WWE Wrestlemania 21 Preview

In mid-March the latest version of the WWE franchise steps into the Xbox ring for THQ. Wrestlemania 21 sports new features, a bevy of wrestling options, and new Xbox Live abilities.

The game appears to have taken great pains to actualize the look of some of the top wrestlers in the sport, but the preview code shown at THQ’s Gamer’s Day (January 26 in San Francisco) was also a little stiff in regards to animation. The wrestlers would, at times, seem to move rather haltingly. But never fear, wrestling fans, this game is still a ways from release and that may be improved by the time the game hits store shelves.

When it comes to videogame wrestling, few do it better than THQ’s vaunted franchise. Sporting the top names and signature moves, this title is a staple for fans worldwide. The newest edition melds the old with the new in a seamless manner. Players will be able to visit legends of the past (was that really Andre the Giant rambling down the runway?), or create their own belt, and then put it up for grabs online.

Of course, female wrestlers show up and there is the “Bra and Panty” match for those titillated by such antics. The controls are easy to use, and in no time, players will be stunning opponents, climbing to the top of the ropes and performing aerial maneuvers to drive their foes into the canvas. But you don’t have to simply take what your opponent is throwing at you. There is a countering system in place that will allow the adept wrestler to counter every move the opposition throws at him or her.

The game will allow up to four players to compete, and also will feature the ability to evolve your chosen character in terms of look and moves.

If THQ’s development team can overcome the stiffness in the animation, WWE Wrestlemania 21 could well be the most impressive of the franchise. It is option rich and the characters are spot on from the wild and wonderful world of pro wrestling.