Wrestlemania X8
Score: 80% ESRB: Teen Publisher: THQ Developer: Yukes Media: GCD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Fighting/ Sports
Graphics & Sound: Wrestlemania X8 does a great job of capturing the look and spectacle that is wrestling. Each wrestler is true to their real-life counterpart in both movement and appearance. Whether it's Hulk Hogan's air guitar playing, HHH dumping a bottle of water on his head, or Stacey's oh-so-great ring entrance - the game has it all. Pyrotechnics, Titantron videos, and real looking arenas make WMX8 shine. Aside from commentary (which sadly isn't present), the only sounds fans want to hear are entrance themes, all of which are present and sound great. The only issues I had were with the music that plays during matches. Why is this here? Some fans may like it, but I personally found it to be silly and unnecessary.
Gameplay: If it weren't for the disappointing Create-a-Wrestler Mode, Wrestlemania X8 would be one of the best wrestling games out there. Instead of going for the more high-impact timing style that other games go for, the game goes with a very enjoyable and easy to use grappling and reversal system. When moves just aren't enough, a chair, table or other weapon is usually around to help 'even things out'. The game's set-up is easy. Choose from one of about 40 different superstars (winning belts unlocks additional characters) and make a run for the belt. Having played Smackdown for the past few years, I was a little disappointed that WMX8 used the traditional, linear setup instead of Smackdown's 'season' mode - but it didn't detract from the game at all. In addition to traditional matches, you can also participate in TLC, Ladder, Cage, Hell in the Cell, Iron Man, and Hardcore matches. As if those weren't enough options, the game also sports the Royal Rumble and King of the Ring tournament. As I mentioned before, the Create-a-Wrestler Mode is a step back from what has been offered in other games. There is still enough around to make decent wrestlers, but I've seen better.
Difficulty: The drop-off between difficulty modes is obvious and a little too drastic. Playing the game in Easy mode is a little too easy, yet a jumping to the normal level makes things a little too hard. Although not a rampant problem, wrestlers don't seem to sell moves as long as they should. For example, there were a few times when a character got up a little too quickly after being superplexed though a table. Ultimately, the difficulty doesn't matter a whole lot since the game is more fun, and in some cases meant to be played with friends. Throw in a few wireless controllers and the game is an absolute blast.
Game Mechanics: The more I play with the GameCube controller, the more I like it. Learning moves and playing the game is easy and within a few matches just about anyone can learn to play. But just in case, the controller functions can be pulled up at any time during the match. In all truth, I'm not the most hardcore of wrestling fans. I'll watch it if there's nothing else on, but I'm also not one to clear my Monday and Thursday nights to make sure I don't miss a show. Despite this, I still found Wrestlemania X8 an absolute blast to play. While I still lament the shallowness of the Create-a-Wrestler Mode, the game makes up for it with its easy controls, great visuals, match variety and overall fun factor.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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