Damn Show!!"

Introduction

Wrestlemania has been described as ''The Showcase Of The Immortals'', ''The Superbowl Of Wrestling'' and ''The Granddaddy Of Them All'' It has sold billions but has not really broke through on 3rd generation gaming. Wrestlemania X8 was a let down but this restored my faith in THQ!

Gameplay

This is by far the best gameplay on any wrestling game that I have ever played. It is easy to get used to and the controls are great. The difficulty is adjustable and it is really fun.

Controls

The controls are a mix between ''WWF No Mercy'' on the N64 and The Smackdown Series on Playstation/2. They also have a easy countering system. R counters a strike, L counters a Grapple and Combining L + R counters a special.

Difficlty

Easy mode is a bit challenging on ''Revenge'' mode unless your playing with Goldberg; but if you play on exhibition a lot and your a hardcore gamer like me you'll be on expert mode in no time!

Is it fun?

This is the best wrestling game I've ever played. You'll always be going back to it and laughing by its cool glitches. Like putting a ref through a table and winning the table match; or a ref going medievil on your ass for attacking him too much! When you mix this game with multiplayer you wont get any sleep. You'll be playing throughout the night!

Gameplay =10/10

Story

THQ did not introduce a traditional wrestling season mode into this game. They went for something new. They tested a mode called ''Revenge'' mode in which you go around a construction site, a harbor, a parking lot and a shopping mall doing various missions to stop Wrestlemania XIX from happening. Why? Because that S.O.B Vince McMahon has kicked you out of the WWE and you have teamed up with his daughter Stephanie (who was general manager of Smackdown when the game was released) has given you missions. Whether it be destroying merchandise or ruining the cars in a parking lot the missions are basically the same in every level. When you beat all missions, somehow Wrestlemania still takes place and you get a shot at Vince.

P.S If your a wrestling fan, don't skip the credits at the end as you'll see Brock hitting his botched ''Shooting Star Press'' on Kurt Angle exactly like he did at Wrestlemania.

Story/Revenge mode = 8/10

Graphics/Sound

Graphics

When this game first came out I looked at the graphics and said !!WOW!! It had greatly improved on Wrestlemania X8 and Raw 2. The characters Look very real and as every wrestler has a different fighting styles and a walk: the game portrays that fact greatly. Sadly there are a lot of glitches. E.G running into to someone from the side and hitting them head on in the end. The graphics are between Raw 2 and Smackdown : Here comes the pain.

Sound

I really love the sound in this game. Its not excellent but Yukes deserve credit. The funny thing is that Yukes have shared some of the generic music from raw 2 into this game.

Graphics and Sound = 8/10

Replayability

This game will last you for years. I had about a month of to play Smackdown: Here comes the pain and after an hour of playing this again I was instantly hooked. Why? This is because of the fact that it has the best create a wrestler mode ever! I have bought two additional memory cards just for create a wrestler. The gameplay is also the best in any game and multiplayer will last you forever.

Playtime and Replayability = 10/10

Great Features

Firstly there are a number of different countering styles. My personal favourite is mysterious by its great way of countering powerbombs. (Spraying mist into the opponents eyes). The visual looks so cool as does the replay.

Secondly I love the replay and animation. If your busted open and your head is pouring out blood the game doesn't let you spot it on your own, It zooms in to your face and shows your agony. The replays also are great as they show different camera angles and they show you the actual impact of the moves. The replays are shown on specials and powerful moves.

The final best feature is Create-a-wrestler/ Create-an-entrance. The create a wrestler is the most in-depth ever. You can basically make any wrestler ever. It also introduces logo-editor which in my opinion is one of the best features ever. There is also a scale in which you can make a 7 foot man beast with man-boobs or a 4 foot cruiserweight. Create an Entrance allows you to choose theme music, titantron animation, stage, ramp and ring taunts along with lighting, fireworks and the camera angles.

Create an entrance

Final Recommendation

If you liked Wrestlemania X8, then you'll love this or if you got bored by wrestling games as I did buy this for its originality. However if you are a big fan of either the Raw or Smackdown series; Try before you buy.

Overall Wrestlemania XIX = 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 12/01/03