Reviewed: March 11, 2002
Reviewed by: JoLene Lark
Publisher
THQ
Developer
Anchor, Inc.
Released: February 12, 2002
Genre: Sports
Players: 4
ESRB: Everyone
9
9
8
7
8.8
Supported Features
The first official WWF licensed game for the Xbox has arrived providing Xbox gamers with its RAW powers. When the opportunity came from THQ to review WWF RAW I could not wait to see how different this was compared to the other WWF games. The first WWF game I ever played was on the SNES platform and was called Wrestlemania. WWF RAW makes this game and any other WWF titles up until now insignificant.
WWF RAW utilizes the Xbox’s technologies to provide a player a game that is as realistic as possible. From the moment you put this game in your system you are involved in as pure a WWF experience as possible without a cable subscription or Pay Per View fees. WWF RAW was developed by Anchor and showcases more than 45 WWF Superstars in an exhibition, title match, or king of the ring mode.
Other great features include being able to create your own Superstars or view the museum where you can view any of the Superstar’s Biographies as well as a complete list of unlocked weapons and title belts you have won while playing WWF RAW.
WWF RAW has certainly captured the reality and look of WWF’s TV presentations in that this game features pyrotechnics, camera flashes, and most impressively, in-game cut away shots. Also new to WWF RAW is the option for a player to interfere with their opponents when they are making their entrance into the ring.
WWF RAW has made good use of the Xbox controller. All the superstars are controlled by the same easy to learn commands while each character has their own special moves so it is very nice to be able to play the other characters without having to relearn controller combinations.
There are many variables that are easily changeable to further your WWF RAW experience. Some of the unique options found in this game are:
- Stamina Meter- shows overall stamina
- Voltage Meter- shows the crowd’s attitude as they cheer for a superstar and help influence a match
- Damage effects- shows visible damage to the superstar during the match
- Item indicator- shows the special fighting items found around the ring
- Entrance Interference- allows you to attack your opponent on the ramp during the entrance
There are several glaring gameplay omissions such as the obvious lack of any kind of career mode, not to mention the missing specialty matches such as the cage and ladder matches that were available on the N64. The Xbox is certainly powerful enough, and the DVD format offers more than enough room for these missing features. Additionally, two planned features that were dropped just before release were fighting in the crowd and 6-player support. While you can have six wrestlers onscreen, only four are under direct player control at any given time.
WWF RAW utilizes all the power it can from the Xbox to provide us with a game that is as graphically realistic as possible. The player’s faces, tattoos, clothing, etc all reflect a great mirror image of their real life selves as seen on TV. The facial details are amazing and you will see emotions and actual pain on their faces. The only character I viewed that was slightly odd looking was Triple H, as at certain angles his face was not as distinguishable as all the others, which made me think "look at the octagon faced man".
The camera views in the game are identical to network coverage and seamlessly pan, zoom, and cut to the best possible view of the action. The colored lighting is gorgeous while remaining subtle and true to the lighting design used for the TV broadcasts.
The entrance for the characters was also amazing, as it integrated the characters’ entrances with the actual live video that is shown on the live version of WWF RAW. The camera even randomizes its views and actions during repeated playbacks of these intros.
Other factors that also were great were the inclusion of camera flashes as well as the ability to utilize the weapons available in the arena to help further weaken your opponents.
Once again, THQ & Takks Pacific, Inc. have further developed the level of quality available in an Xbox game. Like the video found in this game the audio quality is absolutely wonderful. The sound has been comprised for this game to not only mirror the TV version of WWF RAW but to also expand upon it. Every hit or vocalization seemed like it was really happening right next to me. If your are capable of connecting your Xbox to a surround sound system I would definitely do so, as it only made the game that much more exciting to play.
An example of the excellent audio is the Undertaker’s motorcycle entrance. The bike is not only visually correct, but the audio matches perfectly to the bike's positioning.
With the fourteen types of matches available a single player will have many hours of enjoyment playing this game. Once you add another player or two the length of playable matches is virtually endless. Any way you look at it, if you are a wrestling fan you will get numerous hours of enjoyment by playing the 45 superstars in the 14 types of matches.
There is an amazing Create-A-Wrestler mode that lets you pick from over a dozen faces, multiple genders, and how you want to cover various body parts. You can also unlock specialty clothing items and accessories (like the Undertaker's cool shades) from other wrestlers during matches and use these items to outfit your own custom superstar. There are nearly 120 different items and most can be carried into the ring during your entrance.
While there is plenty to keep you busy playing by yourself, having a friend (or three) join the action only adds to the fun. There are plenty of game modes available for multiple players either as opponents or as teammates and these will extend the life of this title well beyond the fun you will have playing alone.
The Xbox platform has yet another great title to add to its collection with THQ & Takk Pacific Inc.’s WWF RAW. With its fourteen type of matches and the many characters to choose from, as well as the option to create your own, the gamer has many hours of enjoyment ahead. The graphical and audio quality that is presented with this game only adds to the enjoyment for anyone who plays this well constructed game. If you have the slightest interest in wrestling or the WWF then this is a must-have title for any Xbox owner.