WWE Day of Reckoning 2

"This game is 4REEEEAL"

In the past, all the wrestling games I've played never seemed to live up to my expectations. Usually there were problems with CAW, outdated rosters, etc. But this one hits the bullseye.

GRAPHICS: 9/10

Amazing graphics. Although they don't live up to the WM21 graphics on XBOX, they are still awesome. They even manage to master, no pun intended, "The Masterpieces" physique, a task not easily done in Smackdown vs Raw or Wrestlemania 21. They have very good models for every character, especially Carlito. The animations in this game are beyond good, excluding a few moves. A game finally managed to animate the RKO right. However, Sweet Chin Music still looks pretty sloppy. But one move isn't going to ruin it for you.

SOUND: 8/10

The in-ring sound in this game is amazing. Chris Benoits chops sound like you're standing right next to the victim. The entrance music is spot on, and the general music they use in this game is probably the best I've ever seen. However, I would have liked to see more choices for the CAW Entrances, and due to limited space there are no voiceovers in season like in SDvR. All in all, far above average sound.

GAMEPLAY: 10/10

If I could give it more then 10, I would. This gameplay is absolutely amazing. The controls are pretty simple to get used to, and there's hours of fun to be had. The CAW mode is still great, despite the long loading times. And even better Female CAWS, yes, female, look good in this game. No more SDvR look-a-likes. The special meter is very easy to understand, and I like the idea of doing the "Special Taunt" before every "Special Move". Also, if you're fast enough, you can pull off 2 finishers in a row. The submission system is great. You are given 4 choices while using the hold, and heing the victom of a hold. You can choose either "Drain", "Taunt", "Rest", or of course "Submit". If the victim of the hold chooses the same choice as you, he reverses with an elbow or something along those lines. Trust me, if you love wrestling, you'll love this Gameplay.

FEATURES: 9/10

From the Shopzone to CAW, everything here is solid. Also I love the momentum shift moves. I'm new to DoR, so this was a total and great surprise. Each character has their own. For example: When Carlitos in danger, you can use a "Apple Spit" as a momentum changer. The CAW mode is nearly flawless, except for some problems with the Eyes, and for the brutal loading times. The shopzone feature is probably one of the best I've seen, and pretty easy to use. WORST FEATURE: There's no M-Plosion as of yet, Maven still might be hidden in the game. I was really looking forward to the Lungblower, so if you're a huge MaVeN mark, and he's the only reason you're getting this game... steer clear until someone confirms him out or in the game.

OVERALL: 9/10

This is one of those games you can play 48 hours straight, and never be bored. There's just so much to do. From CAW making, to season mode this game has it all. If you're looking for something to kill time in these last days of summer, or to get you through the long nights during school, PICK UP THIS GAME.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/31/05