User Rating: 5.9 | WWE Raw 2 XBOX
Deep, but will that keep you? My friend got Raw 2, so I headed right over and we enjoyed several hours of exploring Raw2 for all it had to offer. Mind you, this review will not be as thorough as those posted a week from now. First off, I must say that the graphics are quite impressive with very little clipping between the wrestlers and ropes. I think this is the first game to actually make the ropes something as solid as the rest of the ring. Gameplay wise, Raw 2 is better than 1, but that doesn't make it a winner. Raw 1 was slow and really user UN-friendly. Raw 2 has cleaned up some issues that slowed down the gameplay of the previous game, but still has awkward hit detection and a stunted grappling system. Often, my wrestler would sit in one position for 1-3 seconds waiting unrealisticly to perform a move. The problem with that type of setup is that the computer's recovery is seldom in sync. While trying to lay in a good finisher, I had dazed opponents more often than not shake the cobwebs loose before I got a chance to sink in a grapple. Soundwise, the game was impressive, but offered nothing new. Ring announcing is about the only voices you ever hear as there is absolutely no commentary. Most of the WWE themes are present, aside from a rare few, but what really got to me were the weak hits. Sure, slamming an opponent into the mat offered a satisfying thud, but punching that same guy sounded completely unimpressive. That along with the recycled groan every wrestler emits when attempting a grapple, and you have one boring sounding match. Now, comes the real depth of the game, the CAW and Edit mode. I can't say enough fantastic things about these facets of the game. Anchor really hit the nail on the head when they designed their edit mode. Not only can you completely customize your favorite wrestlers moves, entrance, or taunts, but you have near-complete control over their attire!. That's right, don't like what the Rock is wearing? Then change it! Billy Gunn get a new look? Then make it in the game without cloning him like you'd have had to in other games. This game really has it all in this section! When it's all said and done, you have to ask yourself what's important to you. I recommend renting the game. Some people are going to be able to deal with the clunky gameplay system, some people will hate how slow and disjointed it is. Most will love just how much freedom the game allows the player, and just about everyone should love the CAW and Edit modes. 
