WWF Super Wrestlemania

"The First Sculptured Wrestling Game Lands Decently on the Genesis."

While not the first Sculptured Software wrestling title I have played in my life, WWF Super Wrestlemania was the first I owned for the Genesis. Though lacking from its 2 sequels, Royal Rumble and Raw, Super Wrestlemania is a good effort, and is a lot of fun to play. Featuring a roster that was indicative of the WWF at the time, it set the standard for early wrestling games (well, Sculptured handled every WWF release for the most part...), a standard that carried until AKI corp's wrestling games set the standard (WCW/NWO Revenge, WWF No Mercy, etc.). Game play will start us off.

Game play: 7/10

While it does not have as many features as its sequels, or does it utilize as many buttons on the Genesis controller as its sequels, Super Wrestlemania does a fantastic job of keeping the challenge there, and the fun factor there as well. You can grapple, punch, and kick, run, and perform certain running moves as well. You can climb ropes, and do moves off the ropes, also doing things outside the ring as well. Other than that, not much to say about the game play other than, its fun! This is a game that is pure mindless fun, as so many things happen, it boggles the mind! Story will be covered next.

Story: N/A

Ok, there really is not a story in Super Wrestlemania, but with all the story lines in the WW, it could have had one. Oh well, graphics are up.

Graphics: 7/10

This started the trend (again) of the look of wrestling games for the next five years until the AKI wrestlers came out. The graphics are nothing to really write home about, though they are by no means terrible. The wrestlers look distinctive, and fairly detailed. The ring looks the same, nice and distinctive. The fans and commentators are just on the background, and they don't animate at all. The menus look nice, and they too distinctly show every wrestler. Sounds will be next.

Sounds: 8/10

Great music, brings back memories of watching the WWF on television. Each wrestler has their trademark music played when they win a match, and when you select them in the menu. The wrestling sounds are not premier, and they sound muffled and mediocre. But the grunts and groans do remain, in all their muffled-ness! Is this a replay-able game?

Replay ability: 5/10

Another area that is lacking in comparison to their sequels. Yes the game has some lasting ability, but it does not have the longevity that the sequels have, plain and simple. You can win each championship in an hour tops, and with each character, that's eight hours total, at the most.

Buy or rent?

If you can rent this game, by all means go and try it first before buying, its worth it!

While the horse has been beaten to death, Super Wrestlemania is just not up to par with its sequels. It is a decent, solid title though and it deserves a play here and there. I must admit though, there's nothing better than leaping off the top rope with Hulk Hogan, crushing that piece of meat Shawn Michaels. "The Winner is... Papa, Shango!"

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/29/09

Game Release: WWF Super Wrestlemania (US, 1992)