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WWF Attitude: A Wrestling Game Icon of the Late 90s

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Story

WWF Attitude, developed by Acclaim Sports and released in 1999, doesn’t follow a traditional narrative structure typical of story-driven video games, as it centers around the authentic recreation of World Wrestling Federation’s (WWF) spectacle. Instead of a linear storyline, it offers players the chance to step into the shoes of their favorite wrestlers and craft their own journey through the high-octane world of professional wrestling.

The game immerses players in the WWF universe, allowing them to experience the thrills and drama of the Attitude Era, a time marked by larger-than-life personalities and intense rivalries. Players can participate in various match types, from standard one-on-one bouts to intricately chaotic Royal Rumbles, all while engaging in the role-play aspect of the wrestling narrative. This approach gave players the freedom to create their own stories, rivalries, and legendary matches, reflecting the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling.

Gameplay

WWF Attitude builds upon its predecessor, WWF War Zone, with a more refined mechanics and an expanded roster. The game boasts over 40 wrestlers, each with their unique move sets and signature finishing moves, including Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, and Triple H, among others. This vast selection ensures that players have a wide array of options and can experience different wrestling styles.

Match Types and Modes

The game offers a comprehensive selection of match types, including:

  • Singles and Tag Team Matches
  • Steel Cage Matches
  • Hardcore Matches
  • King of the Ring Tournaments
  • Royal Rumble

WWF Attitude introduces a Career Mode, enabling players to rise through the ranks starting from house shows to main eventing at major pay-per-view events. This mode allows players to customize their wrestlers’ attributes and skills, providing a sense of progression and personalization.

Controls and Mechanics

The game’s control scheme is intricate, requiring players to master a combination of button presses to execute moves. While this complexity offers depth, it may present a steep learning curve for newcomers. However, once players become familiar with the controls, they can unleash a variety of moves and strategies to outmaneuver their opponents.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, WWF Attitude pushed the boundaries of visual representation in wrestling games. The character models, though blocky by today’s standards, were impressive for the late 90s, capturing the likenesses of the wrestlers with reasonable accuracy. The animations were fluid, and the arenas were designed to mimic the electrifying atmosphere of WWF events, complete with pyrotechnics and vibrant crowds.

The sound design in WWF Attitude is a notable highlight. The game features authentic entrance themes, crowd chants, and commentary from Jerry “The King” Lawler and Shane McMahon. This audio authenticity enhances the immersion, making players feel like they are part of a live wrestling broadcast.

Legacy and Reception

WWF Attitude was released to a mixed reception, with praise for its extensive roster and authentic presentation but criticism for its complicated control scheme and outdated graphics. Despite these critiques, the game became a commercial success, largely due to the popularity of the WWF Attitude Era and the game’s ability to capture its essence.

The game is remembered fondly by fans for its ambitious features, such as the Create-a-Wrestler mode, which allowed for a high degree of customization. This feature set the stage for future wrestling games, influencing titles like the SmackDown! series by THQ.

Moreover, WWF Attitude marked the end of an era, being one of the last WWF games developed by Acclaim before the license was acquired by THQ. This transition signified a shift in wrestling game development, paving the way for innovative advancements in future titles.

Conclusion

WWF Attitude stands as a pivotal title in the history of wrestling games, encapsulating the chaotic and thrilling essence of the WWF’s most popular era. While it had its flaws, particularly in terms of control complexity, its impact on the genre is undeniable. The game captured the imaginations of wrestling fans, offering them a chance to live out their fantasy of becoming a WWF superstar. Its legacy endures as a nostalgic reminder of the late 90s wrestling culture, influencing the evolution of wrestling games for years to come.

Claire Mckinley

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