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Story

ECW Anarchy Rulz is not a narrative-driven game but rather a wrestling simulation that draws its essence from Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), a professional wrestling promotion renowned for its hardcore and rebellious style. Released in 2000, the game immerses players in the chaotic and extreme world of ECW, which was a stark contrast to the more polished productions of its contemporaries, WWE and WCW.

While the game doesn’t offer a traditional storyline, it allows players to engage in various wrestling matches with some of the most iconic ECW wrestlers like Rob Van Dam, Tommy Dreamer, and Raven. The essence of the game lies in its ability to capture the raw and unfiltered energy of ECW, emphasizing extreme moves, hardcore weapons, and the grittiness of its arenas. Players can create their own wrestlers and embark on a career mode where they rise through the ranks of ECW, attempting to become the ultimate hardcore champion.

Gameplay

ECW Anarchy Rulz is built upon the foundation of its predecessor, ECW Hardcore Revolution, utilizing a similar engine but offering enhancements and additional features. The gameplay is designed to mirror the extreme nature of ECW wrestling, pushing the boundaries of traditional wrestling games of its era.

Match Types and Modes

The game offers a variety of match types that were popular in ECW, emphasizing extreme and hardcore elements. Players can engage in:

• Single: Classic one-on-one matches.
• Tag Team: Two-on-two matches with classic ECW tag teams.
• Three-Way Dance: A three-person elimination match.
• Four-Way Dance: An expansion of the three-way dance, incorporating four wrestlers.
• Battle Royal: A chaotic match with multiple wrestlers aiming to be the last one standing.
• Career Mode: Players create a wrestler and compete to achieve championship titles.

Control and Mechanics

The game mechanics are intuitive, designed to appeal to wrestling fans who appreciate fast-paced action. Players can execute a variety of moves, ranging from basic strikes and grapples to signature moves and finishers unique to each wrestler. The control scheme is straightforward, enabling players to perform complex maneuvers with ease.

One of the standout features is the use of weapons, which is integral to the ECW experience. Players can utilize chairs, tables, and other foreign objects found around the ring, adding a layer of strategy and unpredictability to matches.

Graphics and Sound

ECW Anarchy Rulz, developed for the PlayStation and Dreamcast, showcases graphics that were considered decent for its time. The character models of wrestlers are recognizable, capturing the likenesses of ECW stars, though they lack the polish seen in games from larger wrestling promotions.

Visual Presentation

The game features authentic ECW arenas, capturing the gritty atmosphere and intimate settings of real ECW events. The visual effects, such as blood and weapon impacts, enhance the hardcore feel, though they are somewhat limited by the hardware capabilities of the era.

Audio and Commentary

The sound design includes entrance music and crowd reactions that add to the immersive experience. Commentary is provided by Joey Styles, a well-known ECW commentator, whose energetic style brings authenticity to the matches. While the commentary can become repetitive, it successfully conveys the excitement and intensity synonymous with ECW wrestling.

Legacy and Reception

ECW Anarchy Rulz was one of the few games dedicated to the Extreme Championship Wrestling brand, and its release was met with mixed reviews. Critics appreciated its attempt to capture the unique essence of ECW, but it was often compared unfavorably to WWE titles of the same era, which typically had more refined graphics and gameplay mechanics.

The game holds a special place in the hearts of ECW fans, serving as a digital homage to the promotion’s legacy. Its focus on hardcore wrestling and the inclusion of a wide roster of ECW talent helped it stand out, even if it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as other wrestling games.

Conclusion

ECW Anarchy Rulz remains a notable entry in the realm of wrestling video games, primarily due to its association with the iconic and rebellious nature of Extreme Championship Wrestling. Though it may not have reached the technical and commercial heights of its WWE counterparts, its dedication to faithfully representing the hardcore wrestling style of ECW has earned it a cult following.

For fans of wrestling who crave a taste of the extreme, ECW Anarchy Rulz provides a nostalgic journey back to a time when wrestling dared to be different. Its impact on the gaming world may have been modest, but it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of ECW and its influence on wrestling culture.