WCW/nWo Thunder

"What's everyone's problem?"

Even though people think this game sucks, it's actually not that bad. I got it for $30 on ebay in a pack that come with WWF Warzone and Attitude.

Graphics - 8

The graphics are pretty good. The character selection looks alright but the ranting graphics are terrible compared to the entrance movies. But the characters are recognisable. The graphics in the actual game are good. The arenas and rings look good, but the secret rings look pretty bad.

Controls - 6

When I first got it, I tried it once because of the controls put it straight back on the shelf. I mean all I relied on was Powerbombs! When I decided to watch all the PPV's that I taped, I began playing Backstage Assault again. But then I got Thunder back out. When you actually sit down and think about the controls, they are pretty easy to memorise.

Sound - 6

The all familiar thud when a helpless wrestler is knocked to the mat by is opponent sounds pretty good. It is the best in a wrestling game, considering Smackdown doesn't even have one! Schiavone and Heenan, great on TV, just plain annoying here. Entrance music is of a high standard. But the nwo stopped themes like, Sting, Luger, Scott Steiner and to a lesser extent Hogan. And where's Juvi!

Long-Term - 5

It's bad before you learn the controls, great when you learn the controls, and bad after you unlock most people.

Characters - 9

The range of characters is great. Some of the costumes are a bit dodgy, like WCW Sting's, WCW and nwo Hollywood Booker T's and Wolfpac Psychosis. In the unlockables they should of used Flair instead of Rick Fuller. And anyone instead of Enos. Ranting shouldn't be limited to the 32 starters. And ''secret'' characters should be (a) unlockable without cheats and (b) entrance music and rantingly capable!

Cheats - 4

Some cheats are ok for fun but make the game look terrible. Some of the secret rings look ok. The USO ring would be pretty good considering the sound, appearance and top rope moves but the basic moves are dance moves that become boring after 2 seconds. Unlocking all the characters may seem fun but it makes the game incredibly boring.

Specials, Trademarks and Finishers - 8

The character exclusive moves are pretty good but the lack of accuracy is sad. I mean Rey Jr with a Hennig Plex for a finisher. And where's the Juvi Driver and/or 450? The Stinger Splash is extremely hard to pull off if you don't watch the man in action.

Thunder is a great game if you concentrate on it and don't cheat too much!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 12/16/02, Updated 12/16/02