ECW Anarchy Rulz
Score: 87% ESRB: Teen Publisher: Acclaim Developer: Acclaim Studios Salt Lake City Media: CD/1 Players: 1 - 4 Genre: Sports
Graphics & Sound: Do you remember when Acclaim came out with WWF Warzone? An awesome game at the time! Since then, wrestling games have matured and improved in graphics, sound, gameplay, etc... but not for Acclaim. Sorry guys, but if you're looking for a fresh face in wrestling, ECW Anarchy Rulz is the same ol', same ol'. Don't get me wrong. The graphics and characters are very nice looking. And the 2-person color commentary is decent. But with the exception of the many options it serves up, the game hasn't changed all that much.
Gameplay: Although it uses the same engine as its predecessors, ECW Anarchy Rulz does have a very large number of options, characters, game modes, and weaponry (it wouldn't be ECW without it, right?). In fact, there are over 60 ECW characters to choose from! The numerous options allow you to change match types, create your own Pay-Per-View, create characters, and much, much more. Game modes include everything from Streetfights, Cage Matches, Deathmatches, and even Table Matches, where four tables are placed outside the ring for your extreme entertainment! You see the many options, so what about gameplay? Well, ECW Anarchy Rulz is actually like any other wrestling title. You need to learn some button combinations that work for your character and go out and kick some hard-core ass. If you're good enough, bust out a can o' whoop-ass in Career mode. Here you will be able to compete in numerous regular matches, as well as on TNN and in Pay-Per-Views!
Difficulty: You said you wanted hard-core, right? Well, you got it. Of course you will eventually learn how to pulverize your opponents, but at first you may be face down on the mat. Oh... so you're a tough guy, eh? Then why don't you try your hand at a One-Player Battle Royal? The computer guys will have no mercy on you and it's you against the world! All in all, difficulty will vary with time and experience.
Game Mechanics: Get ready to learn a new set of button combinations. In time, you will be Jackknife Powerbombing your way to victory. With each game mode and set of match options, you will need to change your style of wrestling, which gives the game a lot of replay value. And of course, there's nothin' better than stickin' your foot up your friend's ass in Versus mode. Be careful though, if you have earned a belt and you turn the Belt Challenge option on, your buddy may be out for blood! ECW Anarchy Rulz's lack of originality has been surely offset by its numerous gameplay options. However, this game is definitely worth a rent before you buy, especially if you currently own other wrestling titles. It is because of the game's many options that I have given the game a higher-than-I-would-have score of 87%. By the way, 'What about Raven?'
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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