With the WWE having a headlock on not only pro wrestling but also wrestling video games, I was so looking forward to the release of Showdown: Legends of Wrestling or LOW. Being an Xbox owner and a wrestling fan makes me desperate for a decent game of grappling. Well, I am still waiting. For fans of the golden era and heydays of wrestling when Hulkamania and Macho Madness were running wild, the LOW series concept is welcomed. However in my opinion is poorly handled.

Gameplay:

While showcasing the profiles of this game’s superstars, the opening sequence of Showdown truly rocks to Quiet Riot’s (the band) “Bang Your Head” that is. Perhaps now is a good time to mention the expanded roster of wrestlers that includes the Ultimate Warrior, Jake “the Snake” Roberts, Dusty Rhodes, Sting and my favorite, “Macho Man” Randy Savage.

Upon start up the main menu gives you the option of even more match types then the previous games in this series. Added to the match types are table, first blood and “Classic”. Gone is the $15,000 body slam match.

When it comes to the controls and handling of the characters, Acclaim leaves allot to be desired. Contrary to LOW 2, which required a learning curve, Showdown players need not learn a thing to participate and win their matches. I am not exaggerating by any means. Acclaim’s ISP system is still in affect, but with some tweaking. I mean this in a bad way. While the counter system is cool, the ready moves and striking ability can take away the most important aspect of a wrestling game, the wrestling. Any player can literally punch their way to victory. The primary flaw with Showdown’s offensive moves is that they are almost all equal in damage and gaining the advantage. A power punch/strike is equal to a pile driver or a running power slam or even a back or shoulder breaker. In the plus column, Acclaim did heed to the complaints of a puny character slamming the bigger characters. Now when Mil Mascaras tries to slam Andre he limps away with an aching back, unless he totally wears Andre down, which is possible by just using a series of punches. See the frustration. Acclaim corrects the unrealistic slams (with pretty good animation) but leaves a flawed grappling system that ruins the game play anyway.

Like a heavy anchor around its neck, the game play severely keeps Showdown from staying afloat. The only phrase to describe the number of glitches in this game is “mind boggling”. I am not only talking about the clipping issues, which is a menace most grappling games can’t pin down. I mean a wrestler will react and go through the motions of being attacked and slammed while standing across the ring at a stand still is his opponent. Players will also find skips in the animation, falling through the rope and ring and very poor AI at times. An example of the poor AI is being able to continually jump off the top rope onto the computer opponent five or six times before he will counter you. Speaking of the countering, don’t believe the hype about the new button system. Although the counter button (X) is a nice concept, the ready attack button (Y) is equally ridiculous. You can literally punch your way through a match without doing one wrestling move.

Missing from Showdown would be a story mode. Instead you can battle your way through 4-5 of the top stars from each of the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s to win the legends belt which you don’t even see. Also in replacement of a story line is the option of a “Classic” match. The “Classic” feature allows you to relive history’s greatest matches already in progress. Want to have Savage retain his title from Steamboat at the Pontiac Silerdome? Or have Andre slam Hogan? Well you can plus too many more to list as well. However, as good as this idea seems, it doesn’t measure up to a true story line.

Grahics:

The most obvious improvement over the previous games would be the models of the wrestlers. Looking less cartoonish and more realistic however still bulked from each legend’s prime time. Acclaim has been paying attention to detail with each superstar’s finishing move, imitation music, blood on the combatants and ring mat, plus the detail to the licensed arenas. Yes, featured are the true to life arenas of the Pontiac Silverdome, Cow Palace and MSG. Sadly the high school gyms and amories will be missed. Pleased be advised that the action is limited to inside and the immediate surroundings of the ring. There is no fighting to be had in the locker room, backstage or in the audience.

Sound:

Sound effects are truly underrated when it comes to video games. After all really good sound adds to the atmosphere and realism of a game. Aside from the three-man commentary the sound to Showdown is very basic. Although Acclaim did try to make a solid attempt at duplicating each superstar’s entrance, it comes off dull and boring. You only see your wrestler strolling to the ring to an imitation clip of music. Again, Acclaim goes through the effort of duplicating the music and entrances but leaves out the showmanship. No pomp and circumstance, no fire or flames just the animation of walking to the ring. The in ring sound and weapon effects are just as good as any other grappling game. Acclaim did answer the fans and critics by adding a three-man commentary team into the mix. It was enjoyable to listen to Tony Shavione, Larry Zbyzsko and Bobby “the Brain” Heenan call the action in the ring. Unfortunately, the one liners and inane remarks gets very old, really quick. It is with a heavy heart that I report the behind the scene superstar/legend interviews and custom soundtrack capabilities are omitted from this installment of LoW.

Longevity:

Longevity equals value for your dollars. Sadly, the poor game play and lack of story puts this wrestling game into a submission lock and makes it tap out. So unless you are a fan or have groups of friends who are fans then there simply wont be enough here to warrant a purchase.

Overall:

The thing that sets Acclaim apart form other companies is that they seem to really try to listen and please the fans. Improving the match types, adding commentary, strengthening the Legends roster, adding a tribute to our dearly departed ring warriors and correcting the unrealistic power moves by the puny wrestlers proves this. Heck, even the instruction booklet asks for feedback and provides an email address to send it to. However, the missing tag instructions, flawed control system, serious lack of a story and the number of glitches in this game should be embarrassing for Acclaim. There is no way they could have played Showdown with all of these obvious flaws and say “Yep, it’s ready to go with our name on it”. Overall even die hard wrestling fans should think twice before handing over their $50 to purchase it. Bottom line is Showdown: Legends of Wrestling is definitely a rent first or cry afterwards type of game if you bought it.