WWE WrestleMania X8

4Players.de (79 out of 100)

Obwohl man sich bei der Steuerung von den bewährten und bejubelten N64-Kontrollen abgewandt und sich mehr Richtung Smackdown! orientiert hat, wird der GameCube-Einstand der WWE die Fans nicht enttäuschen. Der Roster ist auf einem passablen Stand und Matchtypen und Arenen sind genügend vorhanden, um die Spieler am Pad zu halten. Die Grafik stimmt ebenfalls, auch wenn vor allem bei den Einmärschen die Xbox eindeutig die Nase vorn hat. Dass man nicht bei allen Wrestlern die Original-Einmarschmusik zu hören bekommt, sorgt jedoch für Missmut. Doch unter dem Strich ist Wrestlemania X8 ein Prügler, der durchaus fesseln kann und die Fans begeistern wird. Vor allem wird hier im Vergleich zu Raw auf der Xbox deutlich, wie viel Unterschied zusätzliche Matchtypen machen können. Doch trotz allem drängt sich das Gefühl auf, dass THQ die Wrestling-Krone den PS2-Spielern und der Smackdown!-Serie vorbehalten hat.

GameSpot (7.6 out of 10)

Judged on its own terms, WrestleMania X8 is an entertaining wrestling game. The gameplay mechanics are straightforward enough, and the reversal system gives an added element of depth. Even though the path-of-a-champion mode wears out its usefulness after you unlock all the wrestlers, the battle-for-the-belts and the create-a-wrestler mode should keep you busy for a while. The different match variations, such as hell-in-the-cell and steel cage, are also executed very well. There are certainly some flaws in the game. The AI can be really cheap, moves are lacking for each wrestler, and correct entrance music is also lacking, all of which hurt an otherwise solid game. So if you're expecting another No Mercy, you won't find it in WrestleMania X8. But if you're looking for a fun wrestling game for the GameCube, then you'll definitely want to check it out.

Gaming Target (7.5 out of 10)

Graphically speaking, WWE WrestleMania X8 is easy on the eyes. Right from the start, you’ll notice the character models consist of high polygon counts and are meticulously put together. They feature your bevy of prerequisites such as excellent facial animation, proportional size, true-to-life ring attire, attributes down to the tattoos (let’s not go any further), and solid, robust taunts. While the game’s cartridge-based predecessors featured just awful wrestler size, this time around, the Big Show is a giant (ahem), and the Hardy Boys are, well let’s just say it’s all about heart and soul in this business. Also, Rikishi’s butt is the same disgusting atrocity you see on television.

64 Power / big.N / N Games (72 out of 100)

WWE Wrestlemania X8 wird Wrestling-Muffel sicher nicht bekehren können, doch es ist kein schlechtes Spiel. Solltest du kein bedingungsloser Fan dieser Sportart sein, kannst du im Moment noch gelassen auf einen besseren Vertreter des Genres warten.

Deaf Gamers (7.1 out of 10)

To sum up WrestleMania X8 is a difficult task. It looks great and it plays OK. Despite each wrestler having a copious amount of moves, only a few are actually used in a match which is a bit of a letdown. The collision detection is also disappointing and something we should not be seeing in today's software. Despite the faults though, WrestleMania is a solid if unspectacular game that should appease wrestling fans, for now.

IGN (7 out of 10)

Looking for the best wrestler available for GameCube? THQ and developer Yuke's have worked non-stop for the last year to bring you the GCN exclusive WWE WrestleMania X8. It features the most comprehensive wrestler list, a rousing set of match types, and a unique Battle for the Belts mode to heighten its multiplayer replay value.

GamersMark (7 out of 10)

All together WWE WrestleMania X8 falls a little above the regular wrestling game. And delivers solid WWE fun on your Nintendo GameCube. If you’re a big WWE fan buy it. If you watch it sometimes rent it. If you don’t like WWE stay away from it. And if you are a diehard loving fan of the Wrestling games on the N64 CURSE IT TO HELL with the rest of the bad wrestling games like the EA WCW games.

64 Power / big.N / N Games (68 out of 100)

(PAL version)
Eines gleich vorneweg: Wenn du mit Wrestlemania X8 den Nachfolger zu WWF No Mercy erwartet hast, wirst du sicher enttäuscht sein. Das neuste Produkt aus dem Hause THQ besitzt nicht den Simulationscharakter des N64-Klassikers, vielmehr ist es ein Actionspiel im Stile der hauseigenen Smackdown!-Reihe. Leider allerdings bedeutend schlechter.

Game Informer Magazine (6.5 out of 10)

As hardcore WWE fans feel spat on by Vince McMahon for their dedication, so have I felt betrayed by the crop of next-gen wrestling games THQ has dished out in the past year. The trail of letdowns continues with WrestleMania X8.

GamePro (US) (3 out of 5)

The old Fed might have changed its name, but nothing is new in WWE WrestleMania X8. While X8 is the first and only GameCube wrestling game to date, it amounts to a disappointing game that will have GameCube owners going to their PS2-owning friends houses to play SmackDown.

Kombo.com (6 out of 10)

One thing that I liked about Wrestlemania 2000 for N64 was that even if you weren’t a wrestling fan, you still enjoyed playing it. Unfortunately WMX8 is only a game for hardcore wrestling fans. If you are a hardcore wrestling fan, and a gamer, I recommend that you rent this game before you buy this game. If you are not a wrestling fan, I recommend you avoid Wrestlemania X8. I personally had a good time with this game, but it’s just not what I expected.

Netjak (5.5 out of 10)

The bottom line here, is to remember what you are looking for and what you expect. This is full-on rental material. It was a blast to play with friends, but the single player modules really left me wanting a lot more. High-five for THQ trying to use the create-a-player, but I felt it was fairly shallow. Others, however, may find that to justify a purchase. The game still was quite fun, but I can't see paying 60 clams for it...

Gameplanet ( )

This game is for the hardcore wrestling fan who has a few extra dollars kicking about. Definitely a renter for when you want to be rowdy, but is it worth the purchase? We don't think so.

Jeuxvideo.com (10 out of 20)

Bof, bof... THQ et Jakks Pacific nous ont infligé pire c'est vrai, mais en même temps ils nous ont habitué à beaucoup mieux. Le titre qu'ils nous proposent ici est bâclé c'est du coup tout son intérêt qui se réduit comme peau de chagrin...

Officiel Nintendo Magazine (5 out of 10)

Seules les entrées, le nombre de modes de jeu et la création de personnages sauve le titre du naufrage. Les connaisseurs passeront leur chemin. Les collectionneurs se le procureront uniquement pour compléter leur ludothèque WWE.

Adrenaline Vault, The (AVault) ( )

This game is strictly for wrestling fans with a lot of wrestling friends. If you don’t have the facility to gather at least two other people to your GameCube, then you will not find much fun in Wrestlemania X8. The control scheme is acceptable, but awful sound effects and middling visuals will sour the solo experience quickly. Creating a wrestler is fun, but there’s no career mode to put him through, which is another gaping hole in this offering. Seeing as this is one of the few wrestling games on the system, and the lineup of superstars is, admittedly, impressive, fans might still take a look. Everyone else may comfortably pass.

Game Shark (D+)

X8 is a good start on THQ's part to replace the vacuum left by AKI no longer working with them in the wrestling game space. Their first endeavor is palatable but really needs more work, additional features and a refined gameplay system to be accepted more widely. With the next iteration of this title already in the works, let's hope that THQ has learned a valuable lesson on X8's level of acceptance in the wrestling game community (which hasn't been very widespread). X8 is a decent game that is great if you play multiplayer frequently and is okay as a single player game. Grab it if you're a hardcore wrestling fan, otherwise rent it and see if this game is right for you.