WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game (MS-DOS, 1995) // Doink Playthrough
490s Video Games, Episode 245
WWF Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game
DOS Version, Doink Playthrough
The MS-DOS port of WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game, released in 1995, was one of the many home versions of the popular arcade wrestling-fighting hybrid. This version attempted to capture the fast-paced, exaggerated gameplay of the arcade original, but it faced several limitations due to the hardware constraints of PCs at the time.
People who had better PC-s got the best home port!
Graphics and Sound
The MS-DOS version retained the digitized character sprites that made the arcade game visually appealing, but it didn’t quite match the graphical fidelity of its PlayStation or Sega Saturn counterparts. The digitized wrestler models looked decent, though slightly less sharp and colorful compared to their arcade originals. Since many PC users at the time had a variety of hardware setups, the visual experience could vary depending on the player’s machine. High-end PCs could run the game with more detail and smoother animation, while lower-end systems would show more pixelation and choppy frame rates.
In terms of sound, the MS-DOS port was serviceable but not remarkable. The audio quality suffered slightly compared to other versions, with sound effects and voice samples (from commentators Vince McMahon and Jerry Lawler) sometimes sounding compressed or muffled. Still, the game’s music and iconic wrestler soundbites were present, retaining some of the game’s arcade atmosphere.
Gameplay and Performance
The gameplay in the MS-DOS version closely followed the arcade's mechanics, featuring fast-paced, exaggerated wrestling moves with a fighting game-like combo system. However, the biggest challenge for PC players was control. While the game was designed to be played with arcade sticks or gamepads, many DOS players had to rely on keyboards, which could make executing complex moves and combos more difficult. This could detract from the overall experience, as the fast, frantic action was harder to control with less precise input methods.
Performance-wise, the MS-DOS port could run well on PCs that met the game’s specifications, but like most PC games of the time, performance varied widely depending on the hardware. Slower machines might experience lag, especially when multiple characters were on-screen, while higher-end systems could handle the action more smoothly. The speed and fluidity of the game were crucial to its appeal, so players without powerful machines at the time could find it less enjoyable.
Roster and Features
The MS-DOS port maintained the core roster of WWF superstars, including Bret "The Hitman" Hart, Shawn Michaels, Razor Ramon, The Undertaker, and others. Unlike the SNES and Sega Genesis versions, the MS-DOS port included the full roster of eight characters, which meant players could choose from the complete set of wrestlers available in the arcade.
As with other home versions, the game featured both the Intercontinental and WWF Championship modes, allowing players to fight through a series of increasingly difficult matches. Multiplayer mode was available via local play, but without online options, it was limited to players sharing the same machine.
Reception
The MS-DOS version of WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game was generally well-received by PC gamers, but it didn’t quite achieve the same acclaim as the arcade, PlayStation, or Sega Saturn versions. Reviewers praised the port for its faithful recreation of the arcade’s fast-paced action but noted the difficulty of playing with a keyboard and the occasional performance issues on lower-end PCs. Additionally, while the over-the-top arcade style was fun, it wasn’t universally loved by fans looking for a more realistic wrestling experience.
Legacy
Despite its limitations, the MS-DOS port helped bring WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game to a wider audience, especially those without access to arcade cabinets or newer home consoles. It was one of the better wrestling games available for PCs in the mid-'90s and is remembered fondly by fans of both WWF and arcade-style fighters.
Overall, the MS-DOS version did a respectable job capturing the essence of the original arcade game, but the experience was heavily dependent on the player’s hardware setup and control preferences, which were crucial in a game with such fast, reflex-driven gameplay.