WWF Attitude (Nintendo 64, PlayStation 1, Dreamcast & Game Boy Colour)

WWF Attitude

Developer(s) – Acclaim Studios Salt Lake City

Publisher(s) – Acclaim Sports

PEGI – 12

Released following the success of WWF War Zone, and being the last WWE game overseen by Acclaim Sorts ending a 10-year association with the company, WWF Attitude was released to further commercial and critical acclaim. Expanding on the ideas perpetuated by War Zone to ridiculous levels. I mentioned in my review of War Zone that I had a strong sense of nostalgia for that game. And that it still holds up to this day. But as this game was a decisive improvement on War Zone in every way, I was at an age to appreciate it fully, this title holds even more nostalgic value to me. And holds up even better than War Zone. 

Graphics – 8.5/10

One of the most notable improvements in the game is in the technical aspect of the graphics, as the textures are infinitely more detailed than in War Zone. And this was done for a far bigger roster of WWE wrestlers. Each wrestler’s own entrance sequence is also extended greatly. Giving the game a far greater sense of variety than in the former. It also excels above War Zone in terms of conceptual design. As there are more types of arenas to choose from relative to different WWE Pay-Per-View events. They, along with wrestlers, can even be customized in terms of the color of the ropes, and ring. And even the designs of the metal frames on either side of the titan tron. 

Gameplay – 8/10

The biggest improvement this game has on its predecessor, however, is in terms of gameplay. The game modes that were present in War Zone return. Including an all-new career mode, which is structured far better. As well as the additions of there now being a First Blood match and an I Quit Match option. As I said before, the main roster is also expanded largely compared to the limited amount of comparatively limited characters there were in War Zone. But there are also a whole host of unlockable characters to obtain such as Chyna and Shawn Michaels.

Controls – 9/10

As the game is most likely made on the same engine, the same control scheme applies to WWF Attitude as what it does in War Zone. In the cage matches, I still had the same trouble trying to climb out of cages. So the only disappointment I had with the control scheme was that they didn’t address that issue. However, if born with it, it doesn’t remain too much of a problem. On the other hand, however, the individual movements and commands had been somewhat refined for Attitude and in that respect were yet another decisive improvement over War Zone. 

Lifespan – 8/10

Of course, that there are far more characters and far more game modes added to this game, it can inevitably be made too far a far longer amount of time than its predecessor. The sheer amount of customization and gameplay options made available at the time made this one of the most, if not the most, expansive WWE experiences at the time. And consequently, it still holds up as a game that both fans of WWE and non-fans alike can spend hours upon hours investing in. 

Storyline – N/A (10/10)

The case with WWF Attitude remains the same as what it was with War Zone. Wrestling fans will inevitably be enthralled in this game faster. And to a greater extent than those who don’t follow, or never have followed wrestling, but overall, familiarity with the WWE universe; is not needed to enjoy it. The commentary, however, is this time provided not by Vince McMahon and Jim Ross, but by Jerry Lawler and Shane McMahon. They unanimously make for a more comedic duo than the former. 

Originality – 7/10

At this juncture, where the WWE video game franchise was concerned, there had always been limitations with games prior to this. Most notably in the character rosters, as only a few characters were even chosen for each game compared to what they had on their rosters at the time. But this game did exceptionally well to blow every other WWE game out of the water at the time by expanding on the entire concept until it was splitting at the seams with ideas. It stands out among every other WWE game. Because it gave WWE fans at the time everything bigger than before, better than before, and all at once. There would be better WWE games released after this. But this game was instrumental in setting many standards that every other WWE game would adhere to from thereon.

Happii

Overall WWF Attitude is one of my favorite fifth-generation wrestling games of all time. As well as it is one of my favorite Nintendo 64 games of all time. It gave wrestling fans everything they wanted and added a few welcome additions in the process. And still remains a load of fun to play to this day. 

Score

50.5/60

8/10 (Very Good)

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