WWE 12 Review: Star-Studded Roster Is Brightest Spot in New Video Game

THQ has hyped WWE '12 as much as just about any of the previously released WWE games. The developers at Yukes put a lot into the options and DLC concepts, but I would have liked a little smoother gameplay.

The options and fresh new ideas in the Road to WrestleMania mode is awesome. Now your Create-a-Player is not just a bystander. You can place him or her in any situation and that makes the entire mode worth participating in fully.

The customization, which is nearly limitless, is equally as great. From the Create-an-Arena to the always solid Create-a-Wrestler, WWE '12 leaves nearly no stone unturned. If you can say, "I wonder if I can..." you probably can, within reason.

The unlockables are very appropriately set up and offer an even deeper experience. This combination of current stars is augmented by the most impressive lineup of past stars ever included in a wrestling game. From Brock Lesnar to the Road Warriors, so many of you and your dad's favorite wrestlers are here and rendered very well.

WWE Universe is even more engrossing as it finally feels like you are participating in the shows themselves. Most everything that is associated with presentation is as good as it has ever been.

The only presentation exception is the still-horrible commentary. Michael Cole and Jerry Lawler desperately need to go back into the booth and re-record their commentary. This is an important part of the wrestling broadcast that THQ has always ignored.

There has been no increase in the attention to detail as it relates to the commentary. Within two matches, you want them to shut up as usual.

The online play component wasn't terribly lagging, though sometimes these issues can improve or fall off as more traffic hits the servers. Still, the strength of this title is its offline features.

The gameplay is the only other aspect of the game that I wouldn't describe as stellar. Though it certainly isn't poor, it still isn't as fluid as I would have liked.

As it stands, WWE '12 suffers from the same lack of fluidity that the UFC games have. I think both franchises are capitalizing off of being the only non-arcade game that boasts these hugely popular athletes.

To the developers' credit, they have revamped the controls to limit the button-mashing. Though it is ever-so-slightly improved in the most important category of fun, it is still a wee bit mechanical.

That said, WWE '12 succeeds far more than it fails. The sheer star power and RPG-like concepts make this a must-have for any WWE wrestling fan, but it won't be appreciated as much by those just looking for a solid gameplay experience.

Here is my rating:

Graphics: 8

Gameplay/Fun Factor: 7

Sound and Presentation: 7

Modes: 10

Overall: 8 out of 10