Career Mode
Each week in career mode is set up with an in-game cut-scene. Your created character starts off by trying to talk his way into a match with the WWE's best. Your cocky, headstrong, and ready to rock. However, your low attributes make you fodder for some of Smackdown and Raw's best. So you need to start humbly.
Things start out rocky. Following a run-in with Renee Dupree, you make the foolish challenge that you can take the Frenchman down in three minutes. You have no option but to win, as a loss or draw forces you to attempt a rematch. That's my one big problem with WM21's story mode, something that is an issue right from the get-go. There's nothing dynamic about the story. I'm fine with not being able to make choices, but I'd like to lose a match and continue story mode, with the story altering slightly. Instead, it's do-or-die.
The first three battles aren't going to be easy, especially since there's a time limit. However, by the time you're past your third match, the story begins to pick up. Early on you partner up with Booker T, make enemies of Charlie Haas and the Dudley boys, and begin to make a name for yourself. As you'd expect from a yearlong WWE drama, there are betrayals to be had. There's even a parking lot beat down that sets you on a path to refine your game.
Though you don't have a hand in shaping your alliances, a lot of care was taken in creating the story and it makes for a far more interesting experience than what Raw 2 offered. There are a ton of cut-scenes and they help show off the personality of your favorite (and I suppose least favorite) Raw and Smackdown superstars.
Nothing, however, is better than having the commentary based on your story exploits. In your first fight, your sanity is questioned. The crowd doesn't care about you, doesn't know you at all. You get nothing from them. But check out one of the first things you hear in your second fight after the bell rings: "This new kid beat Renee Dupree in three minutes last week! Can he do the same tonight?" And in your next battle, it's noted that should you win, you're easily on your way to becoming the new Smackdown star.
The change in the audience is also noted. As you begin to prove yourself, the cheers become deafening. Yes, the crowd still has its favorites, but there's extra appreciation in your quick ascension. Of course, becoming a shooting star attracts unwanted attention which leads to some bad things, but you'll have to experience career mode for yourself to enjoy.
Each victory earns you money based on the quality of your win. Use finishers and play clean to earn extra bonuses. This cash can be used to purchase new moves, costumes, and entrances. Most importantly, cash can buy you attribute points to bolster your superstar. Cash can also be earned outside of career mode, so that you can earn extra money in exhibition matches and online. That way you're always playing for something.
I've yet to complete career mode, so it's unclear if there's going to be replay value in WM21's scripted story. However, I like the direction developer Studio Gigante has taken. While it's not as free and open as wrestling fans have become accustomed to, it's still quite enjoyable. Remember that WrestleMania 21 also has a Create-A-Belt feature that allows you to customize your own championship belt and test other's skills online. That's your true career mode, one that can be played with any wrestler in the game. It may not be quite the same, but it's something.
