WWE WrestleMania 21

"Not as bad as people say it is."

I have read so many negative reviews on this game, many of them stating that the game is so bad that it's unplayable. I do not agree. It's just like every game, it has its ups and it has its downs.

Graphics: (9) Some of the best you could ever hope for in a wrestling game. Sometimes when looking at the character models, you can't even tell the difference between them and their real life counterpart. These graphics are some of the best you will ever find.

Sound: (8) Pretty much the same soundtrack as SmackDown! vs RAW (PS2) and Day of Reckoning (GC) with a few extra tracks added. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is a rather decent soundtrack, some of the songs are quite enjoyable to listen to. Most of the wrestlers have updated music too, and that is a major plus for this game in my opinion.

Game play: (6) This is the biggest issue with this game. The game play is a huge drag. The movesets of the wrestlers are extremely limited, and alot of the movesets are off. For example: Batista's first special is his Powerbomb, which is correct. His second special though, is a Swinging Rock Bottom, which he never does. HBK has a standing Shooting Star Press, which he never does. The game is not unplayable though, even with limited movesets you can have some really good bouts.

Exhibition Mode: (5) Another let down. A small (but decent) selection of match types, not alot of effort put into this. Most gimmick matches can only be played with one-on-one matches.

Career Mode: (5) Not too bad since there has been alot of thought put into this mode. There are twice as many voice overs as SvR and all the cutscenes look fantastic, but the storyline is basically that of Day of Reckoning. You play a created superstar and have to work your way up the ranks from being a complete nobody to becoming a legend. While it is entertaining watching the plot unfold, it is a major downfall that all the choices are made for you, you don't have any input in what goes down.

Roster: (7) Some of the new guys have been put into this game (like Rene Dupree) and old favourites have returned (like The Hurricane). The roster only feels half updated though, as there are also guys who have been recently released (Jazz, Nidia) and a guy who hasn't been on TV in over a year (Garrison Cade). It is a pretty good list of guys and girls to play as though.

Create Mode: (5) Create a Belt is excellent. You can create virtually any belt you want, including favourites like the Million Dollar Belt. There are classic belts such as the old Intercontinental title design. And even made up belts like the Eugene Special and Great American championship belts. But Create a Superstar isn't so hot. Like the wrestlers movesets, CAS is also extremely limited, there are not many clothing designs or moves. And you can not use existing superstars theme music which isn't right seeing as you can use their titantron movies.

Live: (8) Xbox Live saves this game. Unlike SvR you can play every match type online, use created superstars and defend created championships. Live will keep you on this game for a long time.

Overall: A game worthy for collection purposes. There are alot of unlockables, if you don't have XBL then this might get a little old after a short time. It is not a must buy, you should at least rent it first.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 07/13/05