Spend a few minutes watching any WWE broadcast, and it becomes
clear that over-the-top spectacle is what it’s all about. Professional
wrestling’s relentless quest to be larger than life makes it well suited
for the creative freedom of video games, yet it has been years since
any wrestling game really took this idea and ran with it. Now WWE All
Stars has entered the arena and amplified the high-flying, hard-hitting
action to an arcade pitch. Cartoonishly muscular character models and
gravity-defying maneuvers help the game pack a great punch, and simple
controls make it easy to perform high-impact moves. The fighting system
is not without its drawbacks, however. The crucial reversal timing is
tough to master, and the exaggerated physics result in some wonky and
unpredictable moments. These issues can cause some frustration, but the
satisfaction of executing a timely counterattack or a powerful choke
slam is undeniable. WWE All Stars captures the excitement and spectacle
of the actual WWE better than any game in recent memory.
