I still remember the first time I fired up Super Gems3 and realized this wasn't going to be just another wrestling game. Having played wrestling titles for over fifteen years across multiple consoles, I've developed a pretty good sense for what makes a game stand out, and Super Gems3 absolutely nails it with its creative match types. The developers have brought back several gimmick-heavy match types that hardcore fans will recognize from older titles, and they've implemented them in ways that genuinely transform how we experience wrestling games today.
When I first saw the ambulance match return after nearly a decade absence from wrestling games, I was cautiously optimistic. These specialty matches have always been hit-or-miss in previous iterations, often feeling more like novelties than substantial gameplay additions. But Super Gems3 has integrated them so seamlessly into the core experience that they've become my go-to options, especially during online sessions. The ambulance match, for instance, adds this incredible tension that standard matches just can't replicate. There's something uniquely satisfying about finally managing to throw your opponent into that ambulance after a grueling back-and-forth battle. The physics engine handles these moments beautifully, with every slam against the vehicle doors feeling impactful and authentic.
The casket match has seen significant improvements too. In older games, this match type often felt clunky, but Super Gems3 has refined the mechanics to create genuinely thrilling moments. I've counted at least twelve different animations for closing the casket lid, each more dramatic than the last. What really makes these matches shine is how they force players to adapt their strategies. You can't rely on the same movesets you'd use in a standard match, which keeps the gameplay fresh even after hundreds of hours. My win rate in casket matches sits around 65% compared to my 72% in standard exhibition matches, which tells you something about how differently I have to approach these specialty bouts.
Now, let's talk about the special referee match – hands down my personal favorite addition. This mode creates some of the most memorable multiplayer moments I've experienced in any game recently. The ability to play as the referee opens up so many possibilities for betrayal and strategic manipulation. Just last week, I was playing with two friends in a special referee match that lasted nearly twenty-eight minutes because I kept subtly helping the underdog whenever one player started dominating. The slow-count mechanic is brilliantly implemented, allowing you to delay pinfalls just enough to change the match's outcome. I've found that approximately 40% of special referee matches end with the referee turning on one of the wrestlers, which speaks volumes about how this mode encourages creative gameplay and unexpected twists.
The gauntlet matches deserve special mention too. While not as flashy as some of the other options, they provide this incredible sense of endurance and accomplishment that's missing from many modern fighting games. I recently completed a seven-wrestler gauntlet that took me forty-five minutes to finish, and the satisfaction of that final pinfall was immense. These matches test not just your skill but your stamina and strategic planning, forcing you to conserve your wrestler's energy while dealing with multiple opponents. The game tracks your performance across these matches with impressive detail – I can tell you that my average health retention between gauntlet matches is about 34%, which forces me to constantly adjust my approach.
What really impresses me about Super Gems3's implementation of these match types is how they've integrated them into the game's longer-term modes. In career mode, you'll encounter ambulance matches at key storyline moments, and they never feel forced or gimmicky. The online PvP scene has embraced these specialty matches too – I'd estimate that roughly 60% of my online matches now involve some form of gimmick match rather than standard exhibitions. Players seem to crave that extra layer of strategy and unpredictability that these matches provide. The development team clearly understood that modern gamers want variety, and they've delivered it in spades.
I do have some minor criticisms, of course. The ambulance match could use more interactive elements around the arena, and the casket match sometimes suffers from awkward camera angles when multiple wrestlers cluster around the casket. But these are small issues in an otherwise fantastic package. The sheer creativity on display makes Super Gems3 feel fresh in ways I haven't experienced since the early 2000s wrestling games. There's this wonderful balance between honoring wrestling's history and pushing the genre forward.
After spending nearly two hundred hours with Super Gems3 across various modes, I can confidently say that these specialty matches have completely transformed how I approach wrestling games. They've added layers of strategy and excitement that keep me coming back week after week. The development team deserves tremendous credit for not just including these modes but making them integral to the overall experience. Whether you're a casual player looking for some fun with friends or a competitive player seeking new challenges, these pro tips about mastering the specialty matches will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience. Super Gems3 has set a new standard for what wrestling games can be, and I'm excited to see how the community continues to innovate within these wonderfully chaotic match types.