Has THQ listened to the Gamecube owners? Did it truely hear our cries for more after WMX8? Well, my fellow Cubers, I believe it has!

For starters, I go for an exhibition match against my pal Oli. He chooses Brock Lesner and for me it's good old Stone Cold. What? I said stone cold!

The match begins and the entrances look amazing with the wrestlers' own music and videos. Stone Cold makes his way to the ring just like he does on the TV, and Brock ... well, that I didn't see 'cause I skipped his entrance. Ahaha

First thing you notice when playing is how different the game is from WMX8. Seems like THQ has listened. The moves are smooth and easy to work with; there are so many chances to counter attack, it's unreal. L or R pop up quickly; hit one, and reverse an opponent's move into one of your own.

In the match, I am getting my arse kicked. Brock is going for Stone Cold's legs each time, which makes him unable to stand properly - he hobbles about lots, which I think is a nice touch. Go for a certain body part of an opponent each time, and they will loose the ability to use it. In my case, poor old Stone Cold keeps falling over holding his leg in pain.

After many tries of hobbling attacks on Brock, I walk into his finisher, the F5. The finishers look amazing and I was very impressed with the big man's killer move, except for the fact that afterwards I got pinned and lost.

By the way, there is blood. Yes, you read that right: there's blood. I got hit a number of times on the head, which ended in Stone Cold's head being busted open.

There is no commentary, but who wants that anyway with its repetitive annoyingness - not me! Counter attacks are a little crazy, quick fingers are needed to be king of the ring (or you will end up like me, arse handed to me on a plate). I certainly didn't open that can of whoop arse Stone Cold always talks about.

Overall, I'm very impressed. Wrestling fans, rejoice! THQ has done us proud. You like No Mercy for the N64? Well, you will like Wrestlemania XIX for the Gamecube.

By Steve Platt