When we make the rules in WWE ’12, CM Punk wins every time.WWE Smackdown vs. Raw 2011 was emblematic of how THQ’s wrestling franchise (and the WWE organization itself) had become a bit stale and unapproachable. While diehards may have enjoyed the complex controls and Road to Wrestlemania’s wide range of options, the game was as unappealing to the masses as the increasingly niche sports-entertainment market became last year. Fortunately, the WWE has been offering a better product lately than it has in ages, and WWE ’12 has followed suit.
You’ll notice WWE ’12’s wider accessibility right when the first bell rings. Controls are far easier to grasp (they’re almost as newb-friendly as WWE All-Stars’) and matches flow naturally, which is great given how minimal the HUD is. The Road to Wrestlemania mode provides the perfect intro to WWE ’12’s progression — it presents three successive well-written campaigns for main-eventers and mid-carders alike with little fluff, while giving you a taste of the varied match types at just the right time.
Sin Cara’s entrance is cooler when you’re not looking for the hidden trampoline.WWE ’12 isn’t quite Hall of Fame caliber, though. Opponent A.I. exhibit frustrating flaws at times, straying from areas you need them in for certain events. Too often, Road to Wrestlemania will ask you to fight to a certain point to trigger a cutscene that undoes your actions, basically making you put a lot of effort into what's ultimately a loss for your character. Making all legends unlockables is perhaps the dumbest move, as returning fans aching to play as Stone Cold Steve Austin or "Big Daddy Cool" Kevin Nash will have to invest hours into the game before unlocking the WWE's most popular alumni.
These missteps aggravate, but none manage to undo the good in WWE ’12. It’s this gen’s wrestling-game champion.
PUBLISHER: THQ • DEVELOPER: Yuke’s • ESRB: Teen • MULTIPLAYER: 4 offline, 6 via Xbox Live • ACHIEVEMENTS: Excessive “single-session” cheevos • COST: $60
+ Intuitive and deep control scheme is much better than SvR ’11’s.
+ Deep roster, match menu, and variety of modes make for incredible replay value.
– Dodgy A.I.; overly scripted Road to Wrestlemania matches; mystery unlockables.
? Why have mixed tag matches if cross-gender fighting leads to DQs?
volcane2004
November 22, 2011 at 2:57pm
Wow great score! I am glad I got it on Amazon when it was $47.99 plus a $10 credit. For some reason, the PS3 version still has that promotion going but the 360 one is up to $55.96 with no $10 credit.
ShannonJ286
November 22, 2011 at 10:29am
I fully agree with what you say on the above WWE'12 review "Why have mixed tag matches if cross-gender fighting leads to DQs?" Many fans both Male and Female want the removal of the Gender Restrictions! We just want the return of fair and equal game play for both sides, whatever the male characters can do the Female ones should be allowed to do as well. there should not be a special set of rules governing one side and not the other, there should be no limitations placed on one side and not the other. that is unfair and creates a bias baised on ones Gender. more info at link below:http://thqletter4svr.blogspot.com/
