WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game
From Sega Retro
WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (レッスルマニア・ジ・アーケードゲーム) is a 1995 wrestling game developed by Midway Manufacturing for the arcades, based on the World Wrestling Federation professional wrestling promotion. Sculptured Software produced ports of the game for the Sega Mega Drive, Sega 32X and Sega Saturn, which were published by Acclaim in 1995 and 1996.
Unlike most wrestling games, WrestleMania is a one-on-one versus fighter, with an exaggerated style similar to previous Midway arcade games Mortal Kombat and NBA Jam. The game features digitized representations of eight WWF performers. Commentary is provided by Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler, who also appear in the game sitting at the announcers' table to the right of the ring.
Later, a sequel called WWF In Your House was released for the PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and DOS.
Contents
Gameplay
Although based on professional wrestling, the game plays more like a fighting game, inspired by Midway's popular Mortal Kombat series, than a conventional wrestling game. However, unlike most fighting games, gameplay takes place in a two-dimensional playfield that the wrestlers can move in and out of. While actual wrestling moves are present, matches consist primarily of strike attacks and special moves. The game features many over-the-top and cartoonish attacks, such as Doink the Clown pulling a mallet out of thin air, Razor Ramon's arm transforming into a blade, or Bam Bam Bigelow's fists catching on fire. Each wrestler can "bleed" an object that represents them, such as dumbbells flying out of Lex Luger or valentine hearts coming out of Bret Hart. Rather than a single match, the fight is broken up into timed rounds, with two pins needed to become the victor.
Wrestlers move around the ring using the D-Pad. They punch with and "Super Punch" with and kick with and "Super Kick" with . The Super attacks are slower but more powerful. Wrestlers can block attacks by holding and can shove by pressing punch () while blocking. Grabs and holds cannot be blocked. They can run by holding (with or to choose a direction) and can attack while running. They rebound off the ropes enclosing the ring when running. Wrestlers can climb up to a turnbuckle (by holding or in the upper corners of the ring) and then dive off by pressing any button (except block). Once an opponent's vitality has been drained, the player must pin the opponent by pressing any button.
Each wrestler has his own special moves and combos, but they have some shared techniques that can be performed when close to an opponent. A wrestler can throw his opponent into the ropes with (or if facing left). A "Recover" meter appears, and the opponent rebounds off the ropes out of control until the meter is filled (which can be sped up if the player presses buttons repeatedly). Every wrestler can slam his opponent into the mat with (or if facing left). When backed against the ropes, this maneuver throws the opponent out of the ring. Finally, wrestlers can grab opponents in a head hold with (or if facing left), which can be followed up by an attack. While in a head hold, a wrestler can perform a reversal with (or if facing left) or .
It is possible to throw a wrestler out of the ring and then follow the opponent out through the ropes. The wrestler outside the ring loses health if he remains outside the ring, unless his opponent joins him outside the ring.
Wrestlers have a "Combo" meter that fills as they perform moves during a round. When the meter fills, the wrestler can perform a combo by putting his opponent in a head hold and then pressing and any button (or if facing left). The Combo meter is retained between rounds. A pinned wrestler with a full Combo meter can get a "second wind" and recover with a sliver of health by pressing buttons repeatedly, if it is the last round and the wrestlers are inside the ring.
When using a three-button control pad in the Mega Drive and 32X versions, wrestlers punch with , Super Punch with +, kick with , and Super Kick with +. They block with and run with +. Shoving while blocking cannot be done with a three-button control pad. Throwing an opponent into the ropes is done with + (or + if facing left). Takedowns are done with (or if facing left). Head holds are done with + (or + if facing left). Reversals in head holds are done with + (or + if facing left) or +.
Modes
There are two single-player modes, selected after choosing a wrestler. There are five difficulty levels for computer-controlled opponents (Very Easy, Easy, Medium, Hard, and Very Hard in the Mega Drive and 32X versions or Easy, Medium, Hard, Extreme, and Get Real in the Saturn version).
- Intercontinental Championship: The player must win four one-on-one matches, two Handicap 2-on-1 matches, and one Handicap 3-on-1 match to win the title.
- World Wrestling Federation Championship: A more difficult championship. The player must win four Handicap 2-on-1 matches, two Handicap 3-on-1 matches, and finally a "WrestleMania Challenge," where the player must defeat every wrestler in the game in a gauntlet, starting with a three-on-one setup, with each eliminated opponent being replaced with another until all eight have been defeated.
The game also features two two-player modes. The second player can enter the game by pressing START at the wrestler select screen.
- Head to Head: A one-on-one match between two players.
- Cooperative: Both players team up in a tag team version of the WrestleMania Challenge in which they must defeat the game's eight wrestlers in groups of two to become the Tag Team Champions.
Wrestlers
Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.
P | Punch |
SP | Super punch |
K | Kick |
SK | Super kick |
BL | Block |
RN | Run |
Players can choose a random wrestler by pressing + START while Doink (for player one) or Razor Ramon (for player two) is selected.
Doink | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Portrayed by: Matt Osborne From: The Circus Height: 6'0" Weight: 234 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Doink is a trickster clown. His abilities are themed around clownish pranks and carnival and circus imagery.
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Razor Ramon | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Scott Hall From: Miami, Florida Height: 6'7" Weight: 262 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Razor Ramon is a Scarface-inspired Cuban-American from Miami. In the game, he can change his arm into a large blade.
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The Undertaker | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Mark Calaway From: Death Valley, California Height: 6'11" Weight: 322 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Undertaker is portrayed in his "Deadman" persona, a macabre-themed character with abilities involving funereal imagery such as ghosts and tombstones.
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Yokozuna | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Agatupu Anoa'i From: Tokyo, Japan Height: 6'4" Weight: 568 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Yokozuna is a sumo wrestler. Though he represented Japan in competition, he was portrayed by a Samoan-American. His abilities involve throwing salt and using his considerable mass against opponents.
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Shawn Michaels | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Michael Hickenbottom From: San Antonio, Texas Height: 6'1" Weight: 235 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shawn Michaels is portrayed in his "Heartbreak Kid" persona, a cocky and self-absorbed character.
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Bam Bam Bigelow | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Scott Charles Bigelow From: Asbury Park, New Jersey Height: 6'4" Weight: 400 lbs.b | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bam Bam Bigelow is known for his large frame and flame tattoos and outfit, and many of his moves in the game are fire-themed to match.
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Bret Hart | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Bret Hart From: Calgary, Alberta Height: 6'1" Weight: 234 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bret "The Hitman" Hart is a member of a well known Canadian wrestling family. He is associated with hearts and wears pink and black as a play on his name.
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Lex Luger | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Portrayed by: Lawrence Pfohl From: Atlanta, Georgia Height: 6'5" Weight: 275 lbs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lex Luger is portrayed in his "All-American" persona. He wears an American flag-themed outfit, and many of his moves involve his arm turning into a steel object.
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Music and sound
In-game music consists of snippets from the roster's circa-1994 entrance music (with the exception of Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker, who use older versions of their themes), as well as the opening themes to WWF Monday Night RAW, WWF Superstars, and WWF Wrestling Challenge.
Versions
The Super NES version only have six characters, omitting Bam Bam Bigelow and Yokozuna. The Sega Mega Drive port contains all eight characters and also allows four characters to be on-screen at once, albeit with slowdown (though not as much as found in the SNES port). Most of the voice and commentary is present, although much of Jerry Lawler's commentary is dropped.
The 32X port was an enhanced Mega Drive port, thus it is not as close to the arcade as it could have been if it were built from the ground up. The graphics and audio were improved somewhat (rendering in-game at 320x224 vs 256x224), but the frame rate was reduced to 30 FPS instead of the 60 FPS found in other versions. This does, however, help to avoid slowdown issues.
The CD-ROM versions, including the Saturn port, are more accurate to the arcade version than other ports. Graphically, they are similar, though not as sharp, and the sprites are slightly smaller. There is no in-game music. Loading time is increased, including when loading the next character in a Battle Royale.
Production credits
Mega Drive version
- Associate Producers: Michael Archer, Douglas Yellin, Tyrone Miller, Pax
- Analysts: J.J. Mazziotto, Simon Gouldstone
- QA Supervisor: Carol Caracciolo, Adam Ingberman
- Lead Analyst: Jim Dunn
- Game Testers: CP McBee, Chris Shanley, Chad Chamberlain, Mat T. Kraemer, David Chopard
- QA Computer Support: Harry Reimer, Howard Perlman
- Special Thanks to: Kristen Muzer, Linda Spelman, Roger Booth, Derek Phillips, Kevin Denehy, Eric Samulski, Craig Cassanelli, Jim Herzner
- Mark Turmell, Sal DiVita, Jason Skiles, Josh Tsui, Eugene Geer, Jake Simpson, Mike Lynch, Tony Goskie
- Project Management: Al Mecklenburg
- Lead Programmers: Rob Nelson, Altair Lane
- Additional Programming: Omar Canon, Jundong Ma
- Production Assistant: Joe Buffington
- Lead Artists: Chad Johnson, Heinee Hinrichsen
- Artists: Gavin Evertson, Mike Ulrich, Mike Lott, John Kilbourn, Kelly Kofoed, John Olsen, Keith Musig, Russ Chancellor, Michael Hunter, Joel Izatt, Virginia Sargent, Daniel Whittington
- Sounds and Music: Dean Morrell, Victor Crews, Chris Braymen
- Tools: Gary Penacho, Mike Callahan, Steve Aguirre, Patrick Alphonso
- Testing
- Manager: Gary Rowberry
- Supervisor: Chris Olson, Chandler Holbrook
- Michael Bashford, Chris Debry, Todd Dowd, Brian Edwards, Garon Galloway, David Hanks, Scott Hanks, John Howa, Jason Humphrey, Morgan Jones, Ryan McBride, Ryan McCormick, Mark Melville, Ryan Milligan, Greg Murphy, Ben Nielson, Andrew Parker, Cole Richins, Jerry Roberts
- Special Thanks to: Kevin Kralian, John Blackburn, Lynn Pugh, Todd Blackburn, Jim Henn, Adam Clayton
32X version
- Associate Producers: Michael Archer, Douglas Yellin, Tyrone Miller, Pax
- Analyst: J.J. Mazziotto, Simon Gouldstone
- Q.A. Supervisor: Carol Caracciolo, Adam Ingberman
- Lead Analyst: Jim Dunn
- Game Testers: CP McBee, Chris Shanley, Chad Chamberlain, Mat T. Kraemer, David Chopard
- Q.A. Computer Support: Harry Reimer, Howard Perlman
- Special Thanks to: Kristen Muzer, Derek Phillips, Linda Spelman, Craig Cassenelli, Roger Booth, Eric Samulski, Jim Herzner, Kevin Denehy
- Mark Turmell, Eugene Geer, Sal DiVita, Jake Simpson, Jason Skiles, Mike Lynch, Josh Tsui, Tony Goskie
- 32X Development Team
- Lead Programmer: Kevin Kralian
- Additional Programming: Hung Nguyen
- Genesis Development Team
- Lead Programmers: Rob Nelson, Altair Lane
- Additional Programming: Omar Canon, Jundong Ma
- Project Management: Al Mecklenburg
- Production Assistant: Joe Buffington
- Lead Artists: Chad Johnson, Heinee Hinrichsen
- Artists: Gavin Evertson, Keith Musig, Mike Ulrich, Russ Chancellor, Mike Lott, Michael Hunter, John Kilbourn, Joel Izatt, Kelly Kofoed, Virginia Sargent, John Olson, Dan Whittington
- Sounds and Music: Dean Morrell, Chris Braymen
- Tools: Mike Callahan, Steve Aguirre, Gary Penacho, Dean Ertel, Tom Tolman
- Testing
- Manager: Gary Rowberry
- Supervisor: Chris Olson, Chandler Holbrook
- Chris Debry, Ryan McBride, Todd Dowd, Ryan McCormick, Brian Edwards, Mark Melville, Garon Galloway, Ryan Milligan, David Hanks, Greg Murphy, Scott Hanks, Ben Nielson, Jason Humphrey, Andrew Parker, Morgan Jones, Cole Richins, Hohn Jowa, Jerry Roberts
- Special Thanks to: Joanna Bear, Randy Linden, Todd Blackburn, John Blackburn, Lynn Pugh, Adam Clayton
Saturn version
- Lead Programmer: Paul Blagay
- Programmers: John Drabik, Eric Repasy
- Project Manager: Craig Matsuura
- Associate Project Manager: Jim 'Art Monkey' Jung
- Artists: Dan Whittington, Keinee Kinricksen, Mike Hunter, Clark Sorensen
- Music and Sound: Dean Morrell, Roy Wilkins, Chris Braymen
- Tools Team: Rob Dautel, John Drabik
- Testing Manager: Gary Rowberry
- Testing: Greg Murphy, Todd Dowd, Jason Humphrey, Hank Rowberry
- Special Thanks to: Rob Nelson, Kevin Kralian, Dean 'Super Scalar' Ertel, Bruce Gifford, Altair Lane, Omar Cannon, Rick Ludwig, Jon Blagay, Sega DTS, SN Systems, Julie Mun
- Extra Special Thanks to: Cathleen Blagay, Charlotte Drabik, Cindy Repasy, Judy Jette, Gary Stenning, Lee Smith, Eric Nikolaisen, Drake Dickerson
- Midway Development by: Mark Turmell, Sal Divita, Jason Skiles, Josh Tsui, Eugene Geer, Jake Simpson, Mike Lynch, Tony Goskie
- Acclaim Development: The Black Team
- Producer: Michael Archer
- Producers: Douglas Yellin, Tyrone Miller, Pax
- Associate Producer: Simon Gouldstone
- Analyst: Jim Dunn
- Special Thanks to: Kristen Muser, Linda Spelman, Kelly Coleman, Derek Phillips, Vince Russo, Shawn Rosen
- Senior Manager: Mike Weiner
- Testing Supervisor: Carol Caracciolo
- Technical Coordinator: Harry Reimer
- Testing Coordinator: Terry Thomas
- Lead Analysts: Mike Hong, Steve Mattocks, Jerry Tjan, John Cooper
Magazine articles
- Main article: WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game/Magazine articles.
Promotional material
also published in:
- (UK) #10: "August 1996" (1996-07-20)[16]
Physical scans
Mega Drive version
Sega Retro Average | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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|
80 | |
---|---|
Based on 16 reviews |
Mega Drive, AU |
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|
32X version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
80 | |
---|---|
Based on 3 reviews |
Saturn version
Sega Retro Average | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
76 | |
---|---|
Based on 21 reviews |
Technical information
- Main article: WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game/Technical information.
References
- ↑ File:WWFWM Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/fb/segahard/ss/soft_licensee2.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-03-20 23:05)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 GamePro, "December 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 85
- ↑ http://www.sega-saturn.com/saturn/other/may-n.htm (Wayback Machine: 1997-06-06 05:51)
- ↑ https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/3zyCQStxBFw/m/rv4O1M9n_woJ
- ↑ File:LeicesterMercury UK 1996-06-22 12.jpg
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "July 1996" (UK; 1996-06-20), page 100
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Computer & Video Games, "August 1996" (UK; 1996-07-11), page 60
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 GamePro, "December 1995" (US; 1995-xx-xx), page 87
- ↑ File:WWF WrestleMania Arcade MD credits.pdf
- ↑ File:WWF WrestleMania Arcade 32X credits.pdf
- ↑ File:WWF WrestleMania Arcade Saturn credits.pdf
- ↑ GamePro, "June 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 49
- ↑ Next Generation, "July 1996" (US; 1996-06-18), page 90
- ↑ Electronic Gaming Monthly, "July 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 55
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "August 1996" (UK; 1996-07-20), page 33
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 269
- ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 270
- ↑ Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 239
- ↑ Fun Generation, "06/95" (DE; 1995-0x-xx), page 60
- ↑ Gamers, "Dezember 1995" (DE; 1995-11-08), page 24
- ↑ GamesMaster, "xxxx xxxx" (UK; 1995-xx-xx), page 59
- ↑ Hobby Consolas, "Enero 1996" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 68
- ↑ MAN!AC, "04/96" (DE; 1996-03-13), page 71
- ↑ Mega Fun, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-21), page 41
- ↑ Secret Service, "Luty 1996" (PL; 1996-02-xx), page 28
- ↑ Sega Magazin, "Dezember 1995" (DE; 1995-11-15), page 24
- ↑ Sega Power, "January 1996" (UK; 1995-11-16), page 62
- ↑ Todo Sega, "Enero 1996" (ES; 199x-xx-xx), page 50
- ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 228
- ↑ VideoGames, "December 1995" (US; 1995-11-21), page 88
- ↑ Secret Service, "Luty 1996" (PL; 1996-02-xx), page 28
- ↑ Ultimate Gamer, "December 1995" (US; 1995-1x-xx), page 92
- ↑ GamesMaster, "August 1996" (UK; 1996-07-04), page 60
- ↑ Consoles News, "Juillet/Août 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 90
- ↑ Fun Generation, "08/96" (DE; 1996-07-10), page 81
- ↑ GameFan, "Volume 4, Issue 8: August 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 14
- ↑ GamePro, "September 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 70
- ↑ Joypad, "Juillet/Août 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 75
- ↑ MAN!AC, "08/96" (DE; 1996-07-17), page 61
- ↑ Mega Fun, "08/96" (DE; 1996-07-17), page 68
- ↑ Mean Machines Sega, "July 1996" (UK; 1996-06-03), page 80
- ↑ Player One, "Juin 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 117
- ↑ Saturn Fan, "1996 No. 17" (JP; 1996-08-02), page 186
- ↑ Saturn Fan, "1996 No. 20" (JP; 1996-09-20), page 62
- ↑ Secret Service, "Luty 1996" (PL; 1996-02-xx), page 28
- ↑ Sega Power, "Collectors' Issue 1996" (UK; 1996-07-xx), page 56
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "July 1996" (UK; 1996-06-20), page 74
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "1996-12 (1996-07-26)" (JP; 1996-07-12), page 222
- ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 15
- ↑ Total Saturn, "Volume One Issue One" (UK; 1996-08-xx), page 32
- ↑ Total Saturn, "Volume One Issue Four" (UK; 1996-12-29), page 68
- ↑ Video Games, "8/96" (DE; 1996-07-31), page 113
- ↑ VideoGames, "August 1996" (US; 1996-07-xx), page 66
WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game | |
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Main page | Comparisons | Hidden content | Magazine articles | Video coverage | Reception | Region coding | Technical information | Bootlegs
Demos: WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game Demo Version (1996) |
WWF franchise games for Sega systems | |
---|---|
WWF WrestleMania: Steel Cage Challenge (1993) | |
WWF Super WrestleMania (1992) | WWF Royal Rumble (1993) | WWF Raw (1994) | WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (1995) | |
WWF WrestleMania: Steel Cage Challenge (1993) | WWF Raw (1994) | |
WWF Rage in the Cage (1993) | |
WWF Raw (1995) | WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (1995) | |
WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (1996) | WWF In Your House (1996) | |
WWF Attitude (1999) | |
WWF Royal Rumble (2000) | |
WWF Royal Rumble (1994) |
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