| Sgt. Slaughter's Mat Wars | |
|---|---|
 Cover art featuring Sgt. Slaughter | |
| Developer(s) | Beam Software |
| Publisher(s) | Mindscape |
| Programmer(s) | Nigel Spencer |
| Platform(s) | Commodore 64 |
| Release | November 15, 1989 |
| Genre(s) | Sports |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Sgt. Slaughter's Mat Wars is a professional wrestling sports video game developed by Beam Software and published by Mindscape. It is based on the professional wrestler Sgt. Slaughter and was released on November 15, 1989, exclusively for the Commodore 64.
The game requires a Commodore 64 joystick to play and features a unique gameplay mechanic involving managers. Players can choose from five managers: Delores, Fast Ed, Big John, Abdul Makash, and Lucky. These managers play a crucial role in the game's trading system, allowing players to buy and trade wrestlers in Sgt. Slaughter's Auction House. The game also allows players to bet on matches and bribe other wrestlers to throw their matches. [1]
Sgt. Slaughter does not appear as a playable character but he makes occasional appearances as a commentator and referee during matches. The game includes multiple match types such as singles and tag team bouts, and features multiple game modes, including a narrative-driven story mode and an exhibition mode for quick matches. [2]
Nigel Spencer, the programmer behind the game shared insights into the game's development in an interview. Spencer highlighted the game's technical advancements, particularly the use of real-time scaling of high-resolution screens, a first for the C64. [3]
Sgt. Slaughter's Mat Wars was released on November 15, 1989, for the Commodore 64. The game was developed by Beam Software and published by Mindscape during the height of Sgt. Slaughter's popularity in the late 1980s.
Sgt. Slaughter’s Mat Wars has received a mixed reception over the years. Critics and players appreciated the game's unique blend of wrestling and management simulation, which set it apart from other wrestling games of its era. The game's graphics were particularly praised, with many noting the impressive detail in the arenas and the diverse, albeit fictional, roster of wrestlers. The visual presentation was considered a high point, showcasing what the Commodore 64 could achieve. [4]
However, the game was not without its criticisms. Players described the in-ring action as simplistic and repetitive, which detracted from the overall experience. A common point of contention was the minimal involvement of Sgt. Slaughter in the game, which many fans found disappointing. This perceived underutilization of the popular wrestling figure led to some considering the game to be a missed opportunity. [5]
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