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. Next Level Gaming
    70
    But it's a general rule that when you knock down your opponent, you should be able to stomp on them, pin them, or something like that. Well, not here. Unless you actually knock your opponent down and stun them, you can't grab them or anything until they get back up on their own.
  2. Gamers Europe
    70
    The real selling point of the latest LOW release is that it is obvious it was developed by wrestling fans for wrestling fans, Acclaim has even gone so far as to get Kevin Kelly to write commentaries for the official website.
  3. RealGamer
    70
    The game is ultimately let down by similar bugs that plagued the previous two games.
  5. PSX Extreme
    70
    A must-have for any old-school wrestling fan. However, if you’re a more recent fan of the WWE, or you’re just a casual fan, there isn’t enough depth to the game, nor is the gameplay solid enough to warrant a purchase.
  6. GameSpot
    65
    Everything positive that has been added to the game doesn't do anything to counteract the mechanical artificial intelligence and visual problems that plague much of it.
  7. GameSpy
    60
    I honestly don't remember playing a wrestling game with an engine this bad in years, and I've played quite literally every wrestling game out there.
  8. DarkStation
    60
    A mediocre wrestling title that has a great list of wrestlers, and game modes, but doesn't have the goods to back it all up.
  9. PSM Magazine
    60
    The pacing just drags. [Sept 2004, p.24]
    All this publication's reviews
  10. Game Informer
    60
    It's a nice homage to wrestling's past, but just can't compete with the wrestling games of the present. [Aug 2004, p.96]
  11. AceGamez
    60
    After two failed games it might be too much to ask for an excellent follow up, but a playable one would have been nice.
    All this publication's reviews
  12. IGN
    59
    A game meant for fans of wrestling and NOT for fans of wrestling videogames. Despite what some may think, there is a difference. As fans of wrestling will no doubt enjoy the nostalgia and history of the wrestlers involved with Legends, while fans of wrestling videogames will likely find it too clunky, damaged, and dumb for any long term value.
  13. GameZone
    50
    Ultimately, every other wrestling game on the market surpasses this game.

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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