bit-tech Shopping: THQ WWE Wrestlemania X9 (GC)

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: IMPROVED GRAPHICS, FASTER GAMEPLAY

Weaknesses: CHEAP AI, "REVENGE" GAME NOT THAT GOOD

Summary: This is very similar to the first wrestlemania game for the gamecube to but it's much better in my opinion. The controls are much easier now because doing strong and weak grapples is performed depending on how long you hold the control buttons. Also the graphics are now much better, because the wrestlers more like their real life counterparts. You'll also notice that the wrestlers move much faster than ithe previous wrestlemania game, but still much slower than the PS/2 ?s Smack down series. You?re also able to attack different body parts on your opponents so that you can damage their arms or legs and then they limp realistically to show they?re hurt. There is also another game called ?revenge? story mode in which you play a wrestler that gets fired and then gets revenge by sabotaging wrestlemania by beating up Vince McMahon's workers . A drawback to this game is the cheap AI in that the computer opponent is always much faster than you and if there is more than two wrestlers in the ring, you yourself will get double teamed and beaten down ,making the game much more difficult

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Years

Strengths: Outstanding Graphics, Story Mode

Weaknesses: Wrestlemania X8 with basically an updated roster

Summary: Wrestlemania 19 is another good wrestling game for the Gamecube by Yukes. While not a good as Day of Reckoning, WM19 still has its share of greatness. With a new story mode with 25 missions, you can play just as if you were part of the real WWE action. If you love wrestling, then Wrestlemania 19 is sure to please.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 4 Months

Strengths: Solid gameplay engine

Weaknesses: Nothing really sets it apart from other wrestling games

Summary: The sequel to THQ's first Gamecube wrestling game is okay but you really have to be a wrestling fan to get the full enjoyment out of it. I have been out of touch with wrestling for years so having an outdated roster or inaccurate themes for certain wrestlers doesn't bother me at all. The gameplay is what bothered me the most. As someone who played THQ's n64 wrestling games to death, this offering feels similar to the classics but dumbed downed and shallow. THQ attempts innovation with the Revenge mode, where you attempt to get revenge on Vince McMahon for firing you. It might sound good as an idea, but the actual execution is something that was pretty poor. If your a wrestling fan, you can certainly do worse than this game but with Day of Reckoning (and it's soon to be sequel) on the machine, you really shouldn't bother with Wrestlemania XIX unless your a completest.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 10 Months

Strengths: Good animation, over 40 different WWE Superstars, create a character mode, 4 player multiplayer support

Weaknesses: Not much different from other wrestling games

Summary: WWE Wrestlemania XIX is not the wrestling game in which other wrestling games will be measured but it is a solid outing that is well done. One thing they did well is the entrance fanfare as anyone that is a wrestling fan can appreciate they also did a really good job with the sound effects also bringing the feeling of the beat up a notch. The controls are very much like any other wrestling game especially most of the ones on the N64. I would suggest WWE Wrestlemania XIX to anyone that is a wrestling fan that also enjoys wrestling games if not I would suggest renting it before buying.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Years

Strengths: Wrestlemania XIX Only for Gamecube, decent graphics, now with blood, challenging story mode, excellent create-a-superstar customization options

Weaknesses: No create-a-tag-team option, some outdated theme songs, revenge mode a bit too hard, no bra and panties mode, no online support

Summary: Another year, another wrestling game. Wrestlemania XIX improves on its predecessor with improved graphics, an updated roster, etc., but it's really just another wrestling game. For a change, Gamecube owners actually get this release exclusive to their system, but a lot of wrestling fans have noticed by now that PS2 seems to be getting more than its fair share of good wrestling games. As "sports" genre titles, most wrestling games seem to drop in price relatively quickly, so I'd recommend waiting for a price you feel comfortable paying on this one. Wrestlemania XIX doesn't do anything particularly new or innovative, so you might as well save your money and pick it up cheap the next time your local retailer has a sale or incentive program in effect.