WWE: Day of Reckoning Review

[BreakABone]

Well, I will pick up the game.

I had no real problem with XIX, even Revenge mode.

But now it has a real story mode, and a more in depth CW, I'm there.

Here is also another review from a great wrestling game site, though I think their reviews are a tad.. biase... but eh

http://www.gamingring.com/cgi-bin/ul...;f=1;t=000182#

[Blix]

I might pick the game up today. I was expecting the game not to have the same pace as No Mercy so, it doesn't shock me. Now, why didn't they put more more characters in the game? And there aren't that many divas so... the P&B match is kinda pointless. Not that I was caring much about it in the first place, but if you're going to do something like that... PUT ALL THE FREAKING DIVAS IN THERE!!!!!! Anyways, after playing HCTP, I'm beginning to like their games again so this one has to be at least as good as HCTP.

[BreakABone]

http://www.gamespot.com/gamecube/spo...ng/review.html

GameSpot gave it a 8.2

Wow not bad, an 8.3 from IGN and an 8.2 from GameSpot.
I get mines tomorrow hopefully.

"When it comes right down to it, WWE Day of Reckoning is easily Yuke's most successful effort to bring the action of the WWE to the GameCube. The story mode, though perhaps a bit too linear, is still a humongous improvement over last year's game, and the overall improved gameplay, scads of match types, and deep create-a-wrestler mode should be more than enough to keep any wrestling fan busy for at least another year. Does all of this mean that Day of Reckoning finally manages to completely shake off the "SmackDown! afterthought syndrome" of past GameCube wrestling games? Not quite, but Day of Reckoning is still a big step forward for WWE games on the Cube. If you're a wrestling fan with a GameCube, Day of Reckoning should definitely be on your purchase list."

For those who are familiar with last year's WrestleMania XIX, or any of the Aki-produced wrestling games, Day of Reckoning's gameplay will probably feel like old hat. It's based on the tried-and-true weak and strong striking and grappling mechanics of old, and the only real differences in the basic gameplay are pacing and counters. The pacing of the matches is slightly more methodical this time around, though it still has an overall quick feel. Essentially, it's easier to plot out your moves and figure out exactly how you want to attack rather than just mindlessly hitting the grapple and strike buttons while hoping for the best.

[Professor S]

BeakABone... you just made me a lot happier.

[BreakABone]

First Day Impressions

Well, much like almost any wrestling game on a Nintendo system, I got it around the first week or so.

I will say right off the back that I think this is a huge improvement over XIX, which I enjoyed a lot.

I don't know what it is exactly, but I think it's the little things that add up to the whole package.

Stuff such as weight detection, location specific damage, the momentum shift, and other small facets really add up fast.

The game to me, moves at about the same pace as XIX, but the wrestler's sell longer, and well damage shows visible wear on their body. You can't run completely when your legs are hurt, you will like run then stop, your head will hurt if you do any moves when your neck is injured, you will hold your arms and so on and so on.

Another small inclusion that wasn't in last year's game is KOs as well as interference. And those are pretty much self-explained.

Now the momentum shift, which is something entirely new to this game,, and any wrestling game to my knowledge. Is just what it says. When one wrestler gets beatdown badly, there is a chance to hit a "momentum" shift move, which turns the tide in your favor. The only one I've seen so far from Triple H and Eddie G were several low blows to the groin. There are others which i believe include a poke in the eye and dropkicks, and the RKO if I'm not mistaken.

The story mode IMO is vastly improved over the one off.. er wait XIX had none, so eh.

IT is pretty linear thus far the only choice I made was going to Raw or SmackDown, but it realy draws you in with scripted events, atleast the feuds always make sense.. I hope.

~Edit~
I may as well post my grievances with the game as well.

First and foremost:
the limited roster. Now I don't particurly care for JBL, Dudleyz and some of the other omissions in the game, and wouldn't really care either way since I won't pick em, but it does hurt story mode. Since you have a limited number of oppenents. I mean think about it, about 30 in total, split 15/15 between brands. And you got a story mode where you will be seeing the same faces over and over. Sure it builds story, which is cool. But how many times do I need to fight a Basham? or better yet lance Storm who've I've fought since I was on Heat?

The background music, either good or bad depending on your taste. I don't mind the songs that mend into the background, but there are some so loud, it takes over the match. And well the selection was ok. I didn't really mind the made up music they had before though.

Some of the collision is still off. You can run right past a person and try and clothesline them and somehow miss em. Also the mysterious apron is still around, you can slam an oppenent into it and well, they will float right through tot he floor. Also, I only noticed this with the Throwback, but if you do it near enough to the announce table, he jumps high enough to somehow land on the table and till drop the oppenent. don't ask me how.

For those who are wondering, the pinball collision is till in, it's not as bad as before. Since you basically have to be in the route of the move. Like say a foot nails you on the head or something.

[TheGame]

Doesn't sound to bad. Maybe I'll rent... too bad I haven't watched WWE in weeks (Wait.. maybe months now)

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by BreakABone

The game to me, moves at about the same pace as XIX, but the wrestler's sell longer.

My biggest complaint of every game since No Mercy was the wrestlers tend to just "pop-up" after a big move. This doesn't allow you to put a match together.

This, along with the CAW and the other additions will make this an easy rental and a probable buy.

+Rep

[Professor S]

Just wanted to add that I got a look at the gameplay footage in some vids over at Gamespot, and the pace is really reminding me of the old AKI engine. It is faster, but as BAB pointed out the guys stay on the mat longer after a move and the "stunned" affect seems to last longer too.

I'm going to start saving now.