The Main Event!

All the biggest names in the WWE, including The Rock, Steve Austin, Goldberg, Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon vie for the WrestleMania XIX title in a story of revenge.

In the world of professional wrestling, main events don't get any bigger than WrestleMania. With the GCN release of THQ's WrestleMania XIX, WWE fans can take a crack at the coveted title belt. WrestleMania XIX features a Rikishi-sized mass of improvements over last year's title, including an all-new story mode and improved gameplay.

Features * Every aspect of the wrestlers--from the mullets on their head down to the rhinestones on their jumpsuits--has been meticulously recreated. * Face off against security guards, thugs and fellow wrestlers in a variety of locations, including a construction site and a shopping mall. * Smack down your opponents in cage matches, ladder matches and fatal four-ways. Choose from over 43 WWE superstars. * Create your own wrestler and edit every aspect of your superstar, including hairstyle, nose shape, wrestling animations, special moves and even entrances.

In the all-new Revenge story mode, you'll take the role of a wrestler that's had his WWE contract voided by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. After being kicked to the curb by security, you're approached by McMahon's daughter, Stephanie, and asked if you'd like to get your revenge and take down Vince at WrestleMania. The plot may not have been penned by Shakespeare, but it's interesting enough to keep wrestling fans entertained as they beat up shopping mall security guards and evil wrestlers.

In addition to the single-player story, the game features exhibition matches for up to four players, the King of the Ring tournament, an extensive Create a Superstar mode and the Shopzone, where you can purchase items, moves and entrance animations.

Bottom Line

WrestleMania XIX marks a significant improvement over its predecessor. Though it may not be for everyone, WWE fanatics will appreciate the game's supersized egos, over-the-top takedowns and smackdown spirit. The unlockable extras make for a wrestling game with solid replay value. Gameplay and controls are finely tuned, making the game easy to pick up and play, yet complex enough to keep you entertained until the mania returns next year.