Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWF Wrestlemania Challenge offers a straightforward yet addictive wrestling experience that captures the spirit of classic arcade brawls. Players can choose from a roster of eight iconic WWF Superstars—Hulk Hogan, “The Macho Man” Randy Savage, André the Giant, The Ultimate Warrior, Ravishing Rick Rude, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, The Big Boss Man, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Each wrestler boasts their signature moves, allowing for varied playstyles: Hulk Hogan’s big boot, Savage’s elbow drop, and Warrior’s running shoulder tackle come to life with simple button combinations.

The control scheme is intuitive: one button handles punches and slaps, another for kicks, and shoulder buttons switch between Irish whip, grapple, and running attacks. This streamlined setup makes the game accessible to newcomers while still rewarding timing and strategy. Executing a suplex or full nelson requires the right positioning, and anticipating your opponent’s counters adds a layer of depth to the otherwise arcade-style action.

In addition to standard one-on-one matches, the game includes tag team bouts and a three-on-three Survivor Series mode. Tag team matches bring dynamic back-and-forth action as you swap partners to maintain momentum. Survivor Series matches ramp up the excitement: once a wrestler is pinned or forced to submit, he’s eliminated and the bout continues until one team remains. This mode shines best when playing with friends, transforming it into a nail-biting contest of endurance and tactics.

Graphics

Graphically, WWF Wrestlemania Challenge leverages the NES’s limited palette to distinguish each superstar through unique color schemes and character sprites. While the resolution is modest, you can immediately tell Hulk Hogan apart from The Ultimate Warrior thanks to their vibrant outfits and recognizable silhouettes. Background mats and ring ropes are clear and uncluttered, ensuring that the action always remains front and center.

Animations are simple but effective. Wrestler entrances are represented by brief stints on the turnbuckle with their signature poses, a nice touch that adds atmosphere without disrupting gameplay flow. In-ring moves—body slams, clotheslines, and flying body presses—are conveyed in a few frames of animation, but they feel weighty and impactful when timed correctly.

The crowd and announcer boards form a static backdrop, yet they immerse you in the WWF universe by displaying subtle crowd color changes and flashing “Let’s Play Two!” messages. Though there’s no fully animated intro sequence, the in-ring visuals and faithful color choices are enough to remind fans of the big stage at WrestleMania.

Story

WWF Wrestlemania Challenge does not feature a complex narrative, opting instead for a straightforward “road to the title” career path. You begin as an aspiring contender, working your way through matches against legendary Superstars in increasingly challenging encounters. This setup mimics the classic wrestling storyline of a rookie rising through the ranks to achieve greatness.

Between bouts, there’s no cutscene story—just a simple match select screen and occasional victory quotes. Yet, this minimalism complements the pick-up-and-play design philosophy, letting the gameplay speak for itself. Fans familiar with WWF programming will fill in the blanks, imagining the rivalries and backstage drama that propel each showdown.

For players who prefer structured progression, the career ladder provides clear objectives: defeat a certain number of opponents to earn a title shot. This sense of purpose keeps matches meaningful and makes each pinfall feel like a step closer to headlining WrestleMania. It’s a bare-bones approach, but one that remains effective for an era when gameplay reigned supreme.

Overall Experience

On balance, WWF Wrestlemania Challenge delivers nostalgic, fast-paced wrestling that remains enjoyable decades after its release. Its pick-up-and-play nature ensures that matches start quickly, controls stay responsive, and victory is always within reach if you master the timing. Whether you’re a longtime WWF fan or a retro gaming enthusiast, there’s charm in its simplicity.

Despite its lack of deep story modes or advanced grappling mechanics found in modern wrestling titles, this game excels at local multiplayer brawls. Gathering friends around the NES for tag team rivalries or a thrilling Survivor Series gauntlet evokes the social energy of classic couch co-op and competitive play.

In conclusion, WWF Wrestlemania Challenge may not be the most feature-rich wrestling game ever made, but it captures the essence of 1990s WWF spectacle. If you’re seeking a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of 8-bit brawling or a straightforward party game with iconic Superstars, this title remains a must-play classic.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10