Forks? Barbed wire? Is ECW Hardcore Revolution hardcore or just messed up?
Catherine Channon

Wrestling has always been a niche genre, but in an attempt to broaden its audience, Acclaim are using the universal language of violence. ECW is the most notorious of the three main wrestling federations: it's savage, violent, depraved in places and in the words of its current heavyweight champion, "Bad ass." Each match, although allegedly unstaged, follows a soap opera-style storyline that makes EastEnders look like The Sullivans. Events include the now legendary barbed wire match and staple-gun sessions, with cheese graters, pizza cutters and metal pipes also making their mark in the ring. With so much going for it, high hopes have been held for Hardcore Revolution.

ECW has as much to offer as any wrestling game. Modes include Vs, Exhibition, Career, Pay-Per View (where you can save and review your favourite matches) and Tournament. Within these options you're able to play with any number of male and female ECW stars or create your own wrestler. You're also given control over the type of stadium, match style, mode and whether or not you wish to keep the fight within the ring.

The deathmatch is the most interesting of these and attempts to simulate the excess of real ECW, but sadly doesn't quite make the gruesome grade. Although blood may splatter the canvas and your wrestler sustains injuries, you're unable to appreciate the full extent of them on the players' otherwise beautifully motion captured figures.