There wasn’t anything wrong with Raw vs. Smackdown 2011, but after using virtually the same gameplay engine as the previous four games in the series, obviously, it was time for a change.
Not only does WWE ’12 represent a change for the franchise, as a new control scheme and even more creation tools make for one of the deepest wrestling games in recent years, it still leaves itself plenty of room to grow. Despite a few hiccups, the game is enjoyable and can and will eat hours of your free time.
The problems in the game stem from things they didn’t have to change. The graphical engine from last year, aside from the usual clipping and collision detection problems they had last year and every other version on the 360, worked well. This time around, the new character models aren’t as sexy as previous years and while many of the same animations from the old games have been used, WWE ’12 doesn’t look as solid as you’d expect. They’re not ugly- they just won’t take your breath away.
Gameplay-wise, the WWE Universe and Road To Wrestlemania gameplay modes feel tacked on and don’t deliver a one of a kind experience. It all feels “been there, done that.” That’s essentially because they haven’t changed all that much from last year. I’m fact, they’ve gotten worse. Having to play through every match and encountered by annoying load screens every step of the way, The Universe mode took a step in the wrong direction.
Road to Wrestlemania has its moments though and the ability to play as a created character adds more depth to the gameplay experience. It’s just a dragged out, boring time overall. None of that will matter though; it’s way too much fun to simply create wrestlers, write storylines and play online. This is where the meat of your time will be spent. The ability to create your own brands is also an amazing addition, as for the first time, you can accurately make a truly universal wrestling title, creating promotions and stars from all over the world. A streamlined and quicker community creations tool makes that process even easier. While it takes entirely too long to download all the extras that come with the game upon arrival, doing anything else that involves online play is relatively easy.
You’ll have to deal with the occasion server slowdown or shutdown, but it’s nothing that will stop you from playing.
The new “Predator” technology is also interesting, as it simulates the unpredictability- and lack of logic which a professional wrestling match can have. At the drop of a hat, your wrestler can get back in a match and win, after taking a finishing or signature move. However, it’s not as easy as you’d expect. A difficult, yet fair kick-out and counter system is designed to reward veteran gamers and punish those silly button-mashers. Add in new camera angles, designed to simulate a live TV experience and this title is definitely moving in the right gameplay direction.
While it’s far from perfect and could have benefitted from more time at the shop, WWE ’12 is the eventual father of the wrestling game anyone who grew up with a Nintendo 64 is waiting for. You might not be immediately floored, but like the Crowded House song, you’ll definitely feel like “Now we’re getting somewhere.”
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