In wrestling games, everyone's looking for a hook -- a niche to set themself apart from the rest of the sweaty herd. The WWE games have the larger than life superstars. Def Jam Vendetta contains tons of urban street cred. Legends of Wrestling features the stars of yesterday. Backyard Wrestling goes into Juggalo culture and the reckless abandon of the video series. Konami saw an obvious void in wrestling games, though: hot girls whupping up on one another.

Rumble Roses is easy to pass off as mere eye candy, and indeed there is plenty of it. The models are amazing, and about as hot as digital divas can get. All their curves are in the right places, and all their bounce is accentuated for your pleasure. Because of this, it falls in a similar category as DOA Extreme Beach Volleyball. However, like that game, it also has merits on the gameplay front, too.

Believe it or not, Rumble Roses is a competent wrestling game -- so much so that it'd probably draw some attention even if the characters were fat, masked guys named Kill Face instead. Not nearly as much attention mind you, but at least some. It's developed by Yuke's, who has been doing THQ's WWE titles for years now. The striking combos are extensive, with a variety of attacks. You have a selection of moves for almost any position you can think of (except that one, perv). Grapple moves are definitely Japanese influence, as there are some crazy, acrobatic moves that you'd never see on Raw or SmackDown.

These girls have most of the other wrestling game requisites. You want detailed entrances? You got 'em, and don't think that just because you don't know any of the ladies means you won't want to see them. For example, the entrance for Aisha is a spot-on impression of a Britney Spears performance. The great graphics only enhance the production of these jaunts to the ring. You want finishers? Each girl has something called a Lethal Move. Once your meter fills up, you can do a taunt to ready the move. Simply hit L1 at the appropriate time to execute a killer attack -- complete with anime-style effects.

Joey Canada sez: "Now that's what I'm talkin' aboot!"
The main selling point is a key match type -- one that you won't see in any other wrestling game on the market. That, my friends, is mud wrestling. You read that correct, but here it is again so its sink in: mud wrestling. Two girls face off in a shallow pool filled with mud. It plays out like a regular match, but much, much dirtier. Knock a gal down, and her outfit will get mud splashed on it. Keep on the offensive, and she will be absolutely filthy, to the point where you can't even tell she's wearing any clothing. It makes the Bra and Panties matches in SmackDown seem like churchgoing fare.

Not quite as outstanding, but still a cool concept, is the personality differences between the ladies. You can choose to either be a face (good gal) or a heel (she-devil). This attitude is reflected in the type of costume your female is adorned with, and even changes your character's fighting style. Why didn't WWE games think of that?

Rumble Roses is definitely a spectacle, but it actually plays well, too. Hot women and good action worked for Dead or Alive, and it could just as easily work here. Enjoy it when it comes out later this year, you sick freaks. Just don't let me use your controller by accident afterwards. Ewww...