{"id":70380,"date":"2020-07-19T11:55:31","date_gmt":"2020-07-19T15:55:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonprowrestling.com\/?p=70380"},"modified":"2020-07-19T11:55:31","modified_gmt":"2020-07-19T15:55:31","slug":"revisiting-wrestling-video-games-gamecube","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2020\/07\/19\/revisiting-wrestling-video-games-gamecube\/","title":{"rendered":"Revisiting Wrestling Video Games (GameCube)"},"content":{"rendered":"

As detailed last time, there were several wrestling video games released on the PlayStation 2. This wasn’t to say that the PS2 was the only console that was inundated with wrestling titles in the sixth generation. Following the Nintendo 64, the company that brought life to \u201cSuper Mario\u201d and \u201cPokemon,\u201d among other series, kicked things up a notch. However, instead of focusing on specs and numbers, Nintendo emphasized innovation with the GameCube.<\/p>\n

\"Nintendo
Photo \/ Nintendo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nintendo GameCube<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Nintendo GameCube was released in Japan and North America in 2001; it would make its way to Europe the following year. To say that the GameCube stood out from its competitors would be an understatement. In addition to a boxy, cube-like, design, the GameCube utilized mini DVD-esque discs as their proprietary format. Ergo, unlike the PS2, the GameCube could not play audio discs or DVDs. Simply put, this colorful cube focused on gaming.<\/p>\n

Despite being the lowest-selling main console of the sixth generation, the GameCube enjoyed considerable success. Such titles as \u201cThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,\u201d \u201cMetroid Prime,\u201d and \u201cSuper Smash Bros. Melee\u201d helped make it a worthwhile purchase. Its library also featured a number of wrestling video games, some better than others. Here, we will look into a few of the memorable titles and discuss why they are worth revisiting or experiencing for the very first time.<\/p>\n

\"Ultimate
Photo \/ Bandai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ultimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To provide some background, \u201cKinnikuman\u201d<\/a> – or \u201cMuscle Man\u201d – is a long-running manga and anime series. It focuses on the adventures of Suguru Kinniku, a superhero wrestler who is the prince of the planet Kinniku. This series became incredibly popular in Japan and even made its way to the United States in various forms. As one may imagine, these included video games, though not all of them were winners. This was where \u201cUltimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation,\u201d which saw a 2002 release in Japan before making its way to North America the following year, shined.<\/p>\n

Developed by AKI, the company that worked on the N64 line of wrestling video games, \u201cUltimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation\u201d proved to be as outlandish as its source material. It was far less grounded than wrestling games based on real-life promotions, as wrestlers could leap tall heights and perform superhuman feats of acrobatics. \u201cUltimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation\u201d moved fast and didn’t let up.<\/p>\n

\u201cUltimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation\u201d also had its own unique presence, featuring cel-shaded graphics not unlike \u201cThe Wind Waker\u201d or \u201cViewtiful Joe.” The game also offered replayability, with different character stories to play through and unlockables to collect. Don’t let the lack of real-life wrestling presence shy you away from this title. \u201cUltimate Muscle: Legends vs. New Generation\u201d is a fun time.<\/p>\n

\"WWE
Photo \/ World Wrestling Entertainment<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

WWE WrestleMania XIX Wrestling Video Game<\/strong><\/h3>\n

While the PlayStation line of consoles enjoyed the \u201cSmackDown\u201d and \u201cSmackDown vs. RAW series,\u201d WWE didn’t ignore other platforms. In 2002, THQ and Yuke’s released \u201cWWE WrestleMania X8\u201d on the GameCube. It received mixed reviews upon its release. However, its sequel, 2003’s \u201cWWE WrestleMania XIX\u201d will be the focus of this section. Once again, THQ and Yuke’s were at the helm, though the results were more favorable this time around.<\/p>\n

With a distinct grappling system and status meter, \u201cWWE WrestleMania XIX\u201d felt almost like an evolution of the aforementioned N64 titles. However, where this game differed from others was its single-player campaign. In lieu of a traditional career mode, \u201cWWE WrestleMania XIX\u201d offered Revenge Mode. As the main character, either a mainline or created superstar, you are fired by Vince McMahon<\/strong>. Later contracted by Stephanie McMahon<\/strong>, you must exact revenge by spoiling WrestleMania. Tasks take place in different locations, from shopping malls to construction sites, providing a different take on the established career mode formula.<\/p>\n

Revenge Mode isn’t the only way these areas can be accessed. They can also be played in standard mode, which offers unique possibilities. For example, if a player wanted to take control of \u201cHollywood\u201d Hulk Hogan<\/strong> to face a young John Cena<\/strong> in a shipping yard, it can be done. To say that \u201cWWE WrestleMania XIX\u201d is a unique entry would be an understatement, but it’s still an enjoyable ride and was followed up by \u201cWWE Day of Reckoning\u201d the following year.<\/p>\n