In a world with no boundaries between legends and rising stars in WWE All Stars, the game breaks the traditional rules of wrestling games and turns the impossible into a reality that players can experience with excitement. Imagine standing in the middle of the ring, with the crowd roaring at the top of their lungs and bright lights shining on a legend from the past like Hulk Hogan as he prepares to face John Cena in a dream match that wrestling fans have longed for.
The story begins without complications, as the game does not follow a specific narrative or dramatic storyline like the SmackDown vs. Raw series. Instead, it gives you the opportunity to create your own history in the ring. The ring in this game is not just an ordinary place but rather an arena that defies the laws of nature, where wrestlers do not just jump but soar, and they do not simply kick but deliver blows that shake the entire ring. It is no surprise, as the game takes professional wrestling to a new level of excitement and spectacle, making every move a dramatic event worthy of being replayed over and over again.
When you grab the controller and start your journey in the game, you will immediately realize that this is not the wrestling experience you are used to. Everything here is exaggerated, fast-paced, and full of energy. There is no room for complex technical grappling; instead, every move is designed to be fun and easy to learn but difficult to master. You will find yourself jumping meters into the air and executing moves that send your opponent flying out of the ring as if they were just a ragdoll. All of this takes place in a cartoonish atmosphere that exaggerates the wrestlers’ muscles and makes them look more like legendary superheroes.
The game is not limited to just one match but offers multiple modes that provide a variety of gameplay options. One of the most notable is the Path of Champions, which does not have a predetermined storyline but consists of a series of consecutive challenges that test your strength and endurance until you reach the top. You can choose one of three paths that lead you to face The Undertaker, Randy Orton, or D-Generation X, with each battle requiring a different strategy since every opponent has their own unique fighting style.
There is also the Fantasy Warfare mode. As if the game was not legendary enough, this mode adds a cinematic touch by offering 15 dream matches between past legends and present-day superstars. Before each match, you will watch promotional videos showcasing the similarities and differences between the wrestlers, adding a unique depth and making every battle even more thrilling. Imagine a match between The Rock and André the Giant or a clash between Big Show and The Undertaker. These are matchups that have never happened in real life, but this game makes them possible.
Finally, if you want to challenge your friends or simply jump into a random fight, the Exhibition Mode allows you to choose any wrestler and any type of match without restrictions, giving you complete freedom to engage in battles as you please. The game not only provides a massive roster of legendary wrestlers but also allows you to create your own star and bring them into the fight. You can customize everything from their appearance to their finishing moves, making them the champion you have always dreamed of seeing in the ring.
From the moment WWE All Stars entered the PSP gaming scene, it was clear that it was not trying to be just another addition to the WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series. Instead, it aimed to deliver a completely different experience. While traditional wrestling games focused on realism, All Stars broke that mold by offering an arcade-style, fast-paced experience that felt more like fighting games such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat than actual wrestling.
The biggest difference is noticeable in the wrestler designs. In SmackDown vs. Raw, they closely resembled their real-life counterparts, while in All Stars, they appeared as if they were superheroes with exaggerated muscles and moves that defy the laws of physics. This change was not just a visual enhancement but also influenced the gameplay style, making everything faster and more dynamic, with massive jumps and moves that send wrestlers bouncing off the mat as if they were made of rubber.
Additionally, while SmackDown vs. Raw featured a control system based on timing and skill in executing moves, All Stars provided a much simpler experience, allowing anyone to perform finishing moves with ease. This made it an enjoyable game for everyone, whether they were hardcore wrestling fans or just casual players looking for a fun experience.