Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Fighting, Sport
- Platforms: Nintendo 64, PlayStation
- Developers: Electronic Arts, Kodiak Interactive
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
WCW Mayhem: The Definitive Wrestling Experience
Released in 1999, WCW Mayhem was a revolutionary wrestling game that set new standards for the genre. With its innovative gameplay, deep roster, and stunning graphics, Mayhem quickly became a fan favorite and one of the best-selling wrestling games of all time.
Gameplay
Mayhem’s gameplay was a major departure from previous wrestling games. Instead of the traditional side-scrolling perspective, Mayhem used a 3D engine that allowed players to move freely around the ring and its surroundings. This opened up a whole new world of possibilities for wrestling gameplay, allowing for more realistic and dynamic matches.
Mayhem also introduced a new grappling system that was much more complex and realistic than anything that had come before. Players could now grapple with their opponents in a variety of ways, including holds, throws, and reversals. This made for much more strategic and satisfying matches, as players had to carefully think about their next move.
In addition to the standard wrestling matches, Mayhem also featured a number of other game modes, including a Create-A-Wrestler mode, a Tournament mode, and a Backstage mode. The Create-A-Wrestler mode was particularly robust, allowing players to create their own custom wrestlers with unique movesets and appearances.
Roster
Mayhem featured a roster of over 50 WCW Superstars, including all of the biggest names of the era, such as Hulk Hogan, Sting, Goldberg, and Kevin Nash. Each wrestler had their own unique moveset and entrance music, making for a truly immersive experience.
In addition to the main roster, Mayhem also featured a number of unlockable wrestlers, including classic WCW stars like Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes. This gave players even more incentive to keep playing and exploring the game.
Graphics
Mayhem’s graphics were some of the best that the N64 and Dreamcast had to offer. The character models were detailed and expressive, and the arenas were rendered with stunning realism. The game also ran at a smooth framerate, which made for a very fluid and enjoyable experience.
Sound
Mayhem’s sound was also top-notch. The crowd noise was realistic and immersive, and the commentary team did a great job of calling the action. The game also featured a great soundtrack, with a mix of licensed music and original compositions.
Reception
Mayhem was a critical and commercial success. The game received rave reviews from critics, who praised its innovative gameplay, deep roster, and stunning graphics. Mayhem was also a huge commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Mayhem is considered to be one of the greatest wrestling games of all time. Its innovative gameplay and deep roster set new standards for the genre, and its graphics and sound were some of the best that the N64 and Dreamcast had to offer. Mayhem is still enjoyed by wrestling fans today, and it remains one of the most popular wrestling games ever made.
Conclusion
WCW Mayhem is a classic wrestling game that set new standards for the genre. With its innovative gameplay, deep roster, and stunning graphics, Mayhem is still one of the most enjoyable wrestling games ever made. If you’re a fan of wrestling, you owe it to yourself to check out WCW Mayhem.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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