The WWF Attitude game, released in 1999 for the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 consoles, marked a pivotal moment in the history of professional wrestling video games. Developed by Iguana Entertainment and published by Acclaim Entertainment, WWF Attitude was the sequel to the highly successful WWF War Zone, aiming to build upon its predecessor's foundation while introducing new features and gameplay mechanics. This review delves into the intricacies of WWF Attitude, analyzing its gameplay, graphics, sound design, and overall impact on the gaming and professional wrestling communities.
Gameplay and Features
WWF Attitude boasted an array of playable characters, including top WWF (now WWE) superstars of the late 1990s, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H. The game introduced a create-a-wrestler mode, allowing players to craft their own wrestlers with customizable appearances, movesets, and attributes. This feature significantly enhanced the game’s replay value, as players could recreate their favorite wrestlers or imagine entirely new characters. The gameplay itself was more refined compared to WWF War Zone, with smoother controls and a more intuitive grappling system. However, some critics felt that the gameplay mechanics, while improved, still lacked the depth and complexity that would come to define later wrestling games.
Story Mode and Season Mode
One of the standout features of WWF Attitude was its story mode, which attempted to immerse players in the narrative world of the WWF. Although somewhat linear and limited in its branching storylines, the mode provided a unique experience, allowing players to engage with the WWF’s storylines and feuds of the time. The season mode, on the other hand, offered a more traditional sports game experience, where players could guide their chosen wrestler through a series of matches, aiming to win championships and achieve success within the WWF universe.
| Game Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Exhibition | Single matches with customizable settings |
| Season | A year-long campaign to win championships |
| Create-a-Wrestler | Customize and create original wrestlers |
| Training | Practice and improve wrestling skills |
Graphics and Sound Design
At the time of its release, WWF Attitude’s graphics were considered to be on par with other wrestling games, offering decent character models and arenas that mimicked the look and feel of WWF events. The sound design was also praised, with authentic commentary from Jim Ross and Jerry “The King” Lawler, as well as the inclusion of wrestlers’ entrance themes and sound effects that enhanced the overall immersion.
Technical Specifications
The game was developed with a focus on the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 hardware capabilities, ensuring a smooth gameplay experience on both platforms. However, some players noted minor differences in performance and graphics quality between the two versions, with the PlayStation version being slightly more polished.
Key Points
- Improved gameplay mechanics over its predecessor, WWF War Zone
- Inclusion of a create-a-wrestler mode for enhanced customization
- Story mode and season mode offered immersive and engaging experiences
- Authentic sound design with commentary and entrance themes
- Graphics were on par with other wrestling games of the time
Impact and Legacy
WWF Attitude played a significant role in the evolution of professional wrestling video games. Its innovations, such as the create-a-wrestler mode and narrative-driven story mode, set a new standard for the genre. Although it received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics feeling that it did not fully capitalize on its potential, WWF Attitude remains a beloved title among fans of professional wrestling and retro gaming. Its legacy can be seen in later wrestling games, which have built upon its foundations to create more sophisticated and engaging experiences.
Comparative Analysis
A comparative analysis with other wrestling games of the era, such as WCW/nWo Revenge, highlights WWF Attitude’s strengths and weaknesses. While it may not have surpassed its competitors in every aspect, WWF Attitude’s unique features and authentic WWF experience made it a standout title for fans of the WWF universe.
What platforms was WWF Attitude released on?
+WWF Attitude was released on the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 consoles.
Did WWF Attitude introduce any new features to the wrestling game genre?
+Yes, WWF Attitude introduced a create-a-wrestler mode and attempted to immerse players in the narrative world of the WWF through its story mode.
How does WWF Attitude compare to other wrestling games of its time?
+WWF Attitude was competitive with other wrestling games of its era, offering unique features and an authentic WWF experience that appealed to fans of the WWF universe.
In conclusion, WWF Attitude stands as a pivotal title in the history of professional wrestling video games, offering a mix of improved gameplay, innovative features, and an authentic WWF experience. While it may have its limitations and did not fully realize its potential, WWF Attitude’s legacy can be seen in the evolution of the genre, influencing later games to incorporate more complex storytelling, customization options, and immersive gameplay experiences.
