Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWF Superstars offers a surprisingly deep set of wrestling mechanics for a Game Boy title. From the moment you step into the squared circle, you have access to a basic moveset—body slams, suplexes, clotheslines—that feels responsive and intuitive on the handheld’s simple button layout. Chaining attacks into combos is straightforward, letting newcomers pick up the game quickly while still providing room for mastery as you learn timing windows and counters.

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Beyond the universal moves, each of the five selectable superstars—Ultimate Warrior, Hulk Hogan, Macho King Randy Savage, Mr. Perfect, and the Million Dollar Man—brings a signature move or two to the party. Executing “The Ultimate Splash” or a Macho Elbow Drop adds promise of authenticity, even if the on-screen representation is limited by hardware. These finishers not only look satisfying when they land, but they also reward strategic play, as building up a character-specific meter becomes a key goal during longer matches.

For those craving competitive head-to-head action, WWF Superstars supports two-player bouts via the Game Link Cable. The real-time back-and-forth matches capture the spirit of a tag-team showdown, though latency can occasionally intrude on timing-sensitive maneuvers. Still, wrestling fans will appreciate dueling a friend as their chosen icon, testing who really deserves the Hulkamaniac legacy or the Savage madness.

Graphics

Graphically, WWF Superstars is typical of late-era Game Boy fare—crisp black-and-white sprites with clear outlines and recognizable silhouettes. Each wrestler is distinguishable despite the monochrome palette, thanks to unique attire shapes: Hogan’s bandana and trunks, Warrior’s face paint, and Savage’s flamboyant jacket are all instantly readable. The ring mat displays the WWF logo at center, reinforcing the licensed atmosphere in handheld form.

Animations are lean but effective. Wrestlers shift postures between grabs, strikes, and pin attempts without excessive frames, which keeps the action fluid on the small screen. Signature move animations typically play out in a brief sequence, punctuated by a dramatic sprite enlargement and sound effect. While these visuals are a far cry from console counterparts, they still convey the heft of a suplex or the impact of a clothesline.

Environment variety is minimal—matches all take place in a standard studio ring—but background elements, such as a scrolling crowd and referee sprite, provide enough context to maintain immersion. Occasional ring shake and “camera” zoom effects during big moves help break up the repetition, reminding players why they love the spectacle of professional wrestling.

Story

As with many wrestling games of its day, WWF Superstars places less emphasis on narrative and more on the road to championship glory. Rather than a scripted storyline or branching dialogue, progression comes through stringing together match victories in a tournament format. Your chosen superstar advances through increasingly challenging opponents, culminating in the ultimate pinfall over a rival icon.

This stripped-down approach works in the game’s favor, allowing you to focus on in-ring action rather than cutscenes or text boxes. Wrestling purists can imagine the crowd’s roar, the backstage drama, and the spin-off interviews, all in their heads—just like watching a real WWF event. The simplicity leaves room for your own wrestling fantasy to take shape.

Between bouts, there’s no character customization or stat upgrading; your wrestler’s abilities remain fixed from the start. While this might feel limiting by modern standards, it ensures that match outcomes rest solely on your button-pressing prowess. The lack of an elaborate story mode might deter gamers seeking narrative depth, but it preserves a pure pick-up-and-play ethos.

Overall Experience

WWF Superstars delivers a compact, fan-focused wrestling experience on Game Boy. Its streamlined controls and recognizable roster provide instant appeal for WWF devotees, while the varied move lists and signature finishers add strategic flavor. Though limited by monochrome graphics and the absence of a robust storyline, the core gameplay loop remains addictive: pin your opponent, choose a new challenger, and defend your title.

Multiplayer matches via the Link Cable are a highlight, turning solo practice into fiercely competitive bouts. Even without friends, the single-player tournament keeps you invested as difficulty ramps up. Is it the deepest wrestling sim you’ll ever play? No—but it perfectly captures the spirit of loud crowds, colorful personalities, and high-flying action in your pocket.

For collectors and retro gamers, WWF Superstars stands as a charming relic of early handheld sports titles. It may not rival its 16-bit siblings, but it offers bite-sized wrestling thrills wherever you go. If you’re looking for a quick match or a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of arcade-style WWF action, this Game Boy classic still packs a punch.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10