WWE Raw

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What is WWE Raw

WWE Raw for the PC allows you to play as your favorite WWE Superstar, or one you created yourself. You can work your way up to an epic title match.

WWE Raw is an extremely popular pro wrestling game which finally provided improvements over the previous years' installments. Critics and fans have hailed the game for its improved controls, exciting roster additions and sleek graphics. Some have claimed that the game writers craft better storylines than the vaunted WWE creative team. Remember the mystery GM? It was Hornswoggle! Yes, he booked himself against the Great Khali. Don't ask why.

The controls are usually make or break any wrestling game. Raw gets it right with the grapple system, which allows the player to transition into bigger moves as the opponent gets weaker.

One awesome feature is the "wake up taunt". You can force a downed enemy up to their feet so you can hit your finisher, like how Randy Orton sets up the RKO. There's also a clever "Dynamic Comebacks" system where a losing player can hit a combination of moves and suddenly gain two new finishers. This effectively simulates the twists and turns often seen in a good WWE match.

The roster is fantastic, including many WWE legends included in a game for the first time in many years. This game also features Daniel Bryan just as he was hitting his stride following the infuriating 18-second loss to Sheamus at Wrestlemania. Also included is The Rock, the since-departed CM Punk and legends such as The Road Warriors, the late Eddie Guerrero and The Man Called Vader.

The "Road to Wrestlemania" mode is a mixed bag in this one. Your character goes through a storyline (featuring the voices of actual WWE Superstars) which will take you through an 18-month quest to make it to the top of the company. WWE '12 is the final game to include this feature. WWE '13 replaced it with the Attitude Era mode.

The AI is interesting. On easy mode, the opponents are downright incompetent. Once the difficulty is raised, the game starts to get it into annoying cheap reversals. The options menu does allow you to customize this trait though, which is handy. Multi-man matches and tags can be a little frustrating. It is difficult to pull off a grapple or move because the extra opponent often breaks it up with a punch.

The game is at its best when you play against a friend. Online play is a great way to do this. But be warned--if you have lag issues, you may not be able to kick out of a pin. Some kid playing a Bella twin may defeat you as John Cena if your Internet provider betrays you.

Pros:

Great graphics

Much improved controls

An epic roster that includes Demolition

Cons:

In the trial, you can only be The Rock and Kane.

Menus are confusing

Hit Detection is a little off