To be honest, I wasnt expecting a lot from this game. After all, Acclaim's past wrestling games have left a lot to be desired. But that was then, and this is now. After spending a considerable amount of time with this game, it is safe to say that real wrestling gamers will absolutely love this game. Sure, there are some problems here and there and a few missing items that would have made this title unbeatable, but what is here is enough for me to finally give Acclaim some major props. Showdown: Legends of Wrestling is a absolute blast to play. Its fun, the graphics are realistic, and top of the line realistic, plus, the game provides a ton of replay with its multiplayer options.
The roster is probably one of the most impressive aspects about this game. Pretty much every major superstar and legend thats currently not under a WWE contract is in the game. Acclaim even managed to snag some Latino Heat to be in this game. I hope next time that they add some Japanese wrestling legends to the roster. Imagine the possibilities. Vader, Hansen, Misawa, Kawada, Akiyama, Mutoh, Hase, Chono, and Lyger together with the legends that are currently in the game. It would be perfect. But please, next time for the love of all that is holy, please include Bobo Brazil. You have The Sheik, you have Cobo Arena. This game needs Bobo.
Showdown packs the modes in this time around. Acclaim has always had a large assortment of modes and different match types and this year is no different. From 8 man elimenation tag matches to battle royals to table, ladder and cage matches pretty much all of the modes that a wrestling gamer could want are in the game. The story mode renamed this year to the Showdown challenge is very different from last years LOW 2. Its basically a series of matches with the against the different eras of wrestling champions. The 70s where you face Harley Race and Bruno Sammartino. The 80s where you face Hulk Hogan and the 90s where you face Sting and Ultimate Warrior.
The graphics, as you can see in the movies and screens provided are excellent. This is easily one of the best looking wrestling games released yet. The inclusion of real licensed arenas is a major coup and it makes you wonder why it hasnt been done before as it adds so much to the game.
The gameplay has recieved a significant overhaul from its last outing. Fans of previous LOW games will feel at ease, but there is enough here new for those who found the LOW gameplay to be lacking. For example, there are now 2 grapple buttons.The Y button serves as the ready attack button and by pressing the left analog stick in conjunction with the Y button, you have yet another attack. By pressing the Y button, you can link moves into combos that add more oomph to your attacks. You also can block and counter moves by pressing the X button. The A button serves as the strike button. And depending on the direction you press the the left analog stick you chose from light, medium and hard strikes or kicks. The B button is your primary grapple. Like the other buttons, you can have different moves by pressing the left analog stick in different directions. All told, you can have four ready attack moves, four Grapple attacks and four strikes from the four standing positions. Front, Back, Groggy Front, Groggy Back. The game has a momentum meter that builds when you string together attacks against your opponent. Once your meter is full, by moving the right analog control stick, you can perform your wrestlers finishing move. The right analog stick also serves as your taunt button. The black button calls your partner in the ring or in the steel cage match calls for the ref to open up the door. While outside, the black button takes a weapon from under the ring. The left button serves as a climb button which allows you to climb the cage or turnbuckles. It also allows you to climb in and out of the ring. The controls are much more intuitive this time around than previously, and the matches have a better flow because of that. The wrestlers still don't sell as much as I would like, but what is there is enough to see that is the direction they are going with this series.
The presentation is also greatly improved this time around. The commentary with Tony Schivonie, Bobby "the Brain" Heenan and "the Living Legend" Larry Zbysko is the best commentary ever heard in a wrestling game. I was a huge WCW fan back in 96 to 98 and hearing them banter back and forth really brought back some great memories. The inclusion of the ring announcer who can actually announce your name and hometown is a great feature for this game. From Norfolk, Virginia, Mike Regan. Its perfect, and despite the fact that you wont be able to rip your own music for your entrance its still done very well. The only nitpick that I can honestly say is that sometimes the commentary repeats itself a bit but its nothing that takes away enjoyment from the game. The tutorial with Bret "the Hitman" Hart is a nice feature that helps bring you up to speed to the game quickly.
The create a legend feature has also recieved a significant improvement. I was able to make very good likenesses of Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Doink, Goldust, and Kevin Nash. I just wish that the music ripping option was in this game. Another thing I also wish that they added more options and animations for the entrance for your caws. Many consider that the best feature in Raw 2 and they're right, It is.
Overall, Showdown: Legends of Wrestling is a huge improvement and it jumpstarts this series. THQ finally has competition for themselves. Acclaim has done a bang up job with Showdown. There used to be a old arcade game called WWF Wrestlefest and I used to spend a ton of quarters on that game. Showdown is Wrestlefest brought to the next generation. Its a fun game to play and a absolute blast on multiplayer. There are problems to be sure, but what Acclaim has given is enough to forgive those problems and nitpicks. If you buy one wrestling game for the Xbox this year, make it Acclaim's Showdown: Legends of Wrestling.
Jeremy aka the Peeps will have his take on Showdown Legends of Wrestling shortly.
The Last Word.
Acclaim brings the pain and finally makes a great playing and more importantly fun wrestling game. Showdown Legends of Wrestling is the best wrestling game released this year so far.
Graphics: 8 out of 10
Sound: 9 out of 10
Gameplay: 9 out of 10
Replayability: 10 out of 10
Create A Wrestler mode: 7 out of 10
Overall: 9 out of 10(Not a average)
