Location-specific damage is now present, making it possible to weaken an opponent, so that they move slower and are more prone to submissions. Several other features have been added to the gameplay, including the ability to drag opponents across the ring to prevent rope breaks. Luckily for them the game gives you visual cues on what triggers you need to press to reverse a move, which is a big help considering how fast you need to be. Of course, new players may be somewhat intimidated by what you can pull off in the game. In one situation with a match between Goldberg and the Undertaker, Goldberg was able to reverse an Irish Whip attempt by the Undertaker into a clothesline, only to have the Undertaker reverse that into a small package pin. The amount of animation that needed to go into this is staggering obviously, but it creates a better flowing game in the end. Not only can you reverse moves, but you can also counter the reversals themselves. The reversal system in WMXIX is vastly improved over last year's edition. Pressing both at the same time will allow you to reverse special moves.

In order to reverse grapples, you'll need to press the L trigger, while the R trigger reverses strikes. WMXIX builds upon the engine of WMX8, with a button dedicated to striking and grappling respectively, and an intuitive reversal system.

Having said that, has THQ stuck gold this time around with Wrestlemania XIX? For the most part yes, but it didn't come without stumbling a bit. Let's face it folks, Rome wasn't built in one day, and although gamers are spending $50 a pop for these games, there aren't many publishers out there who will get it right every single time. If you've read our review on Wrestlemania X8 last year, it ended by stating that while the game was not as good as people were expecting, THQ and developer Yukes had developed a good foundation on which to build upon for future titles. Wrestlemania XIX - The Next Level GameCube Game Review

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