Review: Legends of Wrestling II

GRAPHICS (8.6)

The graphics are once again exceptionally well done. One thing you will notice about the graphics from the onset is that the wrestlers are overly exaggerated. Wrestlers are a lot more muscular than you will remember them. Acclaim seems to be going for the 80's cartoonish wrestling look once again (ever seen Hulk Hogan's cartoon?), but the thing is, it really works well. It sets it apart from all the other wrestling games, and this is a very good thing. The game is not at all cartoonish despite the exaggerated wrestlers.

The create-a-wrestler mode does have some positives. There are a bunch of masks to choose from, they all look good. You can change the color on every item that you choose. You can select an elbow pad for each arm, they can be identical or different; the same goes for knee pads, boots, wrist items, etc. A real plus comes in that you can design an entrance look, this is a feature that I have wanted in every create-a-wrestler mode, bravo to Acclaim for keeping it in once again!

The entrances are fun to watch. The wrestlers stroll smoothly to the ring, doing their little dances as the ring announcers introduces them. You have got to see Roddy Piper do his eye poke, it's classic and very funny as well, it's the exact thing you'll remember Piper for. One thing I did notice is that every wrestler seems to do the pedigree and Piper does the stone cold stunner. I mean, he does the stunner, from the middle finger salute to the kick in the gut and the stunner itself. If he was bald, it would be Austin! While I don't think that wrestlers should be doing moves that they had never done when they were wrestling, I cannot hold it against the game. I'd rather have more moves to pull off than less, also, it's good to know it's in the game for when I create an Austin like character.

SOUND (8.2)

The ring announce introduces the guys as they make their way to the ring, where he is from, how tall he is and his approximate weight. These can also be skipped easily with the press of a button. The music that plays during entrances is basically generic music, although, in the short time I played. Jerry Lawler has his real theme this time around, as does Hulk Hogan (using his old WCW entrance), Rick and Scott Steiner come out to the Michigan fight song. The themes are nice, even though they are not authentic.

There is no commentary at all in the game, and to be honest, commentary doesn't really work in a wrestling game, so it is not missed at all. As you wrestle, there's background music that plays.

CONTROL (8.3)

The control in the game is easy to get used to. It may take only about five minutes before you get a hang out of what each button or button combination does. To run you use Right trigger, striking moves (kicks, punches, stomps) are done with the X button. Using the directional pad, you have access to taunts and your finishing move. The white button is used to cheat, whereas the black button beside it is used to pick up weapons. The A button is used to block, B to grapple and Y to strike. The left thumb stick is used to move your wrestler, using this +A will tag in your partner. The right stick is used to change focus and the left trigger is used to whip opponents after a head and collar lockup.

This go around, Acclaim has improved on the speed if the game, as it doesn't play as slow as I remember LOW being. Moves still seem to be have the ability to be linked together, and still look really fluid, not at all chopped as one might expect. You can select individual moves in the CAW mode, which is a nice touch.

FEATURES (9.2)

Acclaim has added more match types to this years version of Legends of Wrestling. The modes of play you will have to choose from include: Exhibition (versus and tag team); versus matches you can select from a regular VS. (the classic one on one match-up), 3 Way Dance and 4 Way Dance (these are elimination matches), Battle Royal that allows 4 wrestlers in the ring at a time, and up to 30 wrestlers to compete in the match, Ladder and Cage matches (to win, they have given the cage door it's own meter. You have to bang on the door to knock it off it's hinges so that you can climb out of the ring and win! You can also do moves off the top of the cage). Tag Team matches have also been expanded, you have the following to choose from: Tag Team (two teams of two), Three Way Tag (three teams of two), Four Way Tag (four teams of two), Six Man Tag (two teams of three) and Eight Man Tag (two four man teams).

In this years version, we're also given the following modifiers. Match modifiers will offer you to contest the match with DQ's, Count outs, or your standard elimination match. Win modifiers will let you choose these conditions; regular rules and submission only. Choose the time limit for the match, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes or if you're brave enough, no time limit!

Interaction option allows you to choose whether or not wrestlers can interact (beat up) the referee. You can choose whether certain behavior will cause your legend to be disqualified. Turn on or off count outs. There is also a quick victory option that could allow you to easily gain a win in a ladder match!

You can choose regional arenas from in the United States ranging from small buildings to larger arenas, as well as international venues in Tokyo, Japan; Mexico City; Rome, Italy; Egypt; Moscow and the Figi Islands.

In the career mode you select your wrestler (unlocked or created) and you try to take him to that regions championship, there are 5 different regions, then it's on to bigger and better things. Your ultimate goal is to become the undisputed world champion. This is all based on how the crowd likes the match, and that effects how they like you. After the match, you'll see that your approval rating will grow. The more you do in a match, the more the crowd will like it. However, you will be penalized if you keep repeating the same moves. Every region has different scenarios so you'll never play out the same sequence twice. Throughout career mode, you'll gain coins. These coins are used in the shop where you can purchase new skins, locked wrestlers, concept art and other goodies.

Tournament mode allows you to play in tag or tag belt matches. You can choose to have 4, 8 or 16 team tournaments.

The Create A Legend mode allows you to of course, create your own legend. Numerous options are available, but once again it is not as customizable as the latest incarnation of SmackDown. You start with the appearance of your wrestler, is he fat, skinny, muscular? It's your choice. Is he 5 feet or 7 feet? Again, it's up to you. Customize the head, mask or headband anyone? How about the mid section, body hair, shirts, some elbow pads, how about some brass knuckles on that left hand and a glove on the right one, well, it's all up to you. The lower body, grab some trunks, put on some knee pads or a knee brace, select your boots and we're all set to go. Once again, you can choose what your wrestler wears out to the ring. We can select a robe, we can select a jacket or tee shirt, how about a chain around the neck? Kudos to Acclaim for being the only CAW mode to offer you entrance gear. Style, everyone needs style. Are you a brawler, a high flyer, a technical wrestler, how about being a coward? Design some tattoos or logos. Then we go onto the profile. Your masterpiece is nothing without a name, give him one that fits his look. Is he a face or a heel?. Next it's time to select the entrance theme, this has to be good too. Do you want a manager? If so, it's time to select one. Choose a move set from a legend, or make your own, which ever you prefer. Divide up the attributes and the abilities and we're ready to save the ultimate wrestler.

I mentioned The Shop briefly, here's some more details. As you earn your coins, you'll want to save them up as you can enter the shop to purchase extra wrestlers or promoters, new textures (skins and wardrobe) for the create mode. You can also buy new arenas and abilities. Unlock cheats such as big head mode. Purchase concept art to be viewed in the theatre.

Speaking of the theatre, this is where the game is a must own! Exclusive interviews with superstars from the game. My favorite was listening to George "The Animal" Steele, as he is one of the few guys that you never really heard talk. You also can view the FMV's of each wrestlers career ending when they're unlocked as well as the concept art that you have purchased in the shop.

You can also gamble your coins to try and acquire more. Acclaim has really expanded this years game in all aspects. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us in Legends of Wrestling III.

The Options menu includes save/load, credits (who made this game), blood (on/off), difficulty (jobber/easy, mid-card/medium, legend/hard), entrances (on/off), vibration (on/off), TKO (on/off), managers (on/off), tutorials (shows you the basics). Sound options include SFX (turn on or off the sound effects), Music (on/off), stereo (mono/stereo), reset all (back to the defaults).

There's a legend in this game for just about everyone that grew up watching in the 80's. The legends included are: Hulk Hogan, Bret Hart, Scott Steiner, Andre The Giant, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Sid Vicious, Rocky Johnson, Mil Mascaras, Dr. Death Steve Williams, Bam Bam Bigelow, Paul Orndorff, Greg Valentine, Iron Sheik, Tito Santana, Ivan Putski, Kevin Von Erich, Fritz Von Erich, Rick Martel, David Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Jerry Lawler, Jimmy Snuka, Terry Funk, Ted DiBiase, Rick Steiner, Road Warrior Hawk, Road Warrior Animal, Don Muraco, Nikolai Volkoff, Dynamite Kid, Koko B. Ware, Dory Funk, Jr., Baron Von Raschke, One Man Gang, "Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert, Bob Orton, Bob Backlund, Jim Duggan, Ricky Steamboat, George "The Animal" Steele, "Superstar" Billy Graham, Eddie Guerrero, Kerry Von Erich, Tony Atlas, Brian Pillman, Harley Race, Ivan Koloff, The Sheik, Sabu, Ricky Morton, Robert Gibson.

The Locked/Hidden wrestlers/promoters/managers include: Capt. Lou Albano, Mr. Fuji, Jimmy Hart, Bobby Heenan, The Grand Wizard, Killer Kowalski, King Kong Bundy, Abdullah The Butcher, Jerry Sags, Brian Knobbs, Big John Studd, Bruno Sammartino, Davey Boy Smith, Owen Hart, Andy Kaufman, Tex McGraw, Randall Schmundull?, Scotty MacDougal, Tony "The Boss" Pavorati, Belle Jackson, Hiro Natsume

OVERALL [Not an average] (9.6)

You can purchase the game online at Amazon.com.

Erik Roth, Webmaster - Designer, Inlewd.com