As the wrestlers comes out, their theme music is played, and they go through their trademark moves. From there the action gets a little slow. While the crowd sounds very realistic, the actual moves are executed rather slowly. Plus Acclaim has included a function that causes the wrestlers to lock arms if they get too close. This is designed to keep a player from using the same moves over and over again. It doesn't work--an entire match can be won by just hitting the kick button. What it does do is force numerous arm locks that do little damage and can turn monotonous. However, executing a great move like a body slam is cool--when it works.

Hard-core professional wrestling fans will appreciate the accurate character models and faithful reproductions of signature moves of their favorite wrestlers. While those who are into fast and furious wrestling action will be better served looking elsewhere, fans who enjoy watching the pros will enjoy this game's cinematic attitude. --Allen Stewart

Pros:

• Excellent graphics
• Great crowd noise
• Awesome moves--when they work
• Huge cast of wrestlers

• Slow gameplay
• Same basic move used over and over
• Basic moves are slow, and exciting moves are hard to execute