January 7, 2005 - It seems hard to believe, but WWE WrestleMania 21 is coming in March. Xbox owners who've long-awaited THQ's departure from the Raw series have a completely new game to enjoy this spring. Featuring 45 Superstars, including roughly a half-dozen legends, more than 20 arenas, Xbox Live play, and authentic Superstar intros and voices, WrestleMania 21 shows immense promise. While it's not quite time to give hands-on impressions of THQ's wrestler (the game just went Alpha), we have amassed some significant details.

We can finally answer your questions about the control scheme, how the Pro Reversal works in reality and not just in theory, what match types are available, and even which arenas you can do battle in. Don't think this is the end of our coverage of WM21 -- This is just the beginning. Everything you read within will be explored in even greater depth over the next two months. The Road to WrestleMania 21 begins here...


In the Ring
WM21's control scheme features two reversal buttons, two grappling buttons to allow for greater control over your Superstar's moves. To add a further touch of control, each grappling button (A and B) has two functions. Tapping the A button performs a quick grapple and holding A performs a strong grapple. The quick grapple can be very useful to snatch a wrestler in motion or to beat a quick wrestler to the punch. Tap B for a specialty grapple or hold for a submission grapple. When a wrestler's in submission, a meter appears above their name. At that point it's time for the old button mash to free yourself from the hold unless you want to tap out like a mama's boy.

Expect to see signature moves from your favorite Superstars along with the staple wrestling moves and plenty of unique turnbuckle dazzlers. A camera cut option allows for more powerful moves to be show in a more cinematic style. In these slow-mo close-up moments, players can get a good gander at sweat and blood flying off a Superstar's body.

Left and Right Trigger act as grapple and strike reversals respectively. A strike (punch, slap, kick, elbow) can come from an open stance or during a grapple. Either way, you must learn the precise timing to counter each strike. Every move, both strikes and grapples, have unique reversal timings. It's not clear if WM21 includes a counter icon or if timing must be learned through practice.

BERJAYA
The reward for a successful reversal is an animation specific to that attack. This means that there are as many reversal animations as strike and grapple animations. As an added element, most grapples have two phases. These more complex grapples can be reversed in the initial phase or at the start of the second phase. As can be seen in IGN's two exclusive videos reversal animations are pretty damn sweet.

The Pro Reversal system should add an interesting element to WM21 missing from THQ's previous Xbox wrestlers. Practice and timing become crucial as button-mashing techniques can now be easily defeated. And thanks to the control set-up, reversals should actually be easy to learn, but perhaps difficult to master.

It's not enough to wrestle, you need to make a show of it. Heat is the measure of the crowd's support. Taunt opponents, mix up your moves, dazzle the crowd with your wrestling prowess, and your Heat Meter fills. Once fully on fire, you can use your Superstar's finishing move (A+B). These signature moves are cinematic and devastating. It doesn't mean your opponent is done-for, but they will certainly be on their way to defeat.

Don't hesitate to use your Heat as soon as possible, as the meter won't stay full for long. Take a hit or get tossed like a salad and your Heat Meter begins to sink. The crowd is fickle, which should encourage players to continually press the attack.

BERJAYA
As a match wears on, wrestlings appear sweatier, with successful attack often resulting in a spray of sweat. Should you start pounding your opponent, you can even get some blood splatter. While blood won't leave its mark on the mat, truly damage opponents will have their face and chest spattered red. WM21 features body-specific damage, so that targeting the face can result in blood a little earlier. Don't expect buckets of the stuff to be pouring off a Superstar's pretty face. This isn't Mortal Kombat. As can be seen in IGN's new screenshots, blood can provide a powerful image. Just imagine what a cage match can turn into with the right amount of rage.