# WWF WrestleMania Challenge (NES) - The 1990 Wrestling Evolution WWF WrestleMania Challenge, released in November 1990 by Rare and Acclaim Entertainment under the LJN label for the NES (1992 for Japan’s Famicom by Hot-B), is the second WWF-licensed game for the console, following *WWF WrestleMania* (1989). Originally titled *WWF Survivor Series* during development, it features nine wrestlers: Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, “Macho King” Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Ravishing Rick Rude, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Big Boss Man, and “Yourself” (a generic character in red attire). Players compete in matches with signature moves (e.g., Hogan’s Hulkster Splash, Warrior’s Wallop) and a stamina bar system, where depletion increases vulnerability to pins or submissions. With an isometric ring view, chiptune entrance themes, and modes like one-on-one, tag team, and Survivor Series, it improved on its predecessor’s controls and variety but was criticized for repetitive gameplay (*Nintendo Power*: 3.2/5). No official re-release exists, but it’s emulated widely. ## Why Play WWF WrestleMania Challenge? *WWF WrestleMania Challenge* offers enhanced wrestling action over the 1989 original, with a larger roster (9 vs. 6) and more modes: one-on-one, tag team (double-teaming possible), three-on-three Survivor Series elimination, WWF Championship (single-player gauntlet as “Yourself”), and a two-player Tag Team Championship. Matches use an isometric view, with stamina bars along the ring apron; players execute punches, kicks, bodyslams, and unique grapples (e.g., Rude’s Awakening). Controls are simple (A for strikes, B for grapples, D-pad for movement), and wrestlers can dive outside the ring. Gameplay lasts 20-40 minutes for the Championship mode, with multiplayer adding replayability. Its 8-bit graphics, nostalgic WWF roster, and fluid mechanics (for the era) appeal to retro fans, though limited movesets and no continues frustrate. X posts praise its Ultimate Warrior gameplay and childhood nostalgia but note its simplicity compared to later titles like *WWF No Mercy*. ## Key Features - Play as 9 WWF superstars: Hulk Hogan, Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage, Andre the Giant, Rick Rude, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, Brutus Beefcake, Big Boss Man, or “Yourself” - Modes: One-on-one, tag team, 3-on-3 Survivor Series, WWF Championship, Tag Team Championship (two-player) - Stamina bar system; empty bar risks pinfalls/submissions - Signature moves (e.g., Warrior’s Wallop, Hogan’s Atomic Drop); dive outside ring - Two-player competitive modes; NPC partners assist in tag/Survivor Series - Experience authentic NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform ## Key Differences: NES vs. Other WWF Games - **Compared to WWF WrestleMania (1989, NES)**: Larger roster (9 vs. 6), adds Survivor Series and Tag Team Championship modes, improved controls, stamina bar; no rounds (continuous matches). - **Japan (Famicom, 1992)**: Adds Hot-B logo, updated copyright (still shows 1990), white font (vs. blue/white in US), removed garbage graphics; identical gameplay. - **Compared to WWF WrestleMania: The Arcade Game (1995)**: *Challenge* is a wrestling sim with 8-bit isometric view; *Arcade Game* is a *Mortal Kombat*-style fighter with digitized sprites, cartoonish moves (e.g., Doink’s mallet), and commentary. - **Compared to WWF WrestleMania: Steel Cage Challenge (1992, NES)**: *Challenge* lacks cage matches, has fewer wrestlers (9 vs. 10), simpler graphics; *Steel Cage* has worse gameplay per fan reviews. - **Regional Notes**: No *Probotector*-style changes; Japan’s later release adds minor cosmetic tweaks. ## Play WWF WrestleMania Challenge Online Step into the ring today! Play *WWF WrestleMania Challenge* instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using NES emulators. Alternatively, try it on sites like RetroGames.cc, OldGameShelf.com (rated 4.4/5 by 24 players), or EmulatorGames.net. Physical NES copies cost $15-$40 (cart only) or $50-$120 (CIB) on eBay/Amazon; Famicom versions are rarer ($50-$150). Ideal for retro wrestling fans and 1980s WWF nostalgics! Note: Use Mesen or Nestopia for emulation; expect minor slowdown in tag matches. For strategy, choose Ultimate Warrior for speed or Andre for power; use ring-outs to recover stamina. Two continues are available in Championship mode, but losing three matches restarts the gauntlet. Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your fight now and claim the WWF Championship to forge your wrestling legacy!