3 reviews
Man I loved this game back in the day. Still do. It was the first wrestling game that used realistic sprites like those of Mortal Kombat, and at the time was snubbed as WWF trying to make a MK-like game, but the truth is Midway/Acclaim made Mortal Kombat, and approached WWF saying they wanted to make a game where NBA Jam meets the WWF.
Being a fan of both Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, this game fit into my life perfectly. It's not a realistic style of Wrestling play, it's far more over the top and exaggerated, creating unrealistic 100foot pile drive drops and whacky objects and projectiles flying through the air. So I can see where people who want a simulated experience stand on giving this a thumbs down, but quite a lot do change their minds when they work out the controls.
The controls are the next thing many people have problems with. This game is not a simulation type of control system, nor is it a button masher like previous wrestling arcade games. It's a 5 button system consisting of 2 punch buttons, two kicks and a block. The same as Mortal Kombat. In order to preform lock ups snd special moves, just like MK, it requires a sequence of directional inputs followed by the correct button. A lot of people had trouble with this, and dismissed the game without learning its mechanics.
For me tho, being a MK and Street Fighter II player, this game was a walk in the park to master all the moves and use when needed or to have fun with. I get why those other types of players didn't like it, but in this game it actually does work perfectly. Acclaim definitely should not have kept it again in their next simulater wrestling games WWF Warzone, WWF Attitude and ECW Revolution, but here in this over the top whacky fighter game, it does.
Eventually I bought the Super Nintendo version, and loved it! Yes, you heard right, I loved it! It was months before I even realised two characters from the arcade where not included on the snes version (Yoko & Bam Bam). But it didn't matter, the game was and still is awesome and is the only version of the game where you can execute an everlasting Sharpshooter on your opponent by facing right on a downed opponents feet and mashing X. It'll do it forever or till the time runs out. Also the SNES version used to glitch after winning the IC and Championship mode, and that was fun. It gave so much replay value to game not knowing what kind of glitch would occur, from sprites stuck in the air to AI turning completly off, or some weird graphical glitch.
The graphics of the SNES version where also better than the Genises/Mega Drive. So even tho the Sega version had Yoko and BamBam, it didn't mean it was a superior version. The SNES version was the better, had better AI, and didn't look faded in color.
The 32x and PS1 version I found closer to the arcade look, but it really lacked a lot because of the difficult AI. It was not fairly balanced and became frustrating without having to resort to cheat codes.
Probably the best version next to the arcade was the Ms Dos version. However I had to use a controller input, a keyboard is just not right for this games controls. Tho, expert PC players might have gotten a hold of it.
The game featured some of the biggest names in the WWE at the time. Brett "the Hitman" Hart, Shawn "Sexy Boy" Michael's, The Undertaker and Razor Ramon. As well as Yokozuna, the beast from the east Bam Bam Bigelow, The Narcissistic Lex Luger and Doink The Clown.... Mr. Perfect and Adam Bomb where supposed to be in the game too, but apparently Perfect never showed up to have his videos recorded and Adam was scrapped before completion because the games memory was filling up. Probably a good thing Perfect missed the plane, or else the SNES may not have been the only port to lose characters.... not to mention the referree that got cut out of the game too.
Each wrestler has their own set of moves, nothing copies from another wrestler, everything is unique. Ranging from their actual real life moves, to MK and over the top style moves. Brett Hart for example does indeed have his signature Sharpshooter and Hart Attack, but also has a rolling uppercut and a facebuster that can jump back up for 4 smashes in a row. Something not possible in real life, but none the less fun in a game.
The gameplay Ranges from 1 on 1 to 1 on 4 or 1 on 4 but eliminated opponents leave the ring and the next one enters. There is also coop mode where two players play together (not standard tag out tag team) all players fight at once. The easy goal is the Intercontinental Championship, and the harder is the Heavyweight title leading up to a Gauntlet match named the Royal Rumble.
Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler provide voice commentary, much like the commentary of NBA JAM.
The only cons I can think of to the game is there is only 1 arena, AI can sometimes be a real cheater. There's no way to select alternate palettes. The fatalities where taken out of the game at WWFs request.
The sounds great, music is awesome, controls work perfectly once you master them, hit boxes are fine, replay value is high and the graphics on the arcade version at least still hold up today.
If you've never played this, and are a MK player, definitely give this classic gem a go.
Being a fan of both Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam, this game fit into my life perfectly. It's not a realistic style of Wrestling play, it's far more over the top and exaggerated, creating unrealistic 100foot pile drive drops and whacky objects and projectiles flying through the air. So I can see where people who want a simulated experience stand on giving this a thumbs down, but quite a lot do change their minds when they work out the controls.
The controls are the next thing many people have problems with. This game is not a simulation type of control system, nor is it a button masher like previous wrestling arcade games. It's a 5 button system consisting of 2 punch buttons, two kicks and a block. The same as Mortal Kombat. In order to preform lock ups snd special moves, just like MK, it requires a sequence of directional inputs followed by the correct button. A lot of people had trouble with this, and dismissed the game without learning its mechanics.
For me tho, being a MK and Street Fighter II player, this game was a walk in the park to master all the moves and use when needed or to have fun with. I get why those other types of players didn't like it, but in this game it actually does work perfectly. Acclaim definitely should not have kept it again in their next simulater wrestling games WWF Warzone, WWF Attitude and ECW Revolution, but here in this over the top whacky fighter game, it does.
Eventually I bought the Super Nintendo version, and loved it! Yes, you heard right, I loved it! It was months before I even realised two characters from the arcade where not included on the snes version (Yoko & Bam Bam). But it didn't matter, the game was and still is awesome and is the only version of the game where you can execute an everlasting Sharpshooter on your opponent by facing right on a downed opponents feet and mashing X. It'll do it forever or till the time runs out. Also the SNES version used to glitch after winning the IC and Championship mode, and that was fun. It gave so much replay value to game not knowing what kind of glitch would occur, from sprites stuck in the air to AI turning completly off, or some weird graphical glitch.
The graphics of the SNES version where also better than the Genises/Mega Drive. So even tho the Sega version had Yoko and BamBam, it didn't mean it was a superior version. The SNES version was the better, had better AI, and didn't look faded in color.
The 32x and PS1 version I found closer to the arcade look, but it really lacked a lot because of the difficult AI. It was not fairly balanced and became frustrating without having to resort to cheat codes.
Probably the best version next to the arcade was the Ms Dos version. However I had to use a controller input, a keyboard is just not right for this games controls. Tho, expert PC players might have gotten a hold of it.
The game featured some of the biggest names in the WWE at the time. Brett "the Hitman" Hart, Shawn "Sexy Boy" Michael's, The Undertaker and Razor Ramon. As well as Yokozuna, the beast from the east Bam Bam Bigelow, The Narcissistic Lex Luger and Doink The Clown.... Mr. Perfect and Adam Bomb where supposed to be in the game too, but apparently Perfect never showed up to have his videos recorded and Adam was scrapped before completion because the games memory was filling up. Probably a good thing Perfect missed the plane, or else the SNES may not have been the only port to lose characters.... not to mention the referree that got cut out of the game too.
Each wrestler has their own set of moves, nothing copies from another wrestler, everything is unique. Ranging from their actual real life moves, to MK and over the top style moves. Brett Hart for example does indeed have his signature Sharpshooter and Hart Attack, but also has a rolling uppercut and a facebuster that can jump back up for 4 smashes in a row. Something not possible in real life, but none the less fun in a game.
The gameplay Ranges from 1 on 1 to 1 on 4 or 1 on 4 but eliminated opponents leave the ring and the next one enters. There is also coop mode where two players play together (not standard tag out tag team) all players fight at once. The easy goal is the Intercontinental Championship, and the harder is the Heavyweight title leading up to a Gauntlet match named the Royal Rumble.
Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler provide voice commentary, much like the commentary of NBA JAM.
The only cons I can think of to the game is there is only 1 arena, AI can sometimes be a real cheater. There's no way to select alternate palettes. The fatalities where taken out of the game at WWFs request.
The sounds great, music is awesome, controls work perfectly once you master them, hit boxes are fine, replay value is high and the graphics on the arcade version at least still hold up today.
If you've never played this, and are a MK player, definitely give this classic gem a go.
- MikeHunt1075
- Feb 2, 2023
- Permalink
WWF WrestleMania in 1995 presented probably one of the most vivid and dynamic wrestling simulators of that time. The game skillfully conveys the full intensity of the battles that we are used to seeing on television screens. Oh, and for the boys of that time, it was, oh, how interesting it was for us to see how big men bang each other with chairs and jump on each other from the huge height of the ring fences. And it was very cool to implement this on your own using a joystick on the TV screen.
One of the main advantages was the fighters - each of them was unique. The legendary Bam-Bam Bigelow, Lex Luger, Razor Ramon, Underthacker and, of course, Yokozuna - the famous "pot-bellied" fighter, whose massive figure and destructive power were not only spectacular, but also effectively reflected in the gameplay. Yokozuna has always been my favorite fighter in the game. He was not only a unique and charismatic character, but also a wrestler with trademark punches that were impressive.
The game modes in the game are diverse. In addition to the standard single combats, WWF WrestleMania offers team fights and tournaments where everyone can show their tactical skills and fight with the best fighters. This made the game interesting for both short matches and long game sessions. Single combats are filled with drama, and team battles add dynamics and strategy.
The graphics for 1995 look very decent. The models of the fighters are quite detailed, each character looks realistic and impressive. Animations of punches and movements give combat dynamics, which enhances the feeling of immersion in the world of wrestling. Each fight is accompanied by high-quality voice acting: the sounds of punches, grabs and falls add extra sharpness to the fight, and the musical accompaniment enhanced the atmosphere of the championship ring. Well, the voiceover catches up with expressions.
WWF WrestleMania is not just a game, but the whole world of wrestling, where every fighter is the embodiment of real strength and charisma. Unique characters, high-quality graphics and a variety of game modes have made the game a real classic that you want to remember and play over and over again. After all, there was a time, a wonderful time when you could sit for hours with your friends and play this toy, trying out all the different fighters under your control and a variety of fighting styles. The game is good. Neither give nor take.
8 out of 10.
One of the main advantages was the fighters - each of them was unique. The legendary Bam-Bam Bigelow, Lex Luger, Razor Ramon, Underthacker and, of course, Yokozuna - the famous "pot-bellied" fighter, whose massive figure and destructive power were not only spectacular, but also effectively reflected in the gameplay. Yokozuna has always been my favorite fighter in the game. He was not only a unique and charismatic character, but also a wrestler with trademark punches that were impressive.
The game modes in the game are diverse. In addition to the standard single combats, WWF WrestleMania offers team fights and tournaments where everyone can show their tactical skills and fight with the best fighters. This made the game interesting for both short matches and long game sessions. Single combats are filled with drama, and team battles add dynamics and strategy.
The graphics for 1995 look very decent. The models of the fighters are quite detailed, each character looks realistic and impressive. Animations of punches and movements give combat dynamics, which enhances the feeling of immersion in the world of wrestling. Each fight is accompanied by high-quality voice acting: the sounds of punches, grabs and falls add extra sharpness to the fight, and the musical accompaniment enhanced the atmosphere of the championship ring. Well, the voiceover catches up with expressions.
WWF WrestleMania is not just a game, but the whole world of wrestling, where every fighter is the embodiment of real strength and charisma. Unique characters, high-quality graphics and a variety of game modes have made the game a real classic that you want to remember and play over and over again. After all, there was a time, a wonderful time when you could sit for hours with your friends and play this toy, trying out all the different fighters under your control and a variety of fighting styles. The game is good. Neither give nor take.
8 out of 10.
- alekspredator87
- Nov 14, 2024
- Permalink
WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game is one of the most exciting video games! The wrestlers, the action, the fighting, and the sure thrill of excitement makes this game a fun non-stop playing time! Below is a brief look how I think the game is!
Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!
Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Sega 32X Systems! The backgrounds are really beautiful!
Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!
Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!
Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!
Overall: I have always loved WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game! If you like wrestling and sports games then I strongly recommend you play this game!
To purchase this video game check out Amazon.com!
Game Play: The game play is very good. There is really basic controls here and is easy to perform. Novice gamers should have a good time here!
Graphics: The graphics are wonderful especially for the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and Sega 32X Systems! The backgrounds are really beautiful!
Difficulty: The game is easy but as it goes on you find out that it will become more difficult!
Music: The music is great! Just fantastic catchy tunes through out the game! In My opinion its some of the best music ever in a video game!
Sound: The sound is great. Nuff said!
Overall: I have always loved WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game! If you like wrestling and sports games then I strongly recommend you play this game!
To purchase this video game check out Amazon.com!
- Movie Nuttball
- Mar 14, 2005
- Permalink