Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWF Betrayal departs from traditional wrestling titles by embracing the side-scrolling brawler formula, drawing clear inspiration from classics like Double Dragon. Players select from four iconic WWF superstars—The Rock, Triple H, The Undertaker, or “Stone Cold” Steve Austin—and navigate six distinct levels filled with thugs, corrupt referees, fellow wrestlers, and an array of environmental hazards. Combat is straightforward yet satisfying, with punches, kicks, dropkicks, and a host of improvised weapons scattered throughout the stages.

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The weapon variety keeps encounters fresh: steel pipes, nightsticks, and wooden 2x4s can be swung to devastating effect, while traps like laser cannons, floor spikes, and bursts of flame force players to stay on their toes. Levels often layer melee combat with platforming challenges, demanding a balance of timing and aggression. Defeating standard enemies fills your power bar, enabling signature finishing moves—such as the Stone Cold Stunner or the Pedigree—that rapidly clear the screen of foes.

For those seeking companionship in chaos, WWF Betrayal offers a link-cable two-player mode. Team up with a friend to tackle levels cooperatively, combining each wrestler’s strengths to overcome tougher enemies and elaborate traps. The pacing remains brisk even with two players, as shared health pickups and synchronized finishing moves add strategic depth to the run-and-gun action.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Color hardware, WWF Betrayal manages to deliver surprisingly detailed sprites and colorful backgrounds. Each wrestler’s sprite captures key visual traits—Stone Cold’s vest, The Undertaker’s trench coat, Triple H’s long hair—making them instantly recognizable. Enemy designs, from street punks to beefy security guards, feature enough variation to keep the eye engaged across all six stages.

Stage environments range from grungy alleyways to dimly lit warehouses and high-tech corridors, with subtle parallax effects that lend a sense of depth. While the limited palette of the Game Boy Color can feel constrained, the developers used bold, contrasting hues to ensure characters and hazards pop against the backdrop. Animations are fluid, particularly when executing grapples or environmental moves, such as smashing a thug through a wooden crate.

Despite occasional flicker during heavy onscreen action, the game maintains a steady frame rate. Background details—like burning barrels or flashing lasers—add atmosphere without overwhelming the core combat. The overall visual package reinforces the gritty, street-level tone of the story, making WWF Betrayal one of the more visually appealing brawlers on Nintendo’s handheld of that era.

Story

At its heart, WWF Betrayal weaves a simple yet effective narrative hook: just as your chosen superstar is poised to win the WWF Championship, an unseen enemy strikes from behind. The collision knocks you out cold, and you awaken to learn that Stephanie McMahon has been kidnapped. Vince McMahon promises another title shot in exchange for her safe return, setting up a classic rescue mission filled with betrayal and intrigue.

The plot unfolds through brief cutscenes between levels, emphasizing the stakes without bogging down the gameplay. Seeing familiar faces—both allies and adversaries—keep the WWF license feeling more than just window dressing. While the story doesn’t dive into deep character arcs, it provides enough motivation for players to press forward, eager to discover the mystery behind Stephanie’s abduction and reclaim the championship opportunity.

WWF Betrayal’s narrative works best when viewed as the glue that binds its action-packed levels. It never aspires to literary greatness; instead, it provides a respectable framework that aligns with the over-the-top drama expected from a wrestling-themed game. For fans of ’90s WWF storytelling, complete with managerial meddling and superstar rivalries, the plot hits all the right notes of campy excitement.

Overall Experience

WWF Betrayal stands out among handheld brawlers thanks to its blend of familiar WWE personalities and classic beat-’em-up gameplay. Combat is punchy and well-paced, with level design that alternates between frantic fights and tense platforming sequences. The inclusion of signature finishing moves offers a satisfying payoff when the power bar fills, and cooperative play via link cable extends replay value.

Despite its brevity—six stages can be completed in a sitting—the game challenges players with hidden health pickups, cunning traps, and optional secret areas. Replayability hinges on mastering each character’s move set, discovering all power-ups, and besting the final boss. WWF purists might miss ring-based mechanics, but those open to a street-fighting adventure will find plenty to enjoy.

In the pantheon of GBC titles, WWF Betrayal is a refreshing detour for wrestling fans looking for a change of pace. Its stylish graphics, solid controls, and energetic soundtrack make it a memorable handheld experience. Whether you’re in it for the finishing moves, the two-player madness, or the rush of rescuing Stephanie McMahon, this brawler delivers a satisfying romp from one end of the championship trail to the other.

Retro Replay Score

5.7/10