WWF War Zone is a professional wrestling video game developed by Iguana West and released by Acclaim Entertainment in 1998 for the PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Game Boy. The game features wrestlers from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and was the first graphical 3D game based on the WWF.

The Story Behind WWF War Zone

For the PlayStation version, they used 3D models with more polygons and larger textures. However, by the time of release the PlayStation version did support four players. Reduced polygon models and smaller textures were used during four wrestler matches in the PlayStation versions, while the Nintendo 64 used the same models for all matches.

Development was begun on the PlayStation as developers waited to receive Nintendo 64 development kits. One of the developers who worked on Breakaway, John Lund developed the "soft skin" technology that allowed characters to be rendered using models without seam lines. The game took roughly a year and a half to develop.

How WWF War Zone Plays

Individual maneuvers cannot be chosen, though, and an entire set of moves must be copied from one of the game's existing wrestlers. It allows players to create a custom wrestler, entering a name, customizing various attributes and choosing theme music. Exhibition matches against the computer can also be played, but the computer opponent is always chosen at random.

War Zone also includes a training mode in which the player can freely practice the moves of their chosen wrestler. Sometimes previously defeated wrestlers will challenge the player to a "Grudge match." These matches will usually be weapons or cage matches. Wrestlers of both genders can be created, with various options for skin and muscle tone, as well as body type and in-ring apparel.

Why Players Still Load It Up

As D-Generation X might say, 'Two words: Buy it!'" However, Scary Larry said that the Nintendo 64 version "provides the thrills and spills of an all-out street fight, but with much better scripting." Next Generation said that the former console version was "largely idiotic fun and especially great in multiplayer mode (up to four with a multitap). He called the PlayStation version the "best wrestling package ever released and shouldn't be missed by anyone with even a passing interest in wrestling." IGNs Douglass C. The game gained favor with gamers and was a popular rental title in the U.S. for months after its release.

War Zone sold more than 1 million copies within a year of its release. Jeff Gerstmann of GameSpot complimented the gameplay and graphics and called the Nintendo 64 version the best wrestling game on the system. Anthony Baize of AllGame wrote that said version was "able to set itself aside from other games in the genre and offer players some newer, innovative options." Matt Casamassina also praised the game's graphics in his review of the Nintendo 64 version, calling it "the best looking wrestling game ever made." While he faulted the game for its collision detection, static cutscenes and small selection of wrestlers, he recommended the game and anticipated the release of a sequel.

WWF War Zone — Frequently Asked Questions