So what’s this Legends of Wrestling about then? Hmm … men, sweaty men, sweaty old men, sweaty old men wearing colourfully decorated teeny underpants… well, lets get straight on then - shall we?
Taking the control of one of over 70 wrestling legends, you play in a large collection of classical wrestling matches. These range from 1v1s to table, ladder and cage matches. Players have the choice of playing a simple match or to play in the Showdown challenge.
The Showdown challenge mode leads you through 16 matches between the 1970s-1990s in the quest of becoming the all time champion. This however can be completed within 3 hours play and has very little replay value due to the lack of storyline or unlockable features. Not exactly what one expects when paying 35 pounds for a game.
One of the best features of Legends of Wrestling is the Create a Wrestler mode. Here you can create your very own Hulk Hogan choosing its appearance, moves and personality. With a huge selection of moves and appearance features to choose from, one can lose a lot of time meddling with your own wrestler.
Matches are exciting with big moves, weapons and taunting all available. Controls are simple with different buttons for grapples, punches, counters and blocks. This helps you to pick up the controls quickly and get straight down to action. Each character has a large selection of moves allowing for much diversity in play. Table, hardcore and ladder matches all provide much enjoyment but sadly, the games let down by minor faults,
Punches will sometimes go completely through an opponent, ruining the feeling that you are causing any damage. Weapons can only be used for 3 blows before disappearing from screen. Tag team members aren’t prepared to give any help. With competition from THQ’s Smackdown series so high, these faults really should have been ironed out.
Graphics wise, Legends of Wrestling is average. There’s a nice use of lighting but all too often characters can go clean through each other and the crowd is like wallpaper.
Legends of Wrestling isn’t a Smackdown beater. There are too many glitches and not enough to do to make it worth your 35 pounds. A rental will allow you to see pretty much all that Legends of Wrestling has to offer.
Robert Wyse Jackson
