WWF War Zone

Did You Know?

• A Game Boy version developed by Probe Entertainment was released on June 10, 1998, omitting Bret Hart and the Headbangers.
• Rumored characters Pamela and a Turok-based wrestler could only be made playable via cheat device.

Gameplay

Players must grapple with opponents and perform a series of directional pad presses followed by a button press to execute wrestling maneuvers. Audio commentary is provided by Vince McMahon and Jim Ross. The single-player mode is highlighted by WWF Challenge, where a player selects a character and challenges for WWF titles by defeating other wrestlers. Previously defeated wrestlers may challenge the player to a Grudge match, which often involves weapons or cage matches. After winning a championship, the player can defend it against a series of challengers. Multiplayer options include free-for-all, two-on-two cage matches, and tornado tag team matches. Unlockable features such as hidden characters are available. A training mode allows free practice of moves. The Nintendo 64 version exclusively offers gauntlet matches and Royal Rumble, where players eliminate wrestlers by throwing them over the top rope. Exhibition matches against a randomly chosen computer opponent can also be played. The create-a-player feature lets users design a custom wrestler by entering a name, customizing attributes, and choosing theme music. Wrestlers of both genders can be created with options for skin tone, muscle tone, body type, and in-ring apparel, but individual maneuvers cannot be selected; the entire moveset must be copied from an existing wrestler. Matches are won by meeting win conditions within the time limit, such as pinning an opponent for a three count inside the ring while neither player touches the ropes. A third participant can stop a pin attempt by striking either player.

Playable characters

The main roster consists of 18 wrestlers who were with the WWF during development, including some from Acclaim's previous title WWF In Your House, such as The Undertaker, Goldust, and Ahmed Johnson. New characters include Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kane, and Ken Shamrock. Factions represented are D-Generation X (Shawn Michaels and Triple H), The Nation of Domination (Faarooq and The Rock), and The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart, Owen Hart, and The British Bulldog). Both members of The Headbangers (Mosh and Thrasher) are included, as are three personas of Mick Foley: Mankind, Cactus Jack, and Dude Love, the latter two unlockable. Bret Hart and The British Bulldog had departed the WWF in November 1997 following the Montreal Screwjob; Ahmed Johnson left in February 1998; Shawn Michaels temporarily retired in March 1998 after WrestleMania XIV. Three pre-made unlockable characters exist: Trainer (with British Bulldog's moveset), Sue (with Bret Hart's moveset), and Rattlesnake (a fifth attire for Steve Austin with maxed attributes). Rumors of two additional characters—a second ring-girl named Pamela and one based on Turok—could only be made playable via cheat device. Different attires are available for each superstar, with some having more than others.

Development

Early in development, the game was called WWF '98 and featured a different ring and arena. The team consisted of 20 people, 10 each working on the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation versions. Development began on the PlayStation while waiting for Nintendo 64 development kits. Cartridge space limitations prevented the Nintendo 64 version from including CD-quality audio and full motion video of wrestlers. Lead programmer Justin Towns, who had worked on WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game and WWF In Your House, found the Nintendo 64's z-buffering support and faster cartridge creation advantageous. The game took roughly a year and a half to develop. Parts of the engine were taken from NHL Breakaway; John Lund developed the soft skin technology that eliminated seam lines on character models. Photos of actual wrestlers were used to create skins. The PlayStation version used higher polygon models and larger textures, with reduced models for four-wrestler matches, while the Nintendo 64 used the same models for all matches. The game ran at up to 640x240 resolution at a constant 30 frames per second. The team aimed for a simulation-oriented experience with faster gameplay. Motion capture was performed by wrestlers not working for any major promotion. Some maneuvers were dropped due to space and gameplay considerations. Vince McMahon and Jim Ross recorded over an hour of speech for commentary. Acclaim initially stated the PlayStation version would support only two players, but by release it supported four players. The same engine was reused for three follow-up games, ending with ECW Anarchy Rulz in 2000.

Reception

The Nintendo 64 and PlayStation versions received favorable reviews, while the Game Boy version received mixed reviews, according to GameRankings. Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot praised the gameplay and graphics, calling the Nintendo 64 version the best wrestling game on the system and the PlayStation version the best wrestling package ever released. IGN's Douglass C. Perry complimented the PlayStation version's presentation, speed, and create-a-wrestler mode, stating it encompassed everything gamers wanted in the genre. Anthony Baize of AllGame wrote that the PlayStation version set itself apart with innovative options. Matt Casamassina praised the Nintendo 64 version's graphics as the best looking wrestling game ever made, but faulted collision detection, static cutscenes, and a small wrestler selection; he recommended the game and anticipated a sequel. Tim Hsu of GameRevolution praised the N64 version's presentation, multiplayer options, and create-a-wrestler mode, but expressed disappointment with the limited single-player mode, noting it might appeal even to non-fans. Johnny Ballgame of GamePro called the PlayStation version not only the best wrestling game on the system but one of the most fun fighting games. Scary Larry said the Nintendo 64 version provided thrills with better scripting. Next Generation called the PlayStation version largely idiotic fun, especially in multiplayer, with a wealth of options and detail.