Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWF WrestleMania 2000 builds upon the solid foundations of WCW/NWO Revenge, delivering a grappling system that strikes a balance between accessibility and depth. Basic strikes, Irish whips, and grapple holds form the core mechanics, while a generous window for reversals keeps each match feeling unpredictable and tense. The inclusion of stamina meters ensures that players must manage their wrestler’s energy, preventing repetitive move spamming and encouraging strategic pacing over the course of a match.

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One of the most exciting additions to the formula is the robust Create-A-Wrestler mode. Beyond selecting a physique, move set, and finishing maneuvers, you can craft custom entrances complete with theme music, slide‐show videos, and signature pyro effects. This level of personalization extends further with the ability to form tag teams and stables, creating dream matchups or reenacting your favorite WWF rivalries.

Match variety is another highlight. Alongside standard singles and tag bouts, you can step into the steel cage, battle royal, and even the iconic Royal Rumble. Each stipulation plays by its own ruleset, and the cage match in particular showcases how the engine handles environmental hazards—grapples into the ring post, tumbles outside the ring, and high‐risk top‐rope dives that can end careers or cement legacies. Combined with up to four‐player multiplayer on one console, WWF WrestleMania 2000 remains one of the most versatile wrestling titles on the Nintendo 64.

Graphics

Graphically, WrestleMania 2000 capitalizes on the N64 hardware to deliver colorful arenas and lively character sprites. Wrestler models are impressively detailed for the era, each reflecting signature attire—from Stone Cold Steve Austin’s trunks and knee braces to The Rock’s People’s Elbow gear. Animations feel fluid: suplexes, powerbombs, and submission transitions play out smoothly, with few clipping issues even when multiple wrestlers are brawling at once.

The real standout comes with the in-game video and slide‐show entrances. While these aren’t full motion video in the modern sense, the grain‐free still frames are timed to wrestler theme music, capturing the atmosphere of WWE pay-per-views. Watching The Undertaker’s Mohawk camera shots or Triple H’s entrance montage adds authenticity, a feature that set this title apart from its contemporaries.

Arenas are faithfully recreated, from the WWF’s iconic ring canvas to the animated crowd, complete with signs and random fan animations. Lighting effects—such as spotlights during championship introductions—shine through despite the platform’s technical constraints. Menu screens use crisp, stylized artwork, and transitions between screens are swift, ensuring you spend your time in the ring, not waiting on load icons.

Story

While there isn’t a traditional story campaign, WrestleMania 2000 introduces the ambitious “Road to WrestleMania” mode, which functions as a year-long career simulator. Selecting any of the fifty real-life WWF superstars or one of your sixteen custom creations, you chart a monthly calendar filled with title matches, pay-per-view events, and surprise challenges from rival wrestlers.

Throughout the Road, you’ll vie for the WWF Championship, Intercontinental Title, United States belt, Tag Team straps, and even newly crowning belts if you choose. Winning titles unlocks unique in-game cutscenes and changes in wrestler roster dynamics: challengers gunning for your championship will vary month to month, keeping the mode fresh across multiple playthroughs.

Though there is no cut-scene–driven narrative with voice acting, the structure of Road to WrestleMania creates emergent storytelling. Upset victories, surprise heel turns (through custom wrestler attributes), and last-minute match rescheduling all combine to give your wrestler a personal saga that culminates at WrestleMania 2000 itself.

Overall Experience

WWF WrestleMania 2000 stands the test of time as one of the best wrestling titles in the golden era of the N64. Its responsive controls and varied match types offer endless single-player enjoyment, while the couch multiplayer remains a staple for competitive sessions. The game’s depth in customization means that even after mastering the official roster, you’ll spend hours refining your own creations and seeing how they stack up against legends.

Nostalgia and authenticity drive the experience, from the licensed theme tracks to the meticulously crafted wrestler models. Even if you’re new to ’90s wrestling, the accessible controls and intuitive menu flow will have you delivering Rock Bottoms and Stone Cold Stunners in no time. The balance between arcade-style fun and simulation flourishes, such as stamina management, ensures appeal across casual and hardcore audiences alike.

All told, WWF WrestleMania 2000 remains a must-own for fans of professional wrestling games. It captures the spectacle and showmanship of the WWF, backed by solid mechanics, engaging modes, and a roster that reads like a who’s‐who of wrestling royalty. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering it for the first time, this title delivers an enduring experience that still upholds the thunderous clang of the bell for victory.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10