No Mercy features the same game mechanics as its predecessors, including WrestleMania 2000. Players can strike or grapple with their opponent; combining a button press with a direction yields different strikes and grappling maneuvers.[1] The momentum system from the previous games has also been retained, where players build up their "Attitude" meter by attacking their opponent. Having a large amount of momentum increases the player's chances of a successful pinfall and filling up the meter completely allows the player to execute their character's finishing maneuver.[2]
Additional characters, along with arenas, as well as moves and costumes to be used in the game's create-a-wrestler mode are unlockable in the new "Smackdown Mall." Players earn in-game currency through regular play that they can spend to unlock these in-game items. One way players can earn currency is through the game's new single player Championship Mode, which tasks players with winning one of the WWF's championship titles.[3] There are seven selectable storylines to play through, one for each of the available championships. Each storyline features branching paths that are reached depending on players' decisions made during the story or whether they win or lose certain matches. In-game currency can also be earned by playing the game's survival mode, in which players attempt to defeat as many opponents as possible. Players can compete in various match types in both Championship and Exhibition modes, including the newly added ladder match. As in the previous Nintendo 64 titles, up to four players can compete in the same match. The game also features new arenas to wrestle in, as well as introducing backstage areas in which players can brawl using various weapons and objects in the environment.[4]
In addition to the game's over sixty playable characters, players can also create their own characters using the game's create-a-wrestler mode.[4] No Mercy features much more extensive character creation options than its predecessors with more moves, more customizable body attributes and the ability to create female wrestlers. Ring attire, entrances and other wrestler attributes can also be customized. Up to 18 original wrestlers can be saved. The game's included roster of wrestlers can be edited as well.
