WWE Survivor Series GBA: Full Roster & More!

by Jhon Lennon 45 views

Hey wrestling fans! Ready to dive into the pixelated world of WWE Survivor Series on the Game Boy Advance? This handheld gem brought the excitement of the annual November classic right to our pockets. But who made the cut for the GBA roster? Let's get into it!

WWE Survivor Series GBA Roster: A Blast from the Past

The WWE Survivor Series GBA roster was a carefully curated selection of some of the biggest stars of the Ruthless Aggression Era. While the GBA’s limitations meant not everyone could be included, the lineup delivered a solid mix of heavy hitters and fan favorites. Let’s break down who you could control in this portable wrestling arena.

  • Kurt Angle: The Olympic Hero himself, Kurt Angle, was a major inclusion. Known for his technical prowess and intense matches, Angle brought a sense of legitimacy to the GBA roster. His signature moves, including the Angle Slam and Ankle Lock, were faithfully recreated, making him a formidable opponent or a valuable ally in tag team matches.

  • Big Show: Size matters, and Big Show brought plenty of it. As one of the largest athletes in WWE history, Big Show's presence on the WWE Survivor Series GBA roster added a different dynamic. His devastating chokeslam and powerful strikes made him a force to be reckoned with, especially in the game’s limited graphical environment. Playing as Big Show meant relying on brute strength and overwhelming your opponents.

  • John Cena: The Doctor of Thuganomics, John Cena, was already a rising star when this game was released. His inclusion was a no-brainer, given his popularity and charisma. On the GBA roster, Cena's blend of power and attitude translated well, with his signature Five Knuckle Shuffle and FU (later renamed the Attitude Adjustment) being key moves. Cena provided players with a balanced character capable of both striking and grappling.

  • Chris Benoit: A controversial figure, but undeniably talented, Chris Benoit was included in the WWE Survivor Series GBA lineup. Known for his technical wrestling and Crippler Crossface submission, Benoit offered a different style of gameplay. His matches were often about wearing down opponents and forcing them to submit, a strategy that could be quite effective in the game.

  • Eddie Guerrero: “Latino Heat” Eddie Guerrero brought his signature charisma and sneaky tactics to the GBA roster. Known for his ability to lie, cheat, and steal his way to victory, Eddie’s inclusion added a fun, unpredictable element to the game. His Frog Splash was a must-use move, and his ability to turn the tide of a match with a quick trick made him a fan favorite.

  • The Undertaker: The Deadman, The Undertaker, was a staple of WWE and a must-have for the WWE Survivor Series GBA roster. His imposing presence and supernatural aura were captured effectively, even in the GBA’s limited graphics. The Undertaker’s Tombstone Piledriver was a devastating finisher, and his overall mystique made him a popular choice for players looking to dominate.

  • Triple H: The Game, Triple H, was a top heel at the time, and his inclusion on the GBA roster added a villainous edge. Known for his cerebral approach to wrestling and his devastating Pedigree finisher, Triple H was a strategic player's dream. His ability to control the pace of a match and wear down opponents made him a tough adversary.

  • Brock Lesnar: The Next Big Thing, Brock Lesnar, was a dominant force in WWE during this period. His raw power and amateur wrestling background made him a unique addition to the WWE Survivor Series GBA lineup. Lesnar’s F-5 finisher was as devastating in the game as it was in real life, and his ability to suplex opponents at will made him a formidable character.

Honorable Mentions and Omissions

While the GBA roster was solid, there were definitely some notable omissions. Names like The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin (though he was nearing retirement), and other popular stars of the era were missed. However, considering the limitations of the Game Boy Advance, the developers did a commendable job of including a diverse and entertaining roster.

Gameplay and Features

Beyond the WWE Survivor Series GBA roster, the game itself offered a surprisingly deep wrestling experience for a handheld title. It featured a variety of match types, including:

  • Singles Matches: Classic one-on-one battles where you could test your skills against the AI or a friend.

  • Tag Team Matches: Team up with another wrestler and take on a rival duo. Coordination and teamwork were key to victory.

  • Survivor Series Elimination Matches: The highlight of the game, these matches pitted teams of four or five against each other in an elimination-style brawl. Strategy and endurance were crucial to surviving until the end.

  • Royal Rumble: A chaotic free-for-all where wrestlers entered the ring at timed intervals, and the only way to win was to eliminate all opponents. This mode was perfect for quick, unpredictable matches.

The game also included a season mode where you could take your favorite WWE Survivor Series GBA superstar through a series of matches and storylines, competing for championships and unlocking new content. The controls were simple but effective, allowing for a variety of moves and combos. Despite the graphical limitations, the game captured the excitement and drama of WWE wrestling.

Graphics and Sound

Let's be real, the Game Boy Advance wasn't exactly a graphical powerhouse. The character models in WWE Survivor Series GBA were pixelated, and the animations were somewhat limited. However, the developers did a decent job of capturing the likenesses of the wrestlers and creating recognizable arenas. The crowd was represented by a mass of pixelated sprites, but their cheering and chanting added to the atmosphere.

The sound design was typical of GBA games, with MIDI versions of the wrestlers' entrance themes and basic sound effects for punches, slams, and grapples. While it wasn't going to win any awards for audio fidelity, the sound did its job of immersing you in the wrestling experience.

Why WWE Survivor Series GBA Still Holds Up

So, why should you care about a wrestling game on the Game Boy Advance in this day and age? Well, for a few reasons:

  • Nostalgia: If you grew up playing wrestling games on handheld consoles, WWE Survivor Series GBA is a trip down memory lane. It's a chance to relive the simpler days of gaming and appreciate the charm of pixelated graphics and MIDI soundtracks.

  • Accessibility: The game is easy to pick up and play, even if you're not a hardcore wrestling fan. The controls are simple, the rules are straightforward, and the action is fast-paced. It's a great game to play on the go or when you just want a quick dose of wrestling entertainment.

  • Solid Gameplay: Despite its limitations, WWE Survivor Series GBA offers a surprisingly deep and engaging wrestling experience. The variety of match types, the season mode, and the diverse GBA roster provide plenty of replay value. It's a testament to the developers' skill that they were able to create such a fun and addictive game on a handheld console.

  • Unique Roster: The WWE Survivor Series GBA roster captures a specific moment in WWE history, with a mix of established legends and rising stars. It's a chance to play as some of your favorite wrestlers from the Ruthless Aggression Era and relive their iconic moments.

Final Thoughts

WWE Survivor Series GBA might not be the most visually stunning or technically advanced wrestling game ever made, but it's a fun, accessible, and nostalgic title that still holds up today. The GBA roster is a great representation of the era, and the gameplay is surprisingly deep for a handheld title. So, if you're looking for a portable wrestling fix or just want to relive the glory days of the Game Boy Advance, give this game a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it! Now, who's ready for a Royal Rumble on the go?