WWE Aftershock (N-Gage)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 2.5 stars OK
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 5.3 (2.5 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Avery Score
• Reviewed on: 06/15/2005
• Updated on: 05/17/2006
• Released on: 08/15/2005
• Originally published on GameSpot: WWE Aftershock (N-Gage) Review

WWE Aftershock is the best wrestling game available on the N-Gage. It's also the only wrestling game available on the N-Gage. Nokia's handset is therefore hardly the go-to platform for grappler fans. Aftershock, with its boxy graphics and wooden animations, is unlikely to change that.

You can play the game as one of 12 WWE Superstars, including two unlockable characters. Sadly, there is no create-a-wrestler option. Four modes are present within the single-player menu: exhibition, king of the ring, survival, and tag team. These are standard gameplay types, present in all WWE games. For the uninitiated, king of the ring is a ladder tournament, in which you'll face several of the playable wrestlers. In survival mode, you'll contend with multiple enemies consecutively. Exhibition mode, of course, is a single match event. Tag team bouts are also one-offs, but these pair you with a partner of your choice.

With the exception of king of the ring, all these modes are playable with one N-Gage-toting friend, via Bluetooth. It's too bad that four-player Bluetooth wasn't implemented, as it would have obviated the use of AI wrestlers in tag team mode. The AI's failings are especially apparent in tag team situations, because they tag off far too often. You'll hit one a few times, and he'll slap his partner's outstretched palm. Slam that guy once, and he'll run behind the turnbuckle, sending his partner back out.

Regardless of the mode, your main moves are the same. From your feet, you can hit, grapple, or Irish whip your opponent. After a successful takedown, you can perform submission holds or simply beat your adversary while he's down. High-risk "off the turnbuckle" maneuvers are also possible. Apart from the regrettable lack of separate punch and kick buttons, the standard WWE move set is present. Each character has a couple of grapples to perform from the front or rear tie-ups.

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