WWE Raw 2

"Anchor should have kept the subtitle "Ruthless Aggression" -- SERIOUSLY"

When I first stood outside my game store, just waiting to get this game into my hand, then it hit me: I just waited 2 years for a title that had little to no fanfare, or info swarming the Internet, and was expected to sway everyone the second time around. Deep inside my gut, something was telling me that it may be like Raw 1. Well, after playing it all through the night away from school, I must say, I am extremely impressed with this game so much, I think Anchor should have kept the subtitle ''Ruthless Aggression''. Here is why...

Graphics 10

This is where the power of the Xbox truly shines. Hyper realistic lighting and pyro effects to use during your entrances for your famed superstar, as well as the dynamic lighting and glow effects during the intros. The superstar models are absolutely astounding, mimicking their real life counterparts frighteningly. Okay, almost all of them. The ring physics is better this time. The first RAW's graphics weren't bad at all, but this time it improves. Foremost, if you look at the crowd too long, you will get sucked in since they are fully 3D. There was some slight slow down on a few entrances (i.e.: Chris Jericho) and when the Hell in a Cell is filled with seven men, but that will stop me from giving it a ten.

Sound 9

Now when was the last time you can use your own music in a wrestling game? NEVER, and thank goodness Anchor implemented it because some superstars don't have their themes due to licensing, but that didn't stop me from fixing the music. AS far as the sounds of the ring, I loved the way it resonated when I slammed my foes, and the cracking of a chairshot across my opponents skull. I only wish that they used the real Lillian Garcia, because the female announcer doesn't sound very excited to be there. Anyway, the sounds and grunts are extremely nice, fits well since you are getting the hell eaten out of you. The in-game music is really cool, and not like Raw 1, with a mix of hip hop and metal music.

Gameplay 9

It also shines really well here. In the first raw, you could NEVER do half the things you did here in this explosive game. The fighting mechanic have really changed to a point where you feel like you are having a wrestling match. The wrestlers counter and do their moves on you if you are not careful. The referees are a pain but mimic their counterparts nicely too. And there are so many matches to choose from, like TLC, Hell in a Cell, the list goes on. The season mode is excellent too, like the real thing, you make and break alliances, beat up people, win championships, be the bad guy. And since it is infinite, you can keep playing to your heart's desire. I especially enjoy throwing people off the cell. Whoo boy, I love the SMACK against the floor. My only gripe is the AI...when I have enemies, they attack my opponent. It may be a bug but I use that to my advantage though.

Create a Superstar 10

A vast improvement over the first Raw, and rightfully so. The models fit in with the other superstars and you can make your own future WWE champion and raise holy hell in season mode. So many parts, so many options...it is nearly endless what you do here. You can even edit the superstars already in the game. I literally spent 3 hours in Create a Superstar just for the entrance and clothes alone. And to unlock more goodies, play the season and steal steal steal. The ONLY real flaw in this mode is it needs more Puroresu moves you know, moves like the Lyger Powerbomb or a top rope Tombstone, but I am totally satisfied until Raw 3 comes around.

Lasting Impression 10

Since this is Anchor's second chance on Xbox hardware, I'd say they did a really great job on this mysterious title. If you feel like beating up superstars you don't like, DO IT...if you feel like throwing Christian off the Hell in a Cell, feel ruthless...and get this game, you will sure like it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/18/03