Backstage Passes
The number of game modes at the player’s disposal is high but the length of time spent playing each is minimal, even more so with the vast number of loading screens in between them. Exhibition match, Online and Create a Superstar are the only recognised modes to return from previous games, but each features a limited range of options. Match rules can’t be changed, choices of match types are very basic and there are only six arenas in the game to fight in, three of which are locked from the beginning.
Create a superstar allows the player to quickly form a wrestler through simple menus but, once again, there aren’t too many options at your disposal in terms of movesets, finishers and aesthetics - all of which end up giving you a generic blob of a brute who acts and fights like everyone else in the game, many options of which are locked from the offset anyway.
There are two other modes available for selection, starting with Path of Champions. This mode allows players to take part in ten fights, ultimately ending at a main event from which you will have the chance of winning one of three WWE titles. There are three paths to choose and progress from; The Undertaker for the heavyweight title, John Cena for the WWE title or Shawn Michaels & Triple H for the tag team championship, only one of which can be chosen at a time (choosing another will cause the previous save to be overwritten). There are some poorly implemented cut scenes before the progression begins and each fight appears to be a random match-up in a random arena, with nothing really to tie it to overcoming logical obstacles to get to the WWE title goal.
Fantasy Warfare is the final and by far the best mode in the game, although extremely short in lifespan. The stage is set for two wrestlers of similar fighting styles to go head to head in a past versus present duel and gives the player the chance to influence the outcome by choosing either one. It truly comes to life in the pre-match build up, which features video snippets of each super star in action, along with over the top narration to set the scene. It’s an excellent resource to educate those who don’t currently watch wrestling and for those who admire the past greats. Completing each bout unlocks the next with 16 in total. This mode also gives the player some context in which to use a variety of wrestlers whereas the others give free choice.
Conclusion
THQ should be applauded for attempting to take the WWE franchise in a different direction to include a wider audience with unique visuals and gameplay, and for doing it whilst attempting to package some of the greats of wrestling entertainment on one disc. That said, it’s not the ideal game for wrestling fans of the Smackdown glory years. The fun in the previous wrestling games was battling in a much more varied, realistic and brutal manner, but the lack of options, numerous frustrations and short lifespan means than this will drop to the bottom of many player’s collections.
SPOnG Score: 77%
