Showdown: Legends of Wrestling

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: Jun 22, 2004
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 24
  3. Negative: 9 out of 24
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  1. BonusStage
    40
    The two places where this game really fails to deliver are in the pacing and the controls.
  2. G4 TV
    40
    Everything from the pointless showdown mode to the almost complete absence of anything to unlock makes the game feel raw in a negative, unfinished way. Not the hardcore, wrestling kind of fans know and love.
  3. RewiredMind
    40
    This game could have been so much better than it is, but I didn't think it would ever turn out as distinctly average as it has.
  5. 1UP
    35
    It's a bad game, but it's a bad game with aspirations, and every so often it manages to entertain in spite of its gaping, hideous flaws.
  6. Gaming Age
    33
    The poor presentation and frustrating, buggy gameplay will turn off most of us who were looking for a way to recreate the landmark moments and atmosphere from a different era of sports entertainment.
  7. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    30
    Showdown is just as bad as its two predecessors in almost every way. [Aug 2004, p.93]
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  8. DailyGame
    30
    It’s undeniably cool to pick your favorite wrestlers from yesteryear, but as soon as the actual gameplay kicks in, the lack of attention given to this title quickly chills all those warm fuzzies.
  9. GMR Magazine
    30
    A plodding pace serves to slow down the showdown - something as simple as escaping from a steel cage is an extended, boring affair. [Sept 2004, p.81]
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  10. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    30
    Matches are slower than molasses on a flat surface and play out like blooper reels, with fighters facing the wrong way, refusing to pick up tables or pull off signature strikes. [Sept 2004, p.99]
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Awards & Rankings

61
#61 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. jimmywoodnut
    Aug 20, 2004
    3
    This game is o.k at first but then after about 30-60 of playing u finally get how 2 and the game is pretty cool but then after about anotherThis game is o.k at first but then after about 30-60 of playing u finally get how 2 and the game is pretty cool but then after about another hour it truly sux a$$ the only reason i gave it any more than 1 is coz u can be hulk hogan and i am a big fan and anyways hogan isn't even very good in the game which was very unexpected seeing as he is on the front cover and all anyways i would reccomend it 2 any1 who loves some of the most boring games in the world… Full Review »
  2. RichT.
    Jul 30, 2004
    5
    What can I say other than I was very disappointed. The game isn't worth $49.99 not even $19.99 due to all of the technical problems and What can I say other than I was very disappointed. The game isn't worth $49.99 not even $19.99 due to all of the technical problems and boring decade storyline. No hidden characters, no hidden arenas, cheats, nothing. Showdown is just an all out stinkfest of boredom waiting to sink you into the deepest bowels of depression and disappointment. I was really looking forward to a game that would do the Legends of Wrestling justice, but as usual acclaim has fallen short and should take some serious notes from the master of wrestling games THQ.... (The Smackdown Franchise).. I am surprised Acclaim hasn't recalled LOW Showdown due to all of the technical problems. For example, during the showdown challenge the controls stick during moves, the screen freezes during gameplay, the announcers' voices become deep and hard to understand and seem to repeat themselves and get stuck on phrases like an old 33 record that has been scratched. In addition, when your wrestler performs some moves, he goes to grab his opponet and applies the hold to an invisible character/air while the opponet is off in another direction. In my opinion, Acclaim should have a massive recall of the game, fix the glitches and technical problems, create more exciting story lines, have hidden characters such as Big Van Vader, Buff Bagwell, Nature Boy Ric Flair, Magnum T.A., Lex Luger, The Four Horsemen, Midnight Express, and some of the TNA Superstars on the roster, easier controls, and lots of hidden items such as costumes, music entrances, arenas, cheats, and etc.. I am not an video game expert or developer but come on!!!, Acclaim ,Just talk to a few wrestling fans and You will have a number one best selling wrestling game that can stand toe to toe with The Smackdown Franchise and THQ. Do yourself a favor and rent this game before you buy it....Two last things... Don't believe the hype about this game. If anything it should be called Letdown..Legends of wrestling... by acclaim....… Full Review »
  3. DaveH.
    Jul 10, 2004
    6
    Much better than LOW1 and 2. Lots of potential but the gameplay isn't solid enough to keep you hooked. The framerate suffers a bit on Much better than LOW1 and 2. Lots of potential but the gameplay isn't solid enough to keep you hooked. The framerate suffers a bit on the PS2 when there are more than 4 characters on screen. I feel that if they would have spent some more time improving the controls, fixing all the glitches and the framerate, this could have easily have gotten an 8. I really wanted to like this game but the gameplay just doesn't do it for me.… Full Review »
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