Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

WWE WrestleMania 21 builds upon the solid foundation laid by WWE Raw 2, delivering an evolution in the core wrestling experience. The introduction of a dedicated countering system means every grapple, strike and high-risk maneuver can now be met with an equally specific reversal. This mechanic not only heightens the strategic depth of each match but also rewards players who master timing and pattern recognition during high-pressure moments in the ring.

The roster features over 40 WWE superstars, from Rey Mysterio’s lightning-fast aerial offense to The Undertaker’s ominous power moves and Stone Cold Steve Austin’s trademark brawling style. Match variety is equally impressive, with standard singles and tag matches sitting alongside specialty bouts such as First Blood, Hell in the Cell, and Hardcore. Each stipulation alters the flow and tactics dramatically, ensuring that no two matches feel the same.

A robust Create-a-Wrestler suite and character evolution system let players forge their own path from green rookie to headline superstar. Costume customization, move-set tweaks and signature entrance elements add personality to every created character. Meanwhile, the online multiplayer via Xbox Live supports up to four players, allowing friends to test each other’s custom creations or stage chaotic free-for-alls in live competition.

Graphics

Graphically, WrestleMania 21 marks a noticeable improvement over its predecessor. Wrestler models exhibit more detailed musculature, facial expressions and signature attire, giving each superstar a faithful representation. Sweat and motion blur during intense slams or running attacks enhance the realism, while cloth physics in tights and entrance gear add another layer of polish.

Arena environments capture the grandeur of WWE’s weekly flagship shows and pay-per-views alike. The SmackDown and Raw stages boast dynamic lighting rigs that shift during entrances and key moments, and PPV arenas like SummerSlam or WrestleMania itself feature unique stage themes, pyro effects, and audience glow sticks that pulse with energy. Crowd models are varied, animated and responsive, cheering or booing based on in-match momentum swings.

Character animations have been refined to flow more smoothly from move to counter to follow-up, eliminating many of the more jarring transitions seen in older titles. Signature finishers look spectacular, with camera work that captures every high-impact detail. Even minor touches, such as wrestlers rubbing their backs after a spine-shattering slam, contribute to the overall sense of immersion.

Story

While WrestleMania 21 does not feature a traditional, branching campaign, its single-player mode is structured around recreating the most memorable bouts and rivalries from WWE’s WrestleMania 21 event. Players step into historic matchups, aiming to replicate or rewrite iconic moments against familiar foes. This approach focuses more on event authenticity than a narrative-driven journey.

Presentation values are high thanks to authentic WWE commentary, crowd chants and event-style graphics packages. Cutscenes before and after marquee matches mirror the dramatics of live broadcasts, with video highlights and replay angles reinforcing each victory or crushing defeat. This episodic format keeps the action moving, though it stops short of delivering a deep, character-based story arc.

The absence of a fully fledged story mode is partially offset by the Create-a-Wrestler evolution path, which lets players craft their own rise to superstardom. Between matches, custom wrestlers can receive training upgrades, unlock new moves, and tweak their personas—offering a personalized progression that feels story-adjacent. Hardcore fans may wish for more scripted rivalries, but the sandbox nature of the mode provides plenty of replay value.

Overall Experience

WWE WrestleMania 21 stands out as a high-octane wrestling title that captures the spectacle and athleticism of WWE’s flagship event. Its pioneering counter system elevates match strategy, while the expansive roster and varied match types ensure players always have new challenges to tackle. The blend of authentic presentation and fluid animations makes for thrilling showdowns both online and off.

However, those seeking a deep, narrative-driven single-player campaign may feel underserved. The episodic event recreations provide context but lack the cohesive storytelling seen in rival sports titles. Additionally, newcomers to wrestling games might encounter a steep learning curve mastering the timing-based counters and advanced grappling mechanics.

Ultimately, WrestleMania 21 is a rewarding title for fans who value competitive depth, customization options, and an authentic WWE atmosphere. Its graphical polish and robust multiplayer offerings make it a must-play for groups looking to settle old scores in the ring, while custom-wrestler evolution keeps solo players invested long after the main event has ended.