SHOWDOWN is without a doubt the wrestling fan's wrestling game.

Graphics beautifully recreate legends such as Andre The Giant and Jimmy Snuka, while gameplay is sluggish and true to the reality of wrestling as opposed to the fast-paced arcade action witnessed in the Smackdown series.

The third instalment in the Legends of Wrestling series sees the entrance of a whole host of new legends to wrestle as and a variety of costumes to wrestle in. Sting is available as both the blonde haired, energetic fan favourite and the darker gothic Sting of the late 90s.

The Showdown Challenge allows gamers to wrestle through 16 matches over three decades until they become the Showdown champion.

The storyline is presented as a newspaper strip, although it lacks in depth as Acclaim have concentrated on the wrestling as opposed to extravagant storylines!

As with all wrestling games now there are a whole host of modes available ranging from the standard one-on-one match to the gruelling iron man match, where the winner is the wrestler accumulating the most victories in an hour.

In addition to the showdown challenge and standard modes, gamers can partake in a series of classic matches such as the infamous match between The Ultimate Warrior and Macho Man Randy Savage.

Showdown is unique in that it exclusively caters for wrestling fans, making it an essential purchase for hardcore fans but for others wanting a more glamorised wrestler opt for Smackdown.

Michael Wilson

PRICE: £39.99

PLAYERS: 1-4

AGE RATING: 12+

GENRE: Wrestling

FORMAT: PS2/XB

GRAPHICS: 18/20

SOUND: 15/20

GAMEPLAY: 17/25

LIFESPAN: 13/25

ORIGINALITY: 4/10

OVERALL: 67%

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UPCOMING

Combat Mission Anthology (PC); Cycling Manager 4 (PC); Richard Burns Rally (PS2/XB); Spider-Man 2 (PS2/XB)