Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WCW Nitro throws you right into the heart of the ring with a roster of 16 iconic wrestlers, including Kevin Nash, Buff Bagwell, and Hollywood Hulk Hogan. The controls are straightforward—think heavy on button-mashing and timed strikes—making it easy for newcomers to pick up but also providing enough depth for veterans to experiment with combo chains and signature finishers. Whether you’re delivering a crushing suplex or climbing the turnbuckle for a high-flying elbow drop, the game keeps the action fluid and fast-paced.

The title offers multiple match types to keep you invested: standard singles bouts, tag team encounters, and a challenging single-player tournament mode. In singles and tag matches, you can team up with a friend or face off against AI opponents. The tournament mode is where the game really shines; you’ll battle through successive rounds, facing increasingly difficult foes as you vie to earn the championship belt and earn bragging rights.

As you progress through matches, new characters are unlocked—not just additional WCW stars but also fictional fighters and even THQ staff members. This adds a fun layer of customization and replayability, as you’ll be driven to see who’s waiting behind each unlockable slot. Each character brings a unique move set and personality to the ring, ensuring that no two matches ever feel quite the same.

Graphics

For a mid-’90s arcade-style wrestling game, WCW Nitro delivers surprisingly crisp visuals. The wrestler sprites are well-defined, capturing the distinctive builds and attires of each star—from Hogan’s yellow and red ensemble to Nash’s imposing physique. Backgrounds of the arena feel authentic to the WCW Monday Nitro broadcast, complete with bright spotlights, roaring crowds, and animated entrances that add to the televised feel.

The animations, while sometimes a bit stiff by modern standards, still convey the weight and impact of each move. Clotheslines, powerbombs, and pile drivers all register with a satisfying thud, and finishing maneuvers are given special flair with zoom-in camera angles and brief slow-downs. Occasional graphical glitches pop up—such as a wrestler clipping through the ropes—but they’re infrequent and rarely detract from the overall spectacle.

Character portraits and menus are laid out cleanly, emphasizing ease of navigation without sacrificing style. The color palette mirrors the over-the-top aesthetic of ’90s wrestling, with bold hues and high contrast that pop on CRT televisions of the era. While this isn’t a cutting-edge 3D engine, the visuals perfectly complement the game’s arcade focus, delivering exactly what fans of the period crave.

Story

Unlike narrative-driven RPGs or adventure titles, WCW Nitro doesn’t offer a deep storyline; instead, it leans on the real-life drama and rivalries of the WCW roster. Your “story” is told through the tournament ladder: each victory feels like the next chapter in your rise to become WCW champion. The lack of cutscenes or voiced promos is made up for by the sheer satisfaction of climbing through the ranks and dethroning top talent.

The game’s premise is simple: you’re a wrestler hungry for gold, battling through singles and tag matches to claim the ultimate prize. While there’s no branching narrative or character-specific quests, the diversity of opponents keeps the experience fresh. Facing Buff Bagwell’s high-flying tactics or locking horns with Hollywood Hogan’s power game offers a pseudo-story arc of escalating challenges.

Unlockable characters also serve as mini-plot twists. Discovering hidden fighters—ranging from up-and-coming indie wrestlers to in-house THQ mascots—feels like stumbling upon secret levels in an arcade game. It may not be a fully fleshed-out saga, but the progression and sense of achievement inject enough narrative momentum to keep you hooked until the final championship bout.

Overall Experience

WCW Nitro captures the raw energy and spectacle of ’90s sports entertainment. Its arcade-style matches are perfect for quick pick-up-and-play sessions, yet the tournament mode gives it enduring appeal for those seeking a longer challenge. The roster of 16 initial wrestlers, combined with unlockable characters, ensures plenty of variety, and the button-mashing combat never feels overly repetitive.

While modern wrestling games boast realistic physics and deep simulation modes, WCW Nitro’s strengths lie in its immediacy and flavor. It may lack the polish of contemporary 3D titles, but it makes up for it with straightforward fun and the nostalgic charm of Monday Nitro broadcasts. Fans of the Attitude Era or anyone who enjoys fast-paced arcade fighting will find themselves coming back for “one more match” again and again.

Ultimately, WCW Nitro is a time capsule that celebrates an unforgettable era of professional wrestling. Whether you’re a die-hard WCW fan or just curious about classic arcade brawlers, this title delivers enthusiastic action, recognizable stars, and unlockable surprises that keep the ring action fresh. Step into the squared circle, mash those buttons, and experience why WCW Monday Nitro was must-see TV—and why this game still holds up as an entertaining arcade wrestling romp.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10