are seven selectable story paths 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 without being defeated themselves. Players can compete in various match types in 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. This would be the first and subsequently only game in the AKI series wbich allowed players to fight backstage. 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. 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, moves, allies and rivals, and other wrestler attributes can also be customized. Up to 18 original wrestlers can be saved. Much like its predecessors, in addition to creating their own wrestlers, players can also freely edit the in-game roster as well. Development The game was first announced in early 2000. A playable demo version was exhibited at that year's E3 event, showcasing various playable wrestlers and the arena for the WWF's SmackDown! show. A companion title for the handheld Game Boy Color was also announced, which would allow players to utilize the Transfer Pak to import points earned in the portable game to spend on rewards in the Nintendo 64 version's SmackDown Mall, as well as featuring a special storyline path that players could play through in Championship Mode. However, the companion handheld game was cancelled and the Transfer Pak features were subsequently dropped from the Nintendo 64 version. Soon after release, an issue with the initial line of game cartridges was reported in which players' save data could and would inexplicably be erased at any time. Initially, THQ recommended that players reset their cartridge to factory defaults to fix the issue. When players still reported issues, the company eventually instituted a recall program