WWE Raw 2

"This is Good but, not great!"

This is one of the best games I’ve ever played on the Xbox so far. But, is quite repetitive and can be very boring. The game is one of the least linear games I’ve ever played; the story mode opens up a completely new story where everything and everyone can be interacted with. This game really has set itself as a high standard for future wrestling game stop meet. RAW really has the edge for multiplayer madness because the awesome story-mode is also for 2+ players. The game is mainly used so that players can cooperate in different situations and help one-another accomplish goals.

Gameplay: -
This is such a great game that it really has a large variety of things to do. You can create your own character or use an original superstar. The game is mainly based around the Story-mode where the player gets to interact with other character. The character you use can change the way they behave depending on your actions, if for example you aggravate a different superstar then they will become an enemy, on the other hand encouraging them makes them your friend. The story is set up so each player can choose a different action depending on a situation. This isn’t like previous games (where storylines occur as the game progresses) but, never has the same story twice because all your actions have consequences. So the main game is never the same again. Some problems have occurred like when trying to hit a move in a triple treat match it can be broken up by a simple kick or punch, this is very true but does possess a bit of a downfall for the game itself.

Story: -
This game does have a main quest/story but also has a main story mode where players can interact with their surroundings. The games plot is very interesting and draws the player into a new story every time; this is achieved by THQ by adding a game engine that creates a story depending on your progress. Everything in the games is there for a reason and players get the chance to explore the storylines as they wish. The best bit is that none of the processes or the same twice. The user also has the choice of playing around in Exhibition mode where they can choose an opponent and a match type to compete in. As the user gets better they continue to advance up a ranking scale (called High Score), which is determined by playing different matches. As their score increases they can add points to their characters to make them better and more powerful. This gives the game an RPG element where a user players to make their superstar much more powerful and diverse. The other main elements include a CAW (create a wrestler) and CAS (Create a Stable). These modes speak for themselves as each contributes again to the story-mode. CAW is where the user can create their own wrestler to use and build, while CAS is where two or more superstars can be put together so that they help one another in season mode. The best part of the CAW is that the superstar’s entrance can be created and tweaked to the users wants/desires. These changes vary from lighting to fireworks and even to their video displayed on the titantron.

Graphics/Sound: -
The game can be played using a Created Superstar or by using an Original Character like The Rock. The graphics are good but far from amazing, the entrances are vast and have superb lighting effects and colour variants that reflect off the characters body. Each character has his/her own entrance and lights, which reflect their characteristics. The entrances also come complete with pyros, which, are like fireworks that light up the arenas. The crowd is far less blocky then before and has a real sense of movement.

Play Time/Replay ability: -
This game is huge following every nook and cranny could take you ages, as there are so many possibilities. The story mode can be very entertaining but, once everything you want to do is complete their isn't very much replay ability unless your with a friend. The game itself has some nice points to keep it entertaining like the high Score idea that allows you to improve your characters. Each time I play I use a different character or play with friends so the game is much more enthralling. The game is far better when played with a friend because the possibilities become almost endless.

Final Recommendation: -
This is far better then the original and if you’re a wrestling fan then this is a must, but if you aren't sure it isn't for you maybe rent it first and see. The game is very, very good but has some stumpy game play that needed some more tweaking. If there is a RAW 3 then lets hope it's the same game engine with the glitches improved.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 04/22/04