WWE All-Stars Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, PS2, PSP
Dev: THQ San Diego
Pub: THQ
Release: March 29, 2011
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p

Once you get around the battle system, there is quite a lot to play through in WWE All-Stars. The roster includes thirty superstars, with fifteen "Legends" and fifteen newer wrestlers. The legends roster is impressive, and boasts mainstays like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, and for the first time in a THQ-developed WWE game, "Macho Man" Randy Savage. On the new blood side of things, you've got superstars like The Miz, Kofi Kingston, Drew McIntyre, and of course, John Cena.

WWE All-Stars Screenshot

When you're done checking out the roster, you can head into one of the game's two signature modes. The first is Path of Champions, which is like the Road to Wrestlemania mode from the SvR series, but without all the story content (or quasi-free roaming areas). This mode is a bit of a disappointment, as I would have liked to have seen a little more storyline in the game versus just ten back-to-back matches with a thirty-second blip to break up the action every once and awhile.

However, this mode's shortcomings are made up for in the other signature mode: Fantasy Warfare. Fantasy Warfare is best described as the "what if" scenario that you and your buddies always imagined. There are fifteen scenarios that try to answer questions like "Who is the best Scottish WWE Star?" or "What if CM Punk and Stone Cold Steve Austin had a match?". And even though you can match your favorite superstars up in the game's exhibition mode, Fantasy Warfare is a little different because it gives you a pretty sweet highlight reel before the match that gives you a little context. The pre-match video clips are expertly done, and actually make fantasy matchups from two different time period actually seem plausible, which is certainly a feat all by itself.

WWE All-Stars is a great game that is easy to recommend to both young and old gamers. It's a lot of fun, but its over-the-top nature makes it something that I wouldn't want to experience over and over again. It has plenty of fluff, but none of the staying power that a franchise like SmackDown vs. Raw has. I like the broad appeal of WWE All-Stars, but to be honest, it left me hankering for the next iteration of SvR that much more. And I suppose that's what a spin-off is supposed to do. Let's just hope All-Stars continues to bolster the SvR series, instead of overtaking it. That would be one piledriver I would definitely like to avoid seeing.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Senior Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
Fantastical visuals are over-the top, but nicely stylized.

3.5

Control
Controls are easy to use at first, but there's some hidden depth there, which may put off the game's casual audience.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Background music sounds great, and commentary sounds smooth.

3.9

Play Value
Both the main modes are satisfying, and the create-a-wrestler and online modes provide sufficient replay value.

3.9

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

INCOMPARABLE ROSTER - Delivering one of the greatest rosters ever assembled in a WWE videogame, WWE All Stars will include WWE Legends and WWE Superstars such as John Cena, The Rock, Andre the Giant, Big Show, Triple H, Bret Hart, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, Rey Mysterio, and for the first time ever in a THQ/WWE videogame, "Macho Man" Randy Savage. Each WWE Legend and WWE Superstar will boast a distinctive and highly-stylized appearance, adding to the overall atmosphere and intrepid attitude exuding from the on-screen action.

ORIGINAL GAMEPLAY STYLE - Bridging generations of WWE enthusiasts and casual followers alike with a fun, intuitive, and approachable gameplay style, WWE All Stars will create a highly competitive environment and an engaging spectacle. Packed with high-flying and hard-hitting action, players will explore a variety of responsive quick and strong grapples, standing and running attacks, as well as combination sequences. Every WWE Legend and WWE Superstar will be equipped with individual abilities, signature moves, and renowned finishers to create the ultimate experience.

DISTINCT CHARACTER CLASSES - Offering four classes of competitor - Acrobat, Big Man, Brawler, and Grappler - WWE All Stars will provide players with WWE Legends and WWE Superstars who have distinct advantages and techniques to which other classes do not have access, including specific combinations and unique abilities.