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Platform: GC, PS2, XB Genre: Sports / Wrestling Publisher: Acclaim Developer: Acclaim, Austin ETA: April 2004
Related Links: Review: Godzilla - Destroy All Monsters Melee (XB)
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Showdown: Legends of Wrestling
Way back when the WWE was known as the WWF and a cartoon Hulkster appeared on Saturday mornings, wrestling was probably at it’s peak and looked nothing like the veiled orgy that it is now. The late ‘80s and early ‘90s were the Golden Age of wrestling as entertainment.
Showdown: Legends of Wrestling is a “sequel” to the original Legends of Wrestling, which was a fair wrestling title but lacked some of the more notable wrestlers from that time period. With more than 70 – 70! – wrestlers on the roster Acclaim looks to squash that criticism. All they have to worry about now is getting the control right and capturing the personalities and signature moves of all the wrestlers, which could be a challenge with a list that includes: Jake “The Snake” Roberts Ultimate Warrior “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes British Bulldog Dory Funk, Jr. Hacksaw Jim Duggan Ivan Putski Jerry ‘The King’ Lawler Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka Ricky ‘The Dragon’ Steamboat Sabu The Sheik Terry Funk If Acclaim doesn’t do it right and take its time to make sure each wrestler is a digital version of the real thing, Showdowns could be ripped to shreds by the critics. Why? I’m not one to make broad generalizations, but most of them grew up watching the WWF and if it doesn’t feel right… if Jake Roberts doesn’t finish a successful bout by dumping the python on his foe… if the Ultimate Warrior doesn’t leap 20’ off the turnbuckle… if Hacksaw doesn’t sport his lazy-eye look Showdown could be in trouble.
Of course, a half-dozen wrestling modes would be a good idea too. The control is described as “intuitive” by Brian Shields, Brand Manager for Acclaim. I’m sure Brian is a great guy but I’ll take his opinion with a grain of salt. He’s unlikely to describe the controls as “clunky”, “unresponsive”, or “a shoddy mess.” With Acclaim’s previous experience with the genre, the controls should at least be solid. We’ll know all when Showdown: Legends of Wreslting ships in April 2004. - Omni
(February 19, 2004)
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