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>>>> WWE Day Of Reckoning
Developer: Yuke�s
Publisher: THQ
Genre: Wrestling
Year released: 2004
Number of players: 1-4 simultaneously
ESRB: Rated T (Blood, Language, Lyrics, Sexual Themes, Violence)
Save: Memory Card (Uses 32 Blocks)
Misc: N/A
Last Updated ::
7/15/2005
WWE Day Of Reckoning
�School of Hard Knocks�
THQ has released two previous WWE wrestling games on the GameCube: the horrible WWE Wrestlemania X8, and the much improved but still flawed sequel WWE Wrestlemania XIX. Now with a brand new license this time around, THQ has released the third title, WWE Day of Reckoning.
The game features an all-new story mode in which you guide your created wrestler through the ranks of RAW or Smackdown!, eventually earning a title shot. New modes have also been added, such as a bra and panties match, as well as new gameplay elements such as Momentum Shifts.
Visuals:
The graphics in the game look much improved over those seen in WWE Wrestlemania XIX. The character models look a lot more realistic than they did before. The animations of the wrestlers also look more realistic, though the animation is still a tiny bit flawed. The arenas and environments are nice looking as well.
Sounds:
THQ acquired a lot of licensed music, and 90% of it sucks. There�s a good mix of rock and rap. The rock songs are nothing but whiny, crappy nu-metal songs. Some of the rap songs are actually aren�t that bad, although not great either.
THQ did get some licensed music for the wrestlers this time around, resulting in a much more realistic experience in terms of the transition from TV to game. The sound effects were done well too.
Gameplay:
In terms of core gameplay, Day of Reckoning isn�t too much different from its predecessors. However, the controls did feel a bit more comfortable and easier to get used to. Day of Reckoning has added a few new features to the gameplay; the main addition is the Momentum Shift. When your health is in danger, a graphic depicting �A+B� will pop-up, and grabbing your opponent with those buttons will cause your wrestler to do their Momentum Shift move, which will cause you and your opponent�s health to switch, basically. It�s a cool new addition to the game that�ll make matches more interesting.
Also new to the game are button mashing elements. Some will not like this addition. Basically, if you giving or are in a submission, you are to tap the A button rapidly to make or break the hold. This isn�t too much of a bother, but what I didn�t like was that you have to tap A to get up after you�re knocked down. I thought that was a bit of a hassle.
The Story Mode in Day of Reckoning is vastly different than that of the previous outing, WWE Wrestlemania XIX. In XIX, you guided a wrestler through an interesting, but strange and out of place Fighting Force-type brawler, fighting security guards and destroying the property of Vince McMahon. But in Day of Reckoning, you start out as a young, up and coming wrestler that you create. At first, you start out wrestling house shows, then eventually dark matches. Once you�re good enough, you�ll make it to Sunday Night Heat. After proving yourself on that show, you�ll be given the choice to join RAW or Smackdown! Each of the shows has varying storylines. Eventually, you will get a title shot for the heavyweight championship for the show you chose, at Wrestlemania XX.
Overall, the gameplay in Day of Reckoning is great. The Story Mode is fun, and the Create-A-Wrestler mode the deepest and most detailed one I�ve used yet. My only complaints are the often-cheap computer opponents that can kick out of pins even after getting hit with three specials in a row. Also, more additions to match types would�ve been nice, like a casket match or Elimination Chamber. Backstage fights were mysteriously absent as well, and will hopefully be added to the next title.
Replayability:
Day of Reckoning boasts a large chunk of replay value. The Story Mode will hold your interest for quite a few hours. If you�re like me, however, most of your time will be spent creating wrestlers in the CAW mode, or playing multiplayer bouts with friends. This game is a blast with four players simultaneously.
Bottom Line:
WWE Day of Reckoning is the wrestling game Nintendo fans have been waiting for. It�s got great graphics, sound, gameplay, and replay value. I haven�t played a wrestling game this good on a Nintendo system since 2000�s WWF No Mercy on the N64.
If you own a GameCube and are a wrestling fan, definitely pick this one up.
Final Score: A-
Also recommended�
WWE Wrestlemania XIX (GCN)
WWF No Mercy (N64)
WWE Smackdown!: Here Comes The Pain
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