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NACHO LIBRE
review | DS
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Publisher: Majesco Entertainment.
Developer: Budcat Creations. Released: June 2007 (Europe). Genre: Wrestling. Posted 19th May 2026. By Shane Battams © 2026 |
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In something of a weird twist, two movies from quirky director Jared Hess would receive handheld video games in 2007: Napoleon Dynamite saw a belated adaptation, while Nacho Libre would also powerslam its way exclusively onto the DS. Curious coincidences aside, the portable system lacked many of wrestling options afforded to other systems of the time, as it attempted to fill the void while adapting the comedy film. Budcat’s effort certainly isn’t without merit, mostly in regards to its presentation and certain technical feats, but it’s also another licensed DS title that lacks longevity, consistent gameplay, and enjoyment.
As with the film, Nacho Libre focuses on Catholic friar Ignacio, who has dreamt since childhood of becoming a famous luchador. However, with this forbidden by the church and a new love interest on the scene, he must lead a double life as he hides his grappling from both his colleagues and the children of the orphanage. The game’s chief strength lies in how Budcat retells the story. Cut-scenes utilise photos of the film’s cast, Jack Black’s likeness and all, while mouths and limbs bounce and bobble as if from a pop-up book, matching the outlandish tone of the film very well. More technically noteworthy is the use of FMV clips lifted from the film, quite a feat for the system, and though they lack crystal clear sound or picture quality, it’s still impressive.
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Nacho Libre offers a quirky mix of wrestling and mini-games, though neither fare especially well
Unfortunately, things begin to deteriorate when you start playing Nacho Libre. The story mode consists of a mix of wrestling and mini-games. The former proves underwhelming, despite the appearance of depth afforded by unlockable grapplers and moves. You can strike, grapple, exit the ring and climb the turnbuckle. Once you enter a grapple, you can perform a few moves with button and directional input. Unfortunately, grapples prove overpowering and can stifle AI, even on the hardest setting. Strikes and other attacks result in less damage than a series of grapples, and the CPU struggles to counter them. Matches are rather dull as a consequence, and not even the chance to duel with characters from the film, or partake in tag and 4-way matches, can add much excitement.
On the other side of the coin, there are the mini-games, and these fare worse. Taking key moments from the film, such as Ignacio concocting a salad for his love interest or crashing his vehicle, and turning these into quick challenges to utilise the touchscreen isn’t the worst idea, but the execution ranges wildly. Some prove inoffensive but bland, such as rearranging puzzle pieces or swatting bees by tapping the screen. Others border on broken, mostly when they require players to perform a stylus flick. The basketball and melon toss games suffer from unresponsive inputs and inconsistent throws, seeing them descend into frustrating affairs. That said, most games can be cleared after a couple of attempts, and though Hard increases the barrier for success, it’s barely noticeable.
On the other side of the coin, there are the mini-games, and these fare worse. Taking key moments from the film, such as Ignacio concocting a salad for his love interest or crashing his vehicle, and turning these into quick challenges to utilise the touchscreen isn’t the worst idea, but the execution ranges wildly. Some prove inoffensive but bland, such as rearranging puzzle pieces or swatting bees by tapping the screen. Others border on broken, mostly when they require players to perform a stylus flick. The basketball and melon toss games suffer from unresponsive inputs and inconsistent throws, seeing them descend into frustrating affairs. That said, most games can be cleared after a couple of attempts, and though Hard increases the barrier for success, it’s barely noticeable.
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It proves a pretty insubstantial experience, as the story mode can be cleared in just over thirty minutes. Three difficulty levels all prove easy to beat, meaning there’s little incentive to return, other than a few hidden clips to unlock if you missed them initially. Multiplayer tries to pick up the slack, allowing for four-player multiplayer and even single-cart MP against one person. You can partake in tag and 4-way matches, as well as championships, with the winner being the first to five victories. Unfortunately, the wrestling simply isn’t strong enough to give these modes legs beyond initial curiosity.
Outside of the cut-scenes and FMVs, Nacho Libre doesn’t look so good. The style attempts to retain a certain quirkiness, with scans of the actors overlaying sprites, but it’s not a great look. Geometry for the arenas, crowds and 3D assets is pretty poor, too. Performance holds steady, at least, but otherwise, it looks a bit garish. The sound features minimal but inoffensive music, harsh sound effects and a grating announcer, making for a dull auditory experience.
Outside of the cut-scenes and FMVs, Nacho Libre doesn’t look so good. The style attempts to retain a certain quirkiness, with scans of the actors overlaying sprites, but it’s not a great look. Geometry for the arenas, crowds and 3D assets is pretty poor, too. Performance holds steady, at least, but otherwise, it looks a bit garish. The sound features minimal but inoffensive music, harsh sound effects and a grating announcer, making for a dull auditory experience.
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Nacho Libre makes for a bad time, unfortunately, as it fails to break away from the raft of underwhelming licensed titles that besieged the DS. The game earns points for style, as well as a couple of impressive technical feats, such as its use of movie clips. Unfortunately, the playing experience is dull and often broken. Lacklustre wrestling and poor mini-games make for a boring experience, and one most will be able to clear multiple times in less time than it takes to watch the movie. Needless to say, there’s little reason to try Nacho Libre, even if you rate the film or Jack Black.
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VERDICT
"Nacho Libre earns some points for style and technical feats, but lacklustre wrestling and poor mini-games add up to a boring experience, and one that lasts only around half an hour." OVERALL: 3/10 |
OTHER WRESTLING GAMES REVIEWED
WWF Royal Rumble (2000, Dreamcast)
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WWE Smackdown! Shut Your Mouth (2002, PlayStation 2)
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