Pretty sure it can be deleted - it did a bunch of saving after I did the unlock, and subsequent loads aren't taking any longer - but I'll double check tonight.
As a straight up video game, Legends is a clunky, sluggish experience, like the SDvR games before it. But the new control scheme is, for me, a change for the better. I for one wouldn't mind a similar system employed for SDvR10, although I'd imagine hardcore fans might not agree. At the end of the day, though, what's most important is that Legends does exactly what it set out to do, and that's provide a rose-tinted nostalgia trip down 80s and 90s wrestling. If you're one for watching old episodes of Transformers on YouTube, or those Mr. T Snickers ads make you long for the days when the A-Team were the talk of the playground, Legends of WrestleMania is for you.
All in all, WWE Legends of Wrestlemania is a excellent game. It looks fantastic, and it plays great. With the large roster and the new improvements to the match types it gives wrestling gamers a very different experience than what is found in WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2009. For those long time wrestling fans such as myself, WWE LOWM offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy and relive some of the greatest moments in Wrestlemania all over again.
WWE Legends of Wrestlemania is a game that caters to everyone of my nostalgic wishes. It may be missing a few key wrestlers, such as Owen Hart, Randy Savage, Diesel, and Razor Ramon, but they can be easily created within the game's Create A Legend mode. There's a plethora of things to do in the game, from playing with close to 100 wrestlers, taking down legends in Legend Killer mode, playing through the core Wrestlemania Tour, creating move-sets, legends, tag-teams and entrances, or just sharing the fun with friends across 11 of the WWE's best matches. There's a ton of fun to be had with this game, and if you were a WWF fan as a kid and still hold on to those nostalgic memories, then I highly urge a copy of WWE Legends of Wrestlemania. I loved it. Here's to an even bigger and better next game.
When it all boils down to it there really isnt much bad to say about the game. Sure it could be a little more in depth with its game modes and features in some areas. A few more Tour Mode matches would have been great as well as quite a few wrestlers added into the roster that are missing but deserve to be there. I have a feeling well see some of this via downloadable content. The game plays very good and it has decent collision detection as well as a great nostalgic atmosphere. A lot of the younger generation will probably shrug this one off and wait for SVR 2010 since they cant really appreciate what this game brings to the table for us old school gamers. As I played the game I go chills up my spine from all the great memories that just came up one after another. I could remember where I was and who I was talking to about these matches as a kid when they happened. Not many games can do that. But I have to say, even if you are a younger generation wrestling fan, you should definitely check this title out and give it a run. There is so much fun to b had with it and you truly will miss out on a great game if you wait for SVR 2010.
In conclusion, this is a fun wrestling game that contains my favourite wrestlers all in one game. The gameplay although not perfect is quite playable that is matched with great graphics, a kickass soundtrack and good old fashioned wrestling moments. Definitely one for those who like to walk down memory lane and have fun at the same time!
My take is that if you're looking for Fire Pro, you're not going to find it.
I agree with most of the reviews you quoted - the game is good, not perfect by any stretch but certainly enjoyable. The roster is plenty deep, and when you add the SvR09 characters in it's possibly TOO deep.
The thing that sort of sold the whole thing for me, honestly, was the Rock vs. Austin "Relive" match. You're looking at about 12 spots you have to hit (doing this from memory):
- Win the starting chain brawl
- Grapple Rock twice into the Spanish announcers table to break it
- After you break the Spanish announcers table, grab the water bottle off the regular announcer table
- Throw Rock into the steel stairs
- Brawl in the crowd
- Throw Rock into the Wrestlemania sign
- Choke Rock with cables
- Give Rock the finger
- Hit the Lou Thesz Press
- Hit the Stunner twice
- Block the Rock Bottom
- Win by pinfall
You have to hit *all* of those to get the medal for that match. And so there's a careful balancing act you have to do - you have to avoid locking in submission moves, and you have to let Rock get enough hits in on you that he gets to Level 3 so he can try and hit his finisher. At the same time, you can't let your own life dwindle too far because he *will* try to pin you. (Luckily, one of the taunts restores your life a bit.)
I should also note that this is the first time that I can remember that I've never had an issue with targeting in a wrestling game. Maybe I haven't played enough tag matches, though.
Do I wish there were more people on the roster? Sure - it's a crime that Ramon vs. Michaels from WM10 isn't on here in any form. Do I wish there were more modes? Sure - I would've liked a "make your own PPV" mode, just for the sake of stringing matches together - and a guest referee mode would've been nice. Did I find some of it repetitive? Of course - Legend Killer mode, by definition, ends up being repetitive when you have to
do a run through all 38 legends, back-to-back, as the last tier
.
But look, no one is going to buy this game because it's the best wrestling game ever made. They're going to buy it for the nostalgia, and this game gets that right across the board.
So long as you aren't looking for this to be some sort of grand alternative to SvR, and can deal with a slightly arcade-y wrestling game that's a lot of fun, you'll dig this.
Does the game play better than the horrible demo? I just couldn't get into the gameplay at all, despite being an avid fan of SvR. The character designs are some of the worst in history, but I can set that aside if the gameplay is good.
How well are the SvR09 wrestlers integrated into the game once you've integrated the save files? Do they have the big entrances, QTE chains, and all the major moves in the proper SvR09 game?
Lastly, any impressions on the online modes would be awesome?
Does the game play better than the horrible demo? I just couldn't get into the gameplay at all, despite being an avid fan of SvR. The character designs are some of the worst in history, but I can set that aside if the gameplay is good.
I was pretty lukewarm to the demo initially, but with repeated play to pick up the streamlined arcadey controls I started to enjoy it a lot more with each session. A bunch of other posters around the net have conveyed similar thoughts. Though I did enjoy the Austin/Rock match a lot more than the Hogan/Andre one in the demo due to the objectives you had to hit.
If you couldn't get into the demo, I'm not sure if you'll ever really get into the full version either. Stick with it a little longer and see if the game grows on you (major tip - you can hold down a button instead of button mash in many spots, you only really have to button mash if you've taken a ton of damage and need to try to get up fast).
If after repeated play you're still not really getting into it, then this game's likely not for you in the end. I can see this ending up as a rather polarized title - people will either love it or hate it.
I like that first review. It's a shitty game, but it's full of nostalgia so buy it! I think these guys forget that the games cost people $60+ and a shitty game is still a shitty game when the nostalgia wears thin.
Even though we had just received it, we played the game during our live show last friday. If I remember correctly, we did a bunch of matches, including a ladder match. If you want to see some gameplay, here is a link to the video : http://www.jv247.com/games/843-VIDEO1377-20-Mars-2009-2nd-partie-.html
I like the game more than I liked the demo. It's a shame that the Wrestlemania Tour mode is so short. I finished it in one afternoon. I'm also almost done with the Legend Killer mode. No unlockable wrestler so far, only alternate costumes and a few bonus videos (that they did video montages for games that aren't playable in the Wrestlemania Tour mode boggles me).
Kicking HHH's ass with The Warrior is a lot of fun though.
every review before today had to be guaranteed to be higher than an 8 to break the embargo that THQ placed on the game... thus, my review didn't go up. It'll be up later tonight though.
I'm pumped for getting this at lunch today. I'll be having a ton of exhibition title matches in this for sure. I dug the demo, and love the roster even more. I'm probably in the target market for this though being a mid 20 year old who adored wrestlefest.
First match is probably going to be Kane (09 import) vs. old school taker w/Paul Bearer
Next will be a nostalgia fueled blue steel cage match
The smackdown series has just gotten way too stale it seems... plus, I hate the current roster on it as it is filled with a bunch of guys I don't care to use.
every review before today had to be guaranteed to be higher than an 8 to break the embargo that THQ placed on the game... thus, my review didn't go up. It'll be up later tonight though.
I hated the demo...i was Austin, and the CPU was the Rock. Everything felt very clumsy to me, and i never felt at all like i had a solid control over what my character was doing.
I was finally doing somewhat ok, and managed to pick up a chair and nail Rock in the head with it like 4-5 times, and he busted open, which looked pretty cool. Out of nowhere, he hit a Rock Bottom, and pinned me..??? :lol :lol I suppose that's what WWE is about (the whole out of the blue victory thing), but it just irritated me more after i had already been fighting with the controls for a while anyhow.
I just can't play Wrestling games anymore...they all feel so off...
I hated the demo the first time I played it as well. The controls didn't feel right, kept struggling with them. I quit the demo but left it on the HDD to try again.
The next night I played it again and for some reason the controls clicked with me. The Austin/Rock part of the demo was far better to learn the controls than Hogan/Andre for some reason, but after it clicked I was having fun and eventually went back to Hogan/Andre and had no problems. I'd like to get the full game but it's not the kind of thing I'm going to spend full price on. I'll wait for $30 or below.
Played 2 matches at lunch.... Kane vs. Old School Undertaker w/ Bearer
It is so cool how much the integrate the managers interference in the matches. The import feature works well, and I didn't think that Kane was gimped at all. His finisher chain was basically the Kane sidewalk slam he does, and then a choke slam. Kane had his entrance as well, and Fink announced him like he was part of the game.
Blood looks the best it ever has in these games. I'm really digging the QTE chain wrestling mechanic.
I'm still on the learning curve with the controls, but gradually getting better.
Next match was Jericho vs. Rick Rude for the IC belt. Just wanted to test out to see if the 09 characters could do exhibition title matches, and they can.
I don't think the 09 characters look tremendously out of place against the LOW art style.
I'm going to bump the damage setting down a little bit in hopes of getting some longer matches.
The Arenas look great, and various ones have unique hot spots in them WM14 has a drum set you can do stuff on.
Only bummer so far from me is that I think they should allow a normal superstar to go through the legend killer mode, and not just limit it to CAW.
Initial impressions - based on how much this is doing for nostalgia, and also learning the controls and getting better at it, I think I will play this for much longer then I played 09.
I agree with the lower 8's this game has been getting, but not with the 8.9 or the 6.5 ratings from teamxbox and ign respectively.
Played 2 matches at lunch.... Kane vs. Old School Undertaker w/ Bearer
It is so cool how much the integrate the managers interference in the matches. The import feature works well, and I didn't think that Kane was gimped at all. His finisher chain was basically the Kane sidewalk slam he does, and then a choke slam. Kane had his entrance as well, and Fink announced him like he was part of the game.
Blood looks the best it ever has in these games. I'm really digging the QTE chain wrestling mechanic.
I'm still on the learning curve with the controls, but gradually getting better.
Next match was Jericho vs. Rick Rude for the IC belt. Just wanted to test out to see if the 09 characters could do exhibition title matches, and they can.
I don't think the 09 characters look tremendously out of place against the LOW art style.
I'm going to bump the damage setting down a little bit in hopes of getting some longer matches.
The Arenas look great, and various ones have unique hot spots in them WM14 has a drum set you can do stuff on.
Only bummer so far from me is that I think they should allow a normal superstar to go through the legend killer mode, and not just limit it to CAW.
Initial impressions - based on how much this is doing for nostalgia, and also learning the controls and getting better at it, I think I will play this for much longer then I played 09.
I agree with the lower 8's this game has been getting, but not with the 8.9 or the 6.5 ratings from teamxbox and ign respectively.
Thanks for the impressions. Did you pick this up at a major retailer or a mom-n-pop? My local mom-n-pop has it, but there is a Gamestop that's much closer and easier to get to on my lunch break.
Thanks for the impressions. Did you pick this up at a major retailer or a mom-n-pop? My local mom-n-pop has it, but there is a Gamestop that's much closer and easier to get to on my lunch break.
I also forgot to mention that I was really impressed Kane had an outro as well when I won the match. He did his taunt with the pillars of flames all while Undertaker was rolling around on the ground in the ring. Awesome, and the way they transitioned it made it seem like it was all content originally built for the LOW game.
I got it at gamestop. Got some codes for some outfits for some guys like the Rock as well.
next guy I want to try is Regal to see if he has his brass knuckle finish in the game....
can't wait to put more time into this, and I smell a mental health day coming up for this.
Gamestop did have it, and I got the PS3 version which yields an initial bittersweet feeling. I'll be able to easily grab a SvR09 save off the net to unlock all the wrestlers which is great, but I'm stuck at 720p (instead of 1080p from the X360 version).
My first match is going to be the classic Warrior vs Hogan matchup from Wrestlemania VI
Gamestop did have it, and I got the PS3 version which yields an initial bittersweet feeling. I'll be able to easily grab a SvR09 save off the net to unlock all the wrestlers which is great, but I'm stuck at 720p (instead of 1080p from the X360 version).
My first match is going to be the classic Warrior vs Hogan matchup from Wrestlemania VI
Import those wrestlers.... I was suprised to Mr. McMahan as part of the 09 crew. Imagine having a Warrior squash match with him? Other good additions to the roster include Tazz, The Hardys, Cena, Orton, Bastista, Rey, Jericho, Triple H, Kane, Big Show... You can even do current era Flair, HBK and Undertaker.
Oh yeah, I guarantee that when you hear Warrior's music playing, you'll get amped up pretty quick.
I need to figure out how to unlock the steel cage match, as I am really wanting that old school blue bar look.
I actually can't decide if my next match is going to be with Jake the Snake, Million Dollar Man or Honky Tonk Man. I want to see Demien, 100 dollar bills and smashed guitars!
Import those wrestlers.... I was suprised to Mr. McMahan as part of the 09 crew. Imagine having a Warrior squash match with him? Other good additions to the roster include Tazz, The Hardys, Cena, Orton, Bastista, Rey, Jericho, Triple H, Kane, Big Show... You can even do current era Flair, HBK and Undertaker.
Oh yeah, I guarantee that when you hear Warrior's music playing, you'll get amped up pretty quick.
I need to figure out how to unlock the steel cage match, as I am really wanting that old school blue bar look.
I actually can't decide if my next match is going to be with Jake the Snake, Million Dollar Man or Honky Tonk Man. I want to see Demien, 100 dollar bills and smashed guitars!
Well, I stuck with the 360 version since I knew the controller better for the QTE and also for the 09 roster import save....
Sounds like your an old school WWF fan though... don't help marking out too much at this game - it is really something all the fan service they put in it.
The way they kept cutting to Paul Bearer during my match and how he would affect things with the undertaker was really awesome. It is funny cause he will distract the wrestler, and then your wrestler focuses their attention on the manager, giving basically a free shot to your opponent.
Remember in the other smackdown games how the managers were basically eye candy and wouldn't do anything? All that has changed now...
I play a lot of games throughout the year, but with as much as I am thinking about this one, i'm already thinking it easily will make my top enjoyable games of the year.
Well, I stuck with the 360 version since I knew the controller better for the QTE and also for the 09 roster import save....
Sounds like your an old school WWF fan though... don't help marking out too much at this game - it is really something all the fan service they put in it.
The way they kept cutting to Paul Bearer during my match and how he would affect things with the undertaker was really awesome. It is funny cause he will distract the wrestler, and then your wrestler focuses their attention on the manager, giving basically a free shot to your opponent.
Remember in the other smackdown games how the managers were basically eye candy and wouldn't do anything? All that has changed now...
I play a lot of games throughout the year, but with as much as I am thinking about this one, i'm already thinking it easily will make my top enjoyable games of the year.
Oh well.... I'm having a hard time finding a place to even grab the save games. If it's not against GAF's ToS, can someone link me to them?
Regarding the manager bit, I got a taste of that in the demo when Bobby Heenan was interfering with my match as Hulk Hogan vs Andre the Giant. I can't wait to play against The Honky Tonk Man to see how Jimmy "The Mouth From the South" Hart is represented. He better be loud on that megaphone!
Demo had me at the Hulk Hogan theme song - then when I saw Hulk come out in the little rings and the old school name overlay came up, I almost ripped my shirt off.
Picked up the PS3 version. Snagged a SvR09 save file from GameFAQs, import went fine though there was an odd warning about trophies being locked, but it also mentioned that restarting the game would unlock then again? Why even bother locking them then? :lol
Was Ted DiBiase Jr not in SvR09? I wanted to do a DiBiase vs DiBiase match for the hell of it.
Picked up the PS3 version. Snagged a SvR09 save file from GameFAQs, import went fine though there was an odd warning about trophies being locked, but it also mentioned that restarting the game would unlock then again? Why even bother locking them then? :lol
Was Ted DiBiase Jr not in SvR09? I wanted to do a DiBiase vs DiBiase match for the hell of it.
WTF.... gamespot is completely fucked for that review score. A 5/10? Are you kidding me? Saying this game doesn't have enough depth? There is exhibition title matches and online for that? Plus this is the best roster probably ever in a wrestling game (sans a few key guys like Macho man)
I'm pissed that some of these reviews are griping about stupid bs, such as the fact that the color of the belt in the ladder match might not be the same as the actual belt you are wrestling for. Petty shit. Also bitching about the look of the wrestlers since they are over the top, action figure like.
All I gotta say guys is to stick with this game past the initial impression. It actually is a pretty fresh take for a wrestling game, and has a lot going for it. It gets a hell of a lot better once you understand the flow of the matches and when you are supposed to counter moves, press buttons, and learn the timing of the QTEs. I'm feeling a lot better with the controls now, and getting better overall.
That 5 review sounds like it was from someone that was not a fan of WWF, played it for 2 matches before giving the review, and just skimmed the rest of the modes so he could talk about them.
I just discovered tonight that the tag matches have a mechanic to them similar to the hot tag system of 09. Also, you can do your individual finisher chains in tag matches, just have to do it right after you get your tag and step into the ring.
WTF.... gamespot is completely fucked for that review score. A 5/10? Are you kidding me? Saying this game doesn't have enough depth? There is exhibition title matches and online for that? Plus this is the best roster probably ever in a wrestling game (sans a few key guys like Macho man)
All I gotta say guys is to stick with this game past the initial impression. It actually is a pretty fresh take for a wrestling game, and has a lot going for it.
That 5 review sounds like it was from someone that was not a fan of WWF, played it for 2 matches before giving the review, and just skimmed the rest of the modes so he could talk about them.
I just discovered tonight that the tag matches have a mechanic to them similar to the hot tag system of 09. Also, you can do your individual finisher chains in tag matches, just have to do it right after you get your tag and step into the ring.
THQ and Gamepot don't have a good history with one another last time I heard . They aren't invited to Gamerdays while IGN, GiantBomb, and the rest (heck even I attend them) are haha.
That 5/10 review is ridiculously irresponsible....
Granted it takes some time to get your head wrapped around the new control scheme, it does become enjoyable. I've just got through spending three hours with the game, and you can tell a great deal of passion and love went into this game. Digging it a lot!
I hope the developers don't have bonuses or incentives riding on Gamerankings ratings.
That 5/10 review is ridiculously irresponsible....
Granted it takes some time to get your head wrapped around the new control scheme, it does become enjoyable. I've just got through spending three hours with the game, and you can tell a great deal of passion and love went into this game. Digging it a lot!
I hope the developers don't have bonuses or incentives riding on Gamerankings ratings.
I just beat the 38-man Legend Killer Tier with my CAW in 26 minutes.
Using just the punch button. Yeah, GREAT game.
Once the nostalgia over the wrestlers and video packages (which are awesome) wears thin, you're left with a sub-par game with clumsy animation and weak movelists.
One can make that argument about the SvR games though - just hammer the same attack for 30 seconds then hit your finisher.
It's an arcade wrestler you can pick up and play for a couple matches here and there. That may not be what everyone's looking for, but I'm enjoying it for it is.
I just beat the 38-man Legend Killer Tier with my CAW in 26 minutes.
Using just the punch button. Yeah, GREAT game.
Once the nostalgia over the wrestlers and video packages (which are awesome) wears thin, you're left with a sub-par game with clumsy animation and weak movelists.
Why would you even want to play the game that way is my question? The SvR games were just as bad and you actually got your finisher far quicker in those games then in LOW.
I'm still digging it. I do have a few non-positive thoughts though. Battle Royal is a complete waste in this game. What happened to the insanely fun version with 6 guys in the ring where it was pure wrestling and elimination style via pins/submissions/tko? This version here is no different then the royal rumble and it sucks.
The larger scale Rumble is better though since it is a constant stream of chaos with new entrants.
Ladder match is worse then in SvR... no other description.
Best think this game has going is 1 on 1, cage matches, 1 vs. 1/manager, and tag team. Submission matches are not that bad either (especially winning with the million dollar dream)
. They aren't invited to Gamerdays while IGN, GiantBomb, and the rest (heck even I attend them) are haha.