WWF No Mercy is a professional wrestling video game released in 2000 by THQ for the Nintendo 64. It is based on the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) and is named after the WWF's annual event of the same name. Developed by Asmik Ace Entertainment and AKI Corporation, No Mercy is the last in a series of Nintendo 64 wrestling games from the companies that started with WCW vs. nWo: World Tour.
No Mercy features various improvements over its predecessor, 1999's WWF WrestleMania 2000, such as improved graphics, a "Championship" mode that allows players to participate in various branching storylines, and a more in-depth character creation mode. The improvements made to the game, combined with the series' vaunted gameplay and controls garnered praise from critics upon release. Nevertheless, the game was faulted by some for its blocky graphics, slowdown and the difficulty level of computer-controlled opponents. Overall, the game was critically well received and would become one of the best-selling titles for the Nintendo 64, as well as the third-best-selling wrestling game for the Nintendo 64 console. The game has maintained a strong, loyal fanbase throughout the years and various unofficial modifications for the game have been developed, altering/updating the game's graphics and sounds and introducing different playable wrestlers to the game's roster.
Gameplay
thumb|left|[[Jeff Hardy performs a swanton bomb on Bubba Ray Dudley in the game's new ladder match.]]
No Mercy features the same game mechanics as its predecessors. Players can strike or grapple with their opponent; combining a button press with a direction yields different strikes and grappling maneuvers. The momentum system from the previous games has also been retained, where players build up their "Attitude" meter by attacking their opponent. Having a large amount of momentum increases the player's chances of a successful pinfall or submission, and filling up the meter completely allows the player to execute their character's finishing maneuver. A playable demo version was exhibited at that year's E3 event, showcasing various playable wrestlers and the arena for the WWF's SmackDown! show. A companion title for the handheld Game Boy Color was also announced, which would allow players to utilize the Transfer Pak to import points earned in the portable game to spend on rewards in the Nintendo 64 version's SmackDown Mall, as well as featuring a special storyline path that players could play through in Championship Mode. However, the companion handheld game was cancelled and the Transfer Pak features were subsequently dropped from the Nintendo 64 version.
Soon after release, an issue with the initial line of game cartridges was reported in which players' save data could and would inexplicably be erased at any time. Initially, THQ recommended that players reset their cartridge to factory defaults to fix the issue. When players still reported issues, the company eventually instituted a recall program where those affected by the glitch would be able to exchange their copy of the game for a fixed one. Due to the fixed copies only being available through the exchange program, these cartridges are exceedingly rare and are often sold for hundreds of dollars. The second European version also removed visible blood.
Reception
Critics lauded the title's gameplay and simple controls. GameSpot praised the wide variety of moves, including each characters' finishing moves, as well the ease with which the maneuvers could be executed. Reviewer Frank Provo wrote that "(e)xecuting these and other moves is as simple as tapping A to grapple and then performing a short directional pad and button combination". and IGN called the controls "easy to use".
The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million units, making it the third best-selling wrestling game for the N64.
WWF No Mercy received nominations in the "Console Fighting", "Console Game of the Year" and "Game of the Year" categories at the 4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, which were ultimately awarded to Dead or Alive 2, SSX, and Diablo II, respectively. It was also nominated for the "Best Console Fighting Game", "N64 Game of the Year", and "Gamers' Choice N64" awards at The Electric Playgrounds Blister Awards 2000, which went to Ultimate Fighting Championship and Perfect Dark (the latter two awards), respectively.
Legacy
No Mercy was the last wrestling game to be developed by Asmik Ace and AKI for the Nintendo 64. EA's Def Jam Vendetta and Def Jam: Fight for NY, both developed by AKI, have been considered spiritual successors by fans. No Mercy has been cited as one of the best wrestling games ever made and the standard by which newer wrestling games are compared. Mark Bozon, also writing for IGN, commented that "the No Mercy era brought the first truly deep wrestling experience to many gamers" and that "there's truly no better American wrestling game in history, as No Mercy is still regarded as the most balanced and true-to-life fighter in the business".
Despite its age and the release of newer wrestling titles, No Mercy retains a strong cult following of players who favor it over more recent wrestling games. Various fan modifications of the game have been made, introducing new arenas, new wrestlers and/or other wrestling promotions to the game and is popularly used in emulators. The game was released on June 29, 2023, by THQ Nordic, with the game taking heavy inspiration from No Mercy.
Later in 2023, WWE's developmental brand, NXT, held a premium live event called NXT No Mercy on September 30. A day before the event, WWE released the cold open online ahead of the show which paid tribute to the No Mercy video game.
See also
- Virtual Pro Wrestling