WWF Wrestlemania 2000

Written by Jonathan Nicklas  on January 22, 2000

Review: Will THQ make a WWF GBC wrestling game better then last year?

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Finally, after 3 successful trials for the N64, THQ has created a wrestling title for the GBC. THQ has managed to put up a nice portable wrestling title, with multiplayer capabilities, and more. Now read on to see the details...

The visuals in WM2K are decent, and are fairly attractive. While functioning on GBC, WM2K also functions on previous GameBoy pocket entertainment systems such as GameBoy original and pocket. Each of the 15 different wrestlers actually look different from each other, noting that they each slightly have different ring attire. Some other notable nice features are the entrances of each wrestler, as you see an entertaining animated scene of the wrestler on the Titan-Tron, while the wrestler performs taunts that coincide with their real life ones. As for squaring off in the squared circle, everything seems to be adequate. The moves performed look like some of the best you'll ever see on an 8-bit console. The wrestlers are alright, but you may only grapple to the side of the wrestler. Every move you view is on the side view, and overall, WM2K concludes satisfactory graphics.



The controls in WM2K are limited. There are little moves, and very wrestler has the same moves except for a few. Although, they are simplistic and the time spent to learn them will be very little. Each wrestler can perform a weak or strong grapple. Then you press a direction on the direction pad, and A or B. Simple, isn't it? Each wrestler has their own signature moves, that can be performed when you fighting meter is at it's highest point. You then grapple press the select button and it will be performed. As I mentioned, you grapple from the side view, and it is quite easy. There are other moves such as jumping off the top of a ring post, and other moves. . Nice, simple controls.

The audio is one of the low points of WM2K. There are tunes composed, they don't sound very addictive, but you really won't be noticing it while you combat in the squared circle. There are minor sound effects of punches and kicks connecting, but there isn't much more. There are really not many ways THQ could have added to the sound category for WM2K, so overall, it is satisfactory.

Was I satisfied with WM2K? At first, it looks like a boring game, but after playing for about 10 minutes you may want to keep on playing it. There are 15 sports entertainers to choose from, including Vince McMahon who can't be used in Championship mode though. Some modes include Survivor Series, Gauntlet, and more. Other unique features include the training mode added that lets you perfect your moves, and is a nice bonus. There are also passwords to save your progress in Championship mode.

The replay for WM2K may be a bit short lived. The enemy A.I. is rather easy, but may be tricky at times. After completing the modes, there isn't much to do, with no bonus characters to be unlocked. But what THQ has added is the capability of using the GameBoy Link Cable for multiplayer fun. Although I haven't tried it yet, it should be fun and add to the replay value. Replay could have been improved more.