The game features a new grapple-based combo fighting system.[2][5] To differentiate itself from the SmackDown series, Legends of WrestleMania focuses more on arcade-style gameplay (similar to WWF WrestleFest) with only the D-pad (or left analog stick) and the four face buttons needed on the gamepad. During play, the player's HUD features a health bar and a number between one and three. After successful chains of attacks, the number increases with more devastating moves now available. After completing the third level of moves, the wrestler's finishing move can then be performed. Continuous chains of moves are performed by pressing a button allocated by the screen before the player's opponent can. If the opponent beats the player at this, then the move is blocked and the chain is broken.[6] Each wrestler has five taunts, which will either increase his health meter or his speed, among others. In addition, when a wrestler is being pinned, a meter displays that determines how likely it is for the opponent to kick out of the pin. Unlike the WWE SmackDown games, a submission meter is the only indication to specific damaged body parts, as opposed to a body model located in the HUD.[7]
Managers play a significant part of the game, and interfere on behalf of their clients. Four such managers appear in the game: Bobby Heenan, Jimmy Hart, Mr. Fuji, and Paul Bearer.[6] Features similar to the SmackDown series such as create-a-legend mode and online gameplay are also featured in the game.[2] There are many new moves created for this game, along with most moves that appeared in Smackdown vs. Raw 2009. Most moves were used for SvR 2010. A new mode featured is the WrestleMania Tour where classic WrestleMania matches can be recreated with classic WWE footage included to introduce the bout.[2] The game also includes a feature to import the full playable roster from SvR 09 (excluding Big Daddy V, Chuck Palumbo, Elijah Burke, Lance Cade, Paul London, Trevor Murdoch, the Masked Man and Tony).[8]