WWE All Stars is a 2011 professional wrestling video game published by THQ. It was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo 3DS. The game was developed by THQ San Diego (for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360) and Subdued Software (for PlayStation 2, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, and PlayStation Portable).
Overview
WWE All Stars is an arcade-style wrestling game that contrasts with the simulation-based WWE SmackDown vs. Raw series. It features exaggerated, over-the-top animation and stylized character designs, with gameplay that incorporates elements of fighting games, including combo-based attacks, juggling mechanics, and slow-motion finishing moves. The game was produced by Sal Divita, who previously worked on WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game and TNA Impact!.
Gameplay
The game employs a simplified control scheme focused on quick and strong grapples, standing and running attacks, and combination sequences. Characters are divided into four classes: Acrobat, Big Man, Brawler, and Grappler, each with distinct advantages and unique abilities. Signature moves and finishers are presented with dramatic visual effects, including slow-motion sequences and shockwave animations.
Game Modes
- Path of Champions: A 10-match gauntlet mode featuring three unique storylines centered on The Undertaker, Randy Orton, and D-Generation X (Triple H and Shawn Michaels), each culminating in a championship match at a major WWE event.
- Fantasy Warfare: A series of 15 dream matches pitting WWE Legends against modern Superstars with similar attributes. Each match is preceded by a video package produced by WWE. Completing matches unlocks additional playable characters.
- Exhibition: Standard single matches, tag team matches, triple threat matches, fatal four-way matches, steel cage matches, and extreme rules matches.
- Create-a-Wrestler: Allows players to create custom superstars using existing movesets and finishers.
Roster
The game features approximately 30 playable characters, including both WWE Legends and contemporary WWE Superstars.
WWE Legends: Andre the Giant, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Bret "Hit Man" Hart, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat, The Rock, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Eddie Guerrero, Sgt. Slaughter, Mr. Perfect, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, Dusty Rhodes, and Michael Hayes.
WWE Superstars: John Cena, Triple H, Rey Mysterio, John Morrison, The Big Show, Kofi Kingston, Sheamus, Randy Orton, The Miz, CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, The Undertaker, Jack Swagger, Kane, and Edge.
Additional characters were released as downloadable content, including Chris Jericho, The Road Warriors, Jerry Lawler, Mark Henry, Honky Tonk Man, and R-Truth.
Development
The game was built on Unreal Engine 3 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions. Many developers at THQ San Diego had previously worked at Midway San Diego on the 2008 TNA Impact! game. WWE All Stars was first announced at E3 in June 2010. The Nintendo 3DS version was released later, on November 22, 2011, in North America and November 25, 2011, in Europe, and included all previously released DLC characters along with two exclusive modes: Gauntlet and Score Scramble.
Reception
According to review aggregator Metacritic, the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions received "generally favorable reviews" (Metascore of 75), while the Wii, PlayStation Portable, and Nintendo 3DS versions received "mixed or average reviews." Critics praised the game's art design, fast-paced arcade gameplay, and roster, but noted limited content, repetitive match types, the absence of a tutorial or practice mode, and imprecise controls. The game was nominated for Best Fighting Game at the 2011 Spike Video Game Awards, losing to Mortal Kombat.
Legacy
WWE All Stars was the last WWE video game released on the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable, and the only WWE game released for the Nintendo 3DS. Its online multiplayer servers were shut down as of April 28, 2013. The game is often compared to the later WWE 2K Battlegrounds (2020), which similarly adopted an arcade-style approach.
