Whether you are being struck or grappled, there's almost always a moment when you can tap the appropriate reversal button to turn the tables. Blocking is effective, but the key element to a strong defense is reversals. With all these powerful attacks flying around, being able to defend yourself is important. These audio and visual effects amplify the drama that the WWE pros try to achieve on a regular basis, pumping it up to an immensely gratifying level. Time slows down as your move develops and then speeds up to deliver the punishing impact in real time with a thunderous crash. When you execute one of these moves, your character's movements are highlighted by flowing ribbons of color as the background becomes black and white. These electrifying attacks are the standard-bearers for WWE All Stars they are the embodiment of the exaggerated energy that fuels the game. As you pummel your opponent, you fill up an energy meter that allows you to perform signature moves and finishers. Depending on what class your chosen wrestler is, you can perform rope-spring attacks or powerful charged strikes, and every wrestler can run around the ring and climb the turnbuckle to mix things up. You can string quick and heavy strikes together to land combos, and enter light or strong grapples to throw your opponent around. Stepping into the ring and dealing out punishment is straightforward, thanks to the relatively simple moveset. WWE All Stars captures the excitement and spectacle of the actual WWE better than any game in recent memory.īy clicking 'enter', you agree to GameSpot's These issues can cause some frustration, but the satisfaction of executing a timely counterattack or a powerful choke slam is undeniable. The crucial reversal timing is tough to master, and the exaggerated physics result in some wonky and unpredictable moments. The fighting system is not without its drawbacks, however. Cartoonishly muscular character models and gravity-defying maneuvers help the game pack a great punch, and simple controls make it easy to perform high-impact moves. Now WWE All Stars has entered the arena and amplified the high-flying, hard-hitting action to an arcade pitch. Professional wrestling's relentless quest to be larger than life makes it well suited for the creative freedom of video games, yet it has been years since any wrestling game really took this idea and ran with it.

Spend a few minutes watching any WWE broadcast, and it becomes clear that over-the-top spectacle is what it's all about.

Wwe all stars xbox one