WWF Raw

There are times when expectations can fall well short of what is delivered. Then there are times when what is delivered exceeds expectations.

WWF Raw, an Anchor and THQ release for the Xbox, is an example of the latter. Yep, the cyber wrestlers look like and move like the real things, and even sport the signature moves and tattoos.

This is a game that looks like one of the televised programs, from the introductions and the walk down the ramp to the ring, to the interference – you know, when other wrestlers who are scheduled to appear come running down from backstage and whip up on one of the featured wrestlers.

But let’s cut straight to the key element of this game, and that is control. This is a difficult game to control. There are so many button combinations, that at times it is all you can do (when you first begin the game) to center of your opponent and grapple or strike him or her (yes, there are female wrestlers in this game). Then you throw in taunts, blocks, counter attacks, tagging your partner or picking up a weapon and you have just a few of the options available in the main part of the controls for simply being in the ring.

The game also has commands for other situations, such as on the ropes or turnbuckles, other grapple moves, counter grapple moves, running moves, when your opponent is on the mat, standing on the apron, weapon attacks and finishing moves. There are a total of 42 moves that can be executed during the course of a match. The one move that appears to not be mentioned is how to kick out of a pin attempt.

The options package is rich, and features a variety of ways to play. You can enter an exhibition match, title match, King of the Ring, create your own superstar, or check out the biographies of the superstars in the museum. The single match is broken down into a one-on-one single match, two-on-two tag team match, two-against-two tornado match, a triple threat (three wrestlers), fatal 4-way (four wrestlers), battle royal (four in the ring, last one standing wins), and handicap match (one against two, or three). The Title Match is broken down into WWF Championship, Intercontinental, European, Hardcore, Light Heavyweight and Women’s.

One of the game’s biggest weaknesses is the lack of physical reality. Granted, the WWF and all its televised incarnations is a soap opera on a very aggressive and athletic scale. But when you see a small woman pick up The Big Show and toss him across the ring … well, sorry, but that’s not likely to happen – even if he was trying to help. He is just too massive to be picked up and spun through the air like a rag doll.

This game is rated Teen and features mild lyrics and violence.

This program certainly has its strong points, but it also has same failings. There are no whipping posts to learn on, you learn by wrestling, getting beat but gradually coming to understand just how the controls work, and what to expect from certain wrestlers.

This is a graphically satisfying program; its just too bad that some other elements have not been brought along as completely.

Gameplay: 8
This game features an incredible array or ways to play, and has the meter which shows which wrestler has the upper hand. From the walk down the ramp to the time limit or pin, this game moves very well.

Graphics: 8.5
Absolutely amazing is one way to rate the graphics of this program. The animation is also incredible.

Sound: 8.5
This program features not only the sight, but the sounds of WWF action.

Difficulty: 7.8
There is a definite learning curve to this game. Mastering the controls will take time. And there are only two difficulty levels - normal and hard.

Concept: 8
Wrestling games have been released on console systems in the past, but this is, graphically, one of the best to be released.

Multiplayer: 7.8
Up to four can play and the action can be quite entertaining.

Overall: 7.8
Graphically, this is a remarkable program. The controls take time to get acquainted with, but once you have them down – and assuming that you are a fan of the WWF – you are in for an animated treat. The action can be very unrealistic, just in terms of physical reality, and that is a major drawback.