The name may have changed, but is the game the same?

As the Miz might say, Raw Super Show… Really?Really?

Now, youll excuse me if Im a little sceptical.

Immediately youll find that the controls have been totally changed and remapped.

Hold down X and youll go for a submission.

Strikes are handled with another single button, as are whips, specials and interactions.

This is also helped along by the much vaunted Predator animation system.

This system doesnt actually change the animation all that much, and superstars move much like theyve always done.

Pick and choose

Yukes has also implemented a new limb targeting system here.

This time, when you go for a submission youll see a Breaking Point graphic appear.

Boots to asses

Two very interesting new additions are the wakeup taunt and comeback features.

This causes the opponent to groggily get up, making them ripe for your finisher.

Simply pressing triangle triggers a QTE-style comeback that can end in a match altering finisher.

Thats not to say its perfect though.

Make no mistake; this isnota newly built game.

Of prime concern for many is the improved Universe mode, or Universe 2.0.

Superstars now have a momentum system, which is affected by wins and losses.

If a superstar wins matches, theyll gain momentum and earn buffs to their stats.

Lose matches, and the opposite will occur, leading to lower than normal stats.

Are you sitting comfortably?

This storyline element is also handled in a more refined way too.

Rivals and enemies are still made, but cut-scenes can also lead to matches being arranged the next week.

It makes for a more interesting progression, and helps keep the mode varied.

The whole Universe mode also flows differently too.

When you start a show, matches will simply keep coming, one after the other.

Without going back into a menu you’re free to flow fromRawto Superstars and toSmackdown.

Instead, this year has one longer story with multiple protagonists.

Its the Universe mode where the meat of the game rests.

Well, that and the superb creation tools.

All of the creation tools have been refined too, with better loading times and some extra features.

None too shabby really, but thats until you take into account the bugs and glitches.

I swear, Yukes and THQs QA must all take a holiday during the testing cycles for WWE games.

WWE 12 is no different.

Oh, and the WWE Championship has been resized this year.

you could rent or buyWWE 12atBlockbuster.co.uk.

Rating:

4 out of 5