Step into the squared circle and experience the thrill of WWE Survivor Series for the Game Boy Advance. While this portable rendition of the popular wrestling franchise brings the excitement of the ring to the palm of your hand, it falls short of delivering a truly captivating experience. With a rating of 3/10, it is evident that this game lacks the depth and polish expected from a retro gem.
One aspect that stands out in WWE Survivor Series is the inclusion of the all-new single-player mode. As a budding superstar, you'll face off against the WWE's top wrestlers, battling your way through the ranks to claim championship glory. This addition adds a sense of progression and accomplishment, though it can feel repetitive and lacks the depth found in the console versions of the game.
The developers at Natsume attempted to inject some innovation into the gameplay with the new reversal system and momentum shifts. Players now have the ability to turn the tables on their opponents, adding an element of strategy to the matches. However, these mechanics can be clunky and unintuitive, leading to moments of frustration rather than enhancing the overall experience.
Survivor Series also offers multiplayer options, allowing you to team up with friends for eight different match types including cage, tag team, and the thrilling fatal four-way. Multiplayer can be a saving grace in terms of replayability, providing some entertaining moments of competitive wrestling action, especially when played with fellow retro gaming enthusiasts.
While WWE Survivor Series may not live up to the expectations of hardcore wrestling fans, it does possess nostalgic elements that harken back to classic games of the past. From the pixelated graphics to the familiar faces of beloved WWE superstars, playing this game evokes a sense of nostalgia that, for some, may be enough to overlook its flaws.
In conclusion, WWE Survivor Series for the Game Boy Advance offers a taste of the wrestling action fans crave, but ultimately falls short in delivering a truly satisfying experience. With its lackluster gameplay mechanics and repetitive single-player mode, it fails to capture the excitement and depth found in its console counterparts. However, the inclusion of multiplayer options and the nostalgic feel make it worth a look for retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a trip down memory lane.