WWE Day of Reckoning

Written by Jonathan Nicklas  on March 31, 2004

First Impressions: Can you dig what the Rock is cooking, creepy little bastard?

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Whether or not THQ can see the reasoning behind it, their GameCube wrestling titles will never be able to truly usurp WWF: No Mercy in terms of popularity, even if subsequent titles are possibly better. Nevertheless, they're moving forward with another installment in their WWE brand of games, but this time, instead of being under the WrestleMania spotlight, the next iteration will be known as Day of Reckoning.

WrestleMania XIX planted wrestling aficionados in Revenge Mode, a gameplay feature consisting of damaging property or completing myriad objectives all in an attempt to spite the boss, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. However, as many surmised, the game's astute engine wasn't particularly optimized for brawling outside the ring. In WWE Day of Reckoning, developer Yuke's has wisely decided to focus on building a fleshed-out story mode where players start from the bottom facing jobbers and work their way to the top of the pedestal to ultimately grab the WWE Championship.

For enhanced realism, six main attributes will mold all wrestlers in general. Strength, speed, stamina, countering, submission, and charisma are the main constituents of a wrestler's fighting propensity. Whereas wrestlers like Batista may favor powerbombs or spinebusters, others like Tajiri will have a propensity to use kicks, tilt-a-whirl backbreakers and aerial assault. As a result, players may be forced to develop strategies to face particular brawlers.

WrestleMania XIX introduced GameCube owners to weapon-based attacks involving chairs, Singapore canes and more. Planting DDTs using chairs epitomized unmitigated wrestling action, and hopefully the developers will build on new ideas for moves.

With most match types such as TLC and Hell in a Cell already done, THQ has opted to include a bra and panties match, where participants try to remove clothing articles off of opponents. With unorthodox game options such as this, perhaps THQ will also try hair vs. hair or "kiss my ass" matches in future editions.

Day of Reckoning will include about 40 wrestlers. With Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg gone from the organization, hopefully THQ will include La Resistance, Tommy Dreamer, Ultimo Dragon, Rosey, and Theodre Long and other fan favorites in the title. Legends wrestlers will also be included, though no official list has been announced thus far.

Day of Reckoning is generally focused on reversals and finishers. Any move in the game can be reversed at any time, so the game can become pretty easy, even on the highest difficulty. Momentum shifts, much like the previous iteration, will try to give players on the brink of losing a chance to change the odds.

WrestleMania XIX's entrances were already nearly flawless, but THQ will continue to perfect them and minimize robotic walking. The Undertaker's grand entrance should be a sight to see if done properly. Sadly, THQ seems to be evading an improved aural experience beyond entrance music. Play-by-play and color commentary and voice samples seem to have been egregiously omitted once again, despite the fact the GameCube has proven more than capable of an immersive experience. Some "What?" chants should be included.

Wrestling games, much like Raw and Smackdown TV broadcasts, are at risk of becoming stagnant, but more options like backstage areas, new foreign objects and developed storylines will hopefully get the ball rolling again. Intricacies like a 3D crowd will also help strengthen the presentation. In order for the game to be successful, improving how some moves are executed like the 619 and Dudley Death Drop will also be integral to a solid game.